Welcome to the MWEA
Operations Challenge
committee of Teams
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2026 Teams!
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Committee Purpose
The Operations Challenge Committee is committed to continuing our responsibility of proudly representing the State of Michigan and the MWEA at the annual WEFTEC conference. Joining an Operations Challenge team offers a unique opportunity for wastewater professionals to enhance their skills, network with peers, and advance their careers in a competitive and educational environment.
Opportunity!
The Operations Challenge Committee is the water sector's best hands-on professional development program wrapped up in a competition format. Operations Challenge provides a venue that cultivates leadership qualities, for a group that may lack access to more traditional networking and professional development opportunities, and it engages this audience more effectively than any other program in the sector.
What is Ops Challenge?
Why's It Important?
Compete!
The Operations Challenge has not only showcased operator expertise but has also brought attention to the profession, fostering energy and enthusiasm within MWEA.
Held annually at WEFTEC, the Operations Challenge competition is a showcase of excellence in wastewater treatment, where skilled teams of professionals compete in a series of timed events. These events simulate real-world challenges faced in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities.
Through this competition, participants highlight the critical role of efficient and environmentally responsible wastewater management, fostering camaraderie and promoting best practices within the water sector.
The five events that make up Operations Challenge are the ultimate tests of wastewater treatment pros. From pump fixes to lab work, process control, safety checks, and collection system challenges, these events showcase the diverse skills needed for top-tier water sector talent. One of the five events is revised each year, making the event dynamic and always exposing the teams to new concepts, products and procedures.
Participating Michigan teams must be endorsed by MWEA. Most states have a qualifying event to determine their representatives at WEFTEC. The qualifying event has sometimes been held at MWEA’s Annual Conference if several teams are to compete for Michigan in a given year. The committee facilitates these events by arranging equipment procurement with our corporate partners, volunteer recruitment, and administrative assistance.
Between national events, Michigan has hosted its own annual Operations Challenge competitions at the MWEA Annual Conference. These state-level contests, featuring 3-5 teams, have drawn enthusiastic spectators and dedicated volunteer judges. Many teams have also sharpened their skills by competing in regional events in Ohio.
2025 Teams
Team Brown Trout
| Captain | Matt Griffith, City of Charlotte |
| Asst. Captain | Scott Perry, City of Charlotte |
| Member | Matt Mitschke, City of Charlotte |
| Member | Mark Huffine, City of Lansing |
Resources
Maintenance Event
Teams race against the clock to restore a pump to service, testing their ability to swiftly and properly service critical equipment, ensuring uninterrupted wastewater treatment operations.
Collections Event
Competitors simulate real-world scenarios by inspecting and maintaining sewer collection systems, highlighting their capacity to prevent and address potential issues in the wastewater network.
Lab Event
In this event, competitors demonstrate their laboratory skills by conducting a series of tests and analyses, ensuring the accurate monitoring and control of wastewater treatment processes.
Safety Event
Safety takes the forefront as teams demonstrate their knowledge and adherence to rigorous safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of both workers and the environment.
Process Control Event
Teams showcase their ability to optimize wastewater treatment processes through precise control and adjustment, emphasizing efficiency and environmental stewardship.