Expert Training for Sustainable Pumping

Sustainable Pumping includes the whole pumping system—not only the pump. Our expert-led training takes a holistic approach, covering pipelines, valves, filters and flowmeters, in fact anything with a head loss, to maximize system energy efficiency and long-term sustainability, and save pumping energy costs.

This bespoke course considers 25-year Energy Life Cycle Costing and optimizes CAPEX/OPEX for every single component of a water pumping system, not just the pump.

Learn how to quantify lifecycle energy costs, optimize entire pumping systems, and implement real-world sustainability strategies. Backed by over five decades of industry experience and product independence, our courses provide practical tools, including exclusive phone app calculators, to ensure professionals leave the course with the skills to achieve real and measurable energy savings.

There is no other class like this in the industry! Extremely educational! This isn’t a class with a bunch of engineering formulas and complicated terms out of a text book, but instead Robert’s 57 years of experience that he shares in a very easy to understand way!
— Travis Rokey, Technology Manager - Nutradrip, Kansas

Courses Designed for Your Industry

With decades of industry expertise, we provide trusted, independent training for professionals in Water & Wastewater and Irrigation. Our courses focus on real-world applications, equipping you with expert knowledge and exclusive tools to drive efficiency, cut costs, and enhance system performance.

Explore our courses to see how you can apply sustainable pumping principles in your daily work.

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Water Supply • Sewage • Water Treatment • Industrial • Building Services • Recycled Water • Storm Water

Sustainable Pumping for Water & Waste Water

Lush vineyard under clear blue sky with rows of grapevines and surrounding trees.

Dairy • Perennials • Viticulture • Golf Courses • Hydroponics • Horticulture • Landscaping • Nut Crops • Turf

Sustainable Pumping for Irrigation

Free Tools

Free Tools

Leave Your Course Equipped for The Job

Gain more than just knowledge—walk away with practical tools designed to make a real impact in your daily work. A core part of our training, these exclusive calculators and apps empower you to apply sustainable pumping principles with confidence. Used throughout the course, they become invaluable assets for optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and making data-driven decisions long after training ends.

Download PIPEsuite sample for Free!

Try a sample of PIPEsuite, one of our most popular apps, designed to simplify key calculations for water and piping systems. This free tool includes the Pipe Friction component as an example of what you can expect from the rest of this great suite of apps.

Included Calculators

Pipe Friction – Calculate pressure loss due to friction (Included in Sampler App)
Water Velocity – Determine flow speed within pipes.
Pipe Flowrate – Estimate the volume of water passing through a pipe.
Pipe Diameter – Find the ideal pipe size for a given flow rate.
Pipe Volume – Measure the internal capacity of a pipe.
Water Transit Time – Calculate how long water takes to travel through a pipeline.
Hazen-Williams (H&W) Calculator – Assess pipe flow characteristics.
Flow Converter – Easily convert between different flow units.
Suction Screen Sizing – Select the right screen size for intake protection.

Get access to the PIPEsuite Sampler App plus more with your free WPI Membership.

Person holding smartphone, using touchscreen.
Pipeline hydraulics calculator interface by the Water Pumping Institute, displaying input fields for HBW 'C,' length, flow, and pipe ID. Results shown include friction, velocity, Fric Grad, and Friction values. Includes sample notes and copyright details for 2023.

Meet Your Instructor

With over five decades of hands-on experience in the pumping industry, Rob Welke is a trusted authority in the field of sustainable pumping. Rob’s passion for efficient pumping energy management and his deep industry knowledge have shaped his career, driving him to design cutting-edge solutions that optimize pumping system efficiency. Beyond his technical expertise, Rob is known for his down-to-earth approach, making complex concepts accessible and relevant.

Explore Rob’s full story to discover how his experience and insights can help you achieve real-world results in sustainable pumping.

Rob Welke crouching near a gauge in a grassy area
Robert has a knack for detail unlike any I’ve encountered. His ability to cut through peripheral detail to target the fundamental causes enable Rob to fulfil his brief in a timely and thorough manner. What I appreciate most about Robert is that he will not compromise on quality and therefore delivers the best possible outcome. Whatever problem you find yourself with, he will find the optimal solution.
— Nadine Welke: Director, Strength from Within - a GYROTONIC and GYROKINESIS studio

Course Calendar

Stay up to date with all our upcoming training sessions! Whether you’re interested in Water & Wastewater or Irrigation, or prefer In-Person or Online courses, our Course Calendar gives you a clear view of all scheduled events. Easily browse through our offerings and find the perfect course to suit your needs and schedule.

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Why Choose WPI?

At WPI, we’re committed to delivering real-world value. Our independent, expert-led training is built on decades of industry experience, empowering you with practical tools and knowledge you can apply immediately. With a focus on sustainability, cost-efficiency, and performance optimization, our courses equip you to tackle the challenges of today’s pumping systems and future-proof your operations.

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  • “Thank you, Rob, I really enjoyed your course and derived immense value from it. I’ve already created a list of jobs that I need to optimise and fix inefficiencies up”

    Victor Papiernaiak

    Water and Sewer Manager

    Cobar Shire Council, NSW

  • “Great course Rob. It got me thinking about pumps and pumping systems in ways I’ve never thought before. Learned a lot and can’t recommend the course highly enough.”

    Lachlan Woods

    Civil Eng | Senior Designer

    CAF Consulting, Shepparton VIC

  • “Great course, helped bridge the gap between university taught mechanical engineering principles and practical onsite application and performance. Rob’s wealth of real-world examples is invaluable for all backgrounds to improve efficiency of our pumped systems.”

    Joshua Smith

    Process Engineer Wastewater

    Cairns Regional Council