
Welcome to the New Resource Library
Hello! Welcome to the new and improved Drinking Water Resource Library.
If you visited here before, you will notice the format for displaying resources has changed. Instead of a catalogue, you can now search for posts on subjects that will have a collection of resources grouped together. You can choose to scroll through and browse our curated collections, or continue to search using the options down the right hand of your screen.
We hope this helps you to find what you’re looking for! If you are searching for something and would like assistance, reach out to us at dwrl@wcwc.ca.
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COVID-19 Resources for the Water Sector
The spread of COVID-19 is an evolving situation that the Walkerton Clean Water Centre is acting upon.
This post contains links to guidance documents, fact sheets and free webinars related to COVID-19 for water professionals. This list is being updated continuously and provides access to a variety of trusted resources to assist our clients in their search for information.
Ontario Guidance Documents & Links
O. Reg. 75/20: Order Under Subsection 7.0.2 (4) of the Act – Drinking Water Systems and Sewage Works
O. Reg. 106/20: Order Made Under the Act – Extensions and Renewals of Orders
Operator Workforce Matching Portal
Guide for Maintaining Building Plumbing After an Extended Vacancy
Construction Site Health and Safety During COVID-19
How Ontario is Responding to COVID-19
Case Studies: How Ontario Water Wastewater Agencies Are Responding To Covid-19
Effects Of Covid-19 On Ontario’s Water Equipment Suppliers
Public Health Ontario – Coronavirus Disease 2019
COVID-19 Response: Freely Available ISO Standards
Free Webinars & Podcasts
Be a Trusted Source: How to Handle Communication Challenges During COVID-19
Benefitting Your Organization Through a Utilities Helping Utilities Program – OnWARN
Clean Water Act Regulatory Issues in a Pandemic
COVID-19 – A Utility Leaders’ Response
COVID-19 – A Water Professional’s Perspective
COVID-19 Implications to Operations Compliance Training
COVID-19 – The Regulators’ Response
COVID-19s Financial Impact on Water Utilities
Exiting One Crisis and Mitigating Another Potential Crisis
Facing the New Normal for Credit and Collections During COVID-19
Key Considerations in Responding to Coronavirus
Legal Aspects of COVID-19 for Water Utilities
Management System Changes Anticipated Resulting from COVID-19
Navigating Through the Financial Impact of Covid-19
Pandemic Continuity of Operations (COOP) Essential Personnel
Preparing Your System for the Pandemic – Responding to the COVID-19 Threat
Returning to Service: Addressing Water Quality in Buildings with Low or No Use
SARS CoV-2 in Wastewater Monitoring: Linking Research and Application to Meet Immediate Needs
Shelter-in-Place in Response to Coronavirus – Approaches from Two Facilities
Talking Under Water – WEF Executive Director Talks Coronavirus
The Impact of Coronavirus on Water/Wastewater Utilities
Updates on Novel Coronavirus for Water Professionals
Utility Actions to Sustain Operations During COVID-19
Wastewater Epidemiology – Tracking the Presence of Infectious Disease in Communities
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidance for Local Jurisdictions
Workforce and COVID-19: Utility Solutions
Building Shutdown & Re-Opening
Building Shutdown and Re-opening during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Building Water Quality and Coronavirus: Flushing Guidance for Periods of Low or No Use
Considerations for Large Building Water Quality after Extended Stagnation
COVID-19 and the Re-Opening of Buildings
COVID 19 – Building Extended Closure Checklist
Guidance for managing Legionella in building water systems during the COVID-19 pandemic
Guidance for Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operation
Guide for Maintaining Building Plumbing After an Extended Vacancy
Information on Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality in Buildings with Low or No Use
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) Building Water Systems Minimum Requirements COVID-19
Restoring Water Quality in Buildings for Reopening: Checklist
Safely Re-opening Buildings a Fact Sheet for Building Owners/Operators
Safely Re-opening Buildings – General Guidance for Water Utilities
Photo from https://nwmphn.org.au/health-systems-capacity-building/covid-19/.
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Government of Canada Consultation on New Canada Water Agency
“Canadians want a future with cleaner air and cleaner water for their children and grandchildren. Establishing the Canada Water Agency will help to identify, better coordinate, and address various issues relating to freshwater in Canada. It’s an important part of Canada’s plan to build a cleaner, stronger, more resilient economy, with good, secure jobs now and into the future. I encourage all Canadians to take part in these consultations to help shape the Canada Water Agency.”
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Protecting Canada’s Fresh Water (PlaceSpeak)
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Study Guides for Examinations, Math Problems and Practice Quizzes
Are you preparing for upcoming examinations? Recommended study materials are available through the Ontario Water and Wastewater Certification Office (OWWCO) Bookstore.
Examination study guide bookstore
Additional resources have been provided below and are intended to help operators prepare for exams. They will not replace the appropriate training and experience an operator should have. These resources will not completely cover all exam subject areas.
Formula and Conversion Tables
Basic Water and Wastewater Formulas
Practice Quizzes
5 Common Questions on Water Treatment Operator Certification Exam
Sample Exam Questions and Recommended References for ABC’s Very Small Water System Exam
Sample Exam Questions for ABCs Computerized Exams
Water Plant Operator Training Program – Operator-in-Training
Water Plant Operator Training Program – Class 1 Certification
Operator-in-Training Practice Quiz 1
Operator-in-Training Practice Quiz 2
Operator-in-Training Practice Quiz 3
Test Your Knowledge of Centrifugal Pumps – Certification Quiz
Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification Exam – 4 Practice Problems
Water Distribution Class 1 – Install Units Quiz
Water Distribution Class 1 – Monitor Water Quality Quiz
Water Distribution Class 1 – Operate and Maintain Equipment Quiz
Water Distribution Class 1 – Perform Administrative Duties Quiz
Water Distribution Class 1 – Safety Quiz
Water Distribution Class 1 – System Design Quiz
Water Distribution Operator Certification Exam – 4 Practice Problems
Water Treatment Class 1 – Evaluate and Maintain Equipment Quiz
Water Treatment Class 1 – Evaluate Characteristics of Source Water Quiz
Water Treatment Class 1 – Laboratory Analysis Quiz
Water Treatment Class 1 – Monitor, Evaluate and Adjust Treatment Processes Quiz
Water Treatment Class 1 – Operate Equipment Quiz
Water Treatment Class 1 – Perform Administrative Duties Quiz
Water Treatment Class 1 – Safety and Emergency Preparedness Quiz
Water Math
Chemical Dosing Math Problem – Example 1
Chemical Dosing Math Problem – Example 2
Chemical Dosing Math Problem – Example 3
Chlorine Contact Time Calculations
Geometry Math – Example 1 Cylinder (Pipe)
Geometry Math – Example 1 Cylinder (Tank)
Geometry Math – Example 1 Rectangle (Tank)
Geometry Math – Example 2 Cylinder (Tank)
Geometry Math – Example 2 Rectangle (Tank)
How to calculate detention time
Operator-in-Training Math Practice Quiz 1
Operator-in-Training Math Practice Quiz 2
Operator-in-Training Math Practice Quiz 3
Operator-in-Training Math Practice Quiz 4
Operator-in-Training Math Practice Quiz 5
Operator-in-Training Math Practice Quiz 6
Operator-in-Training Math Practice Quiz 7
Operator-in-Training Math Practice Quiz 8
Operator-in-Training Math Practice Quiz 9
Operator-in-Training Math Practice Quiz 10
Operator-in-Training Math Practice Quiz 11
Operator-in-Training Math Practice Quiz 12
Problem Solved: Calculating Tank Volume – Water Treatment, Distribution System and Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Calculating Trench Volume – Distribution System Math
Problem Solved: Calculating Volume Removed – Distribution System Math
Problem Solved: Chemical Dose with Chlorine Tablets – Water Treatment Math
Problem Solved: Chemical Per Day Formula – Distribution System Math
Problem Solved: Chlorine Demand – Distribution System Math
Problem Solved: Chlorine Dose – Water Treatment
Problem Solved: Chlorine Per Day – Distribution Math
Problem Solved: Detention Time – Water Treatment
Problem Solved: Flow Rate Formula – Water Treatment, Distribution and Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Chemical Blending – Water Treatment
Problem Solved: Chemical Solutions – Water Treatment
Water Math Bonus – Specific Capacity & Detention Time
Water Math Bonus – Surface Loading Rate & Unit Filter Run Volume
Water Math: Calculating Water Level – Texas Class B
Water Math: Calculate Volume in Gallons – Texas Class D
Water Math: Chlorine Demand – Texas Class C
Water Math: Chlorine Demand – Texas Class D
Water Math: Chlorine Dosage (lbs per day) – Texas Class D
Water Math: Chlorine Dosage – Texas Class D
Water Math: Dirt Removal – Texas Class C
Water Math: Feet of Head – Texas Class C
Water Math: Feet of Head – Texas Class D
Water Math: Gallons to Tons Conversion – Texas Class C
Water Math: GPD to MGD – Texas Class C
Water Math: GPM to MGD – Texas Class D
Water Math: Meter Calculations – Texas Class C
Water Math: MGD Flow from Multiple Wells – Texas Class B
Water Math: MGD to GPM – Texas Class C
Water Math: MGD to GPM – Texas Class D
Water Math: Pipe Volume Calculation – Texas Class C
Water Math: Sections of Pipe Required – Texas Class D
Water Math: Static Water Level – Texas Class B
Water Math: Stock Solution – Texas Class B
Water Math – Tank Capacity – Texas Class C
Water Math: Well Drawdown – Texas Class C
Water Math: Well Drawdown – Texas Class D
Water Math: Well Production – Texas Class C
WSO Water Treatment Grade 1: Operator Math 1, Ch. 2
WSO Water Treatment Grade 2: Operator Math: Volume Measurement, Ch. 2
Wastewater Math
California Grade 1 Wastewater Math
California Grade 2 Wastewater Math
California Grade 3 Wastewater Math
California Grade 4 & 5 Wastewater Math
Digester Loading Rate Calculation
How to Calculate F-M Ratio – Wastewater Math
How to Calculate Organic Loading into a Pond – Wastewater Math
How-to Use Excel for Calculations and Conversions for Wastewater Math – Wastewater Dan videos
Intro to Velocity Calculations and Hydraulic Retention Time – Part 1
Intro to Velocity Calculations and Hydraulic Retention Time – Part 2
Intro to Velocity Calculations and Hydraulic Retention Time – Part 3
Intro to Velocity Calculations and Hydraulic Retention Time – Part 4
Intro to Velocity Calculations and Hydraulic Retention Time – Part 5
Intro to Velocity Calculations and Hydraulic Retention Time – Part 6
Problem Solved: BOD – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: BOD Removal Efficiency – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Calculating Tank Volume – Water Treatment, Distribution System and Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Calculating VS Pumped to a Digester – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Chlorinator Feed Rate – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: DAF Solid Loading Rate – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Detention Time – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Energy Savings Due to Pump Efficiency – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Flow Rate Formula – Water Treatment, Distribution and Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Flow Rate (Gr. 1) – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Flow Rate (Gr. 3) – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Grit Removal Rate – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Heat Value BTUs – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: MCRT – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: MLSS – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Organic Loading – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Oxygen Transfer to Water – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Percent Solids Recovery – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Pond Hydraulic Loading – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Price Per Day Calculation – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Pump Discharge Rate – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Suspended Solid Weight Per Day – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Volatile Solids Reduction – Wastewater Math
Problem Solved: Volume – Wastewater Math
Pump Run Time to Reduce Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) Calculation
Volatile Suspended Solids Loading Rate to Anaerobic Digester Calculation
Wastewater Calculations – Problem of the Day
Theory
Backflow, Backpressure and Backsiphonage
Disinfection Breakpoint Chlorination
Project Management: Mission and Vision
Project Management: Planning the Project
Project Management: Steps in Managing a Project
Project Management: The Role of a Project Manager
Project Management: Work Breakdown Structure
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valve – Backflow Prevention
Wastewater Collection: Method of Conveyance
Wastewater Treatment: Data and Records
Wastewater Treatment: Flow Equalization
Wastewater Treatment: Odour Control Methods
Wastewater Treatment: Preliminary Treatment
Wastewater Treatment: Grit Removal
Water Collection System: Design, Layout and System Capacity
Water Collection System: Low Pressure System Components
Water Collection System: System Components
Water Distribution: Backflow Prevention
Water Distribution: Cross Connection Control
Water Distribution: Fire Hydrant Parts and Classification
Water Distribution: Hydrant Installation and Types of Fire Hydrants
Water Distribution: Pipe Joints
Water Distribution: Pipe Material
Water Distribution: System Design and Layout
Water Distribution: Valve Modes of Operation
Water Distribution: Valve Types
Water Treatment: Chemical Feed Equipment and Flash Mixing
Water Treatment: Coagulant Aids
Water Treatment: Coagulation Chemistry Basics
Water Treatment: Coagulation Flocculation Basics
Water Treatment: Coagulation Process Operation and Jar Testing
Water Treatment: Flocculation Process Operation
Water Treatment: Well Construction
Water Utility Management: Project Management
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Drinking Water Quality Management Standard Provincial Workshop Proceedings – 2020
The Drinking Water Quality Management (DWQMS) Provincial Workshop is a WCWC course held annually to provide DWQMS representatives with an opportunity to share and discuss their experiences. This forum allows them to share best practices and solutions for challenges encountered during implementation or continued maintenance of a quality management system. The program consists of different facilitators leading sessions on a variety of topics tying into a common theme. The theme for this year’s workshop was ‘Vision 2020’.
Workshop Presentations
DWQMS Program Status Update – Vision 2020 facilitated by Christopher Manning & Amanda Boyden.
Continual Improvement: Wastewater & Linear Infrastructure facilitated by Ann Darby & Amanda Boyden.
Applying QMS Principles facilitated by Christopher Manning & Amanda Boyden.
Electronic Records Management facilitated by Janine deBoer.
Best Management Practices facilitated by Brigitte Roth.
What’s New? Ontario Watermain Disinfection Procedure facilitated by Tony Santos.
Asset Management Plans facilitated by Ted Joynt.
Transitions to V2.0 facilitated by Marco Brunato.
Supporting Documents
Request for Early Implementation of the Watermain Disinfection Procedure
Watermain Disinfection Procedure – August 1, 2020
Watermain Disinfection Procedure Letter from MECP
Watermain Disinfection Procedure Q&A
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Online Tools for Operators
The following tools have been collected for general interest or use for water operators.
Applications
FlowCalc for iOS – While on the go, the FlowCalc offers you all the functionality you need to quickly calculate flow rates, pipe diameter and velocity on your mobile device.
GeoPro – Work Alone Safety System – GeoPro is an employee check-in and safety alert monitoring solution that makes it easy to protect employees working alone.
Pipe Diameter Calculator – Android – This calculator is designed for simple and quick calculation of round pipe internal diameter based on known volume or mass flow rate and desired stream velocity through pipe.
PlutoCalc App for iOS and Android – A free problem solver suite for water treatment, wastewater, hydraulics, environmental chemistry and unit conversions.
Software
CUPSS – The Check Up Program for Small Systems – CUPSS is a legacy software application that was developed more than 10 years ago to assist drinking water and wastewater utilities in implementing an asset management plan. CUPSS was developed to run on Windows XP. Some users have reported challenges and compatible issues while trying to work with CUPSS in Windows 7, 8, and 10 operating systems. While still available for use, the tool is no longer being updated and may not compatible with the latest computer operating systems.
Waterly – Water Data Management– Replace your clipboards, eliminate the madness of spreadsheets, and create operations & regulatory reports with one click.
Spreadsheets
Chlorine Dose Calculator for Tanks and Pipelines – This tool is for estimating chlorine disinfection CT in tanks and pipelines. This Disinfection CT Calculator spreadsheet allows users to enter the residual concentration, flow condition, and dimensions of tanks or pipelines. This tool gives a rough estimate of disinfection CT. For detailed design, additional safety factors and other considerations may be needed.
Knowledge Retention Tool – Download this spreadsheet to consolidate system information, prepare new operators, and utilize for succession planning.
Tools
Food to Microorganism Calculator
Well Drawdown and Specific Capacity
Millions of Gallons Conversion
Photo from https://instabug.com/blog/app-store-optimization-tools/.
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WCWC How-To Videos
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre has created instructional videos to provide guidance to operators and trained persons. This series demonstrates how to analyze different parameters to assess drinking water quality.
Contact us to request a topic for a future how-to video.
WCWC Videos
How to analyze free chlorine residual
How to analyze Microcystin-LR equivalence using ELISA
How to analyze monochloramine and free ammonia
How to analyze pH and temperature
How to analyze total and dissolved organic carbon (TOC/DOC)
How to analyze total chlorine residual
How to analyze UV absorbance and transmittance
How to monitor nitrification in the field
Monitoring nitrification parameters: PPA vs. spectrophotometer analysis
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MCR Course Resources
This course provides an overview of key regulatory updates and a review of requirements supporting the improvement of non-compliances identified in MECP inspections. The role of Ontario’s operators in protecting public health will be highlighted, and participants will be introduced to the concept of Operator Ethics.
Resources
AWWA Free Water Audit Software
CBC – Carleton Place Crash on Highway 7
GeoPro Lone Work Safety System
Hamilton’s Corrosion Control Program
Information for Property Owners about Lead Water Service Line Replacement
Ontario Traffic Manual – Book 7 – Temporary Conditions
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WCWC Pilot Testing Resources
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre’s pilot testing service gives operators the opportunity to obtain site specific information on different treatment options for addressing water quality challenges. We have a wide array of equipment housed in our Technology Demonstration Facility that can be customized in our facility or at your remote location.
Contact a member of our Research and Technology team today to discuss how we can help you at Devendra Borikar or Souleymane Ndiongue.
Resources produced from past pilot testing projects can be found below.
Project Summaries
Conventional and Dissolved Air Flotation Jar Testing
Conventional Treatment Optimization for Big Grassy First Nation
Decentralized Pilot Testing for Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
On-Site Testing for Arsenic Reduction
Pilot Testing to Reduce Iron and Hydrogen Sulfide Gas
Pilot Testing with Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
Pilot Testing with Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
Pilot Testing with the Township of Tay to Reduce Taste and Odour
Reducing Iron in a Groundwater Well
Project Reports
Conventional and Dissolved Air Flotation Jar Testing
Conventional Treatment Optimization for Big Grassy First Nation
Decentralized Pilot Testing for Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
Effect of Fixed Bed Ion Exchange Process in Addition to Enhanced Coagulation on the Reduction of High Levels of Organics
Evaluation of Greensand Filtration Operation for the Reduction of Manganese
Exploring Iron Reduction Options for a Groundwater Source
Optimization of Conventional Treatment Processes for Residual Aluminum Control
Options for the Reduction of Arsenic from a Groundwater Source
Reduction of Arsenic in a Small Drinking Water System
Reduction of Iron and Manganese Using Conventional Treatment and Greensand Filtration
Small Systems Technology Assessment for Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxin Removal
Taste and Odour Control Strategies with Advanced Oxidation Processes and Granular Activated Carbon
Project Presentations
A Case Study to Reduce Arsenic
A Pilot Plant Study to Reduce Iron and Manganese
Challenges and a Pilot Study on Cyanobacteria and Small Drinking Water Systems
Challenges to Treat Cyanotoxins from Drinking Water on a Large, Small and Household Scale
Pilot Testing of Selected Technologies for the Removal of Natural Organic Matter for A First Nation Water Treatment Plant
Pilot Testing Services and a Case Study to Reduce Organics
Reduction of Iron and Hydrogen Sulfide from a Well System
Using Fixed Bed Ion Exchange Process to Enhance the Reduction of Organics
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WCWC Fact Sheets
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre creates fact sheets for water professionals based on pilot testing projects performed by the Research & Technology Department. These fact sheets are a compilation of information from different sources and are presented solely for information purposes.
Contact us to request a topic for a future fact sheet.
Fact Sheets
Absolute vs. Nominal Filter Ratings
Baffling Factor Selection for CT Calculations
Distribution Factors That Control Biofilm
Microcystin Degradation by Chemical Oxidation
Particle Monitoring Applications
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment
Removal of Manganese from Drinking Water
Slow Sand Filtration Operation and Maintenance
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