Rhode Island's own Operations Challenge team, Rising Sludge, is heading back to WEFTEC for an 11th consecutive year, after taking second place overall at the 2026 NEWEA regional competition. This year's national competition takes place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, September 26–30, 2026.
Rhody Rumble
WEFTEC National Competition
What is the Operations Challenge?
Dubbed the “Wastewater Olympics,” Operations Challenge is a fast-paced, hands-on competition for wastewater treatment professionals. Four-person teams compete in five specialized events, each simulating a real-world challenge from daily plant operations. Top regional finishers earn the right to represent their state on the national stage at WEFTEC.
1. Maintenance. Perform maintenance and operation of a Vaughan submersible conditioning pump.
2. Collection Systems. Simulate connecting a 4″ PVC lateral sewer to an existing 8″ PVC sewer pipe.
3. Safety. Respond to an unconscious worker at the bottom of a confined space.
4. Process Control. A 30-minute written wastewater skills test and a 15-minute process simulator.
5. Laboratory. Analyze TSS and TDS and calculate a solids mass balance across a treatment system.
Rhody Rumble
Rhody Rumble is Rhode Island's own Operations Challenge tune-up — two days of competition, a trade show, and team camaraderie at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, ahead of the national event. Team registration covers competition events, Thursday dinner, Friday breakfast, the trade show, and the luncheon. Hotel accommodations and travel are not included.
Thursday, August 27. Registration & welcome (3–4pm), Process event (4:30pm), Laboratory events (5–7pm), Dinner (7–9pm).
Friday, August 28. Breakfast (7:30am), Trade show & events (9am–12pm), Luncheon (12:30pm).
Download registration form Questions? Email us
Sponsor Team Rising Sludge
Sponsoring the team puts your company in front of thousands of water industry professionals while helping send Rhode Island's top operators to the national stage.
250 MGD Level — $250. Certificate of appreciation; company logo and website link on the RICWA website for 3 months.
500 MGD Level — $500. Certificate of appreciation; company logo and website link on the RICWA website for 6 months; company name/logo on team jerseys worn at WEFTEC and the 2026 regional competition.
1000 MGD Level — $1,000. Certificate of appreciation; company logo and website link on the RICWA website for 12 months; company name/logo on team jerseys worn at WEFTEC and the 2026 regional competition.
Download the sponsorship flyer
To sponsor, email the completed commitment form (page 2 of the flyer) to ricwa@ricwa.org.
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors
