Walkerton Clean Water Centre Hosts Students For Unique Training Experience
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is proud to support postsecondary students across the province by providing practical hands-on training to complement their academic curriculum.
WCWC offers the three-day course, Operation of Conventional Treatment Processes, to students who are enrolled in the 15 Ontario colleges that include the Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators — a mandatory course required by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks — as part of their curriculum. Students have the opportunity to improve their skills in pilot testing by:
- Operating a fully automated dual train conventional treatment pilot plant
- Conducting jar test experiments to determine the optimal dosage of coagulant
- Calculating and setting up a chemical feed system
- Monitoring and interpreting water quality and operating parameters
- Backwashing filters
- Practicing chlorine measurement and chlorine demand tests
This program was developed in 2007 and in 2011 it was refined and offered to all colleges that incorporated the Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators into their curriculum. Training has been provided to more than 900 college students to date. Feedback from participants continues to be very positive. “I enjoyed the quality of the lab practice. The facilities are organized and designed in a way that is beneficial for practical learning,” reported one participant from Centennial College.
Another student, from Mohawk College, said “…very pleased this opportunity was given to the college, it is a priceless experience.”
For more information on WCWC training, please visit wcwc.ca, or contact us at 866-515-0550 or training@wcwc.ca.
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Registration Now Open For Ninth Annual Maintenancefest
WCWC is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the ninth annual Maintenancefest, August 27–28, 2019 in Walkerton, Ontario.
Maintenancefest is a unique hands-on event that allows participants to cycle through six training modules of their choice, earning 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over the course of two days. Three new modules have been developed for this year. Planned modules include:
- Backflow and Cross Connection
- Basics of SCADA Programming
- Basics of Utility Locates
- Concrete Pressure Pipe Tapping Awareness — NEW!
- Hydrostatic Pressure Testing — NEW!
- Jar Testing
- Pressure Control Valves
- Unidirectional Flushing
- UV Maintenance — NEW!
- Well and Well Pump Monitoring
Maintenancefest is one of the most popular training events delivered each year by WCWC in support of its clients and feedback from participants continues to be very positive. John Bender, from the Durham Mobile Home Park, has attended every year and appreciates that he can continue to learn new information. “It’s continuously good. Every time I’ve come, I’ve always taken something home with me.” he said.
Maintenancefest will run 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. both days, with lunch provided. Register now at wcwc.ca/registration, or contact us at 866-515-0550 or training@wcwc.ca. The cost to register is $455.00 + HST. Space is limited so register today before it sells out!
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Managing Legionella Risk In Buildings Through Water Safety Management Planning
On May 16, 2019, the Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) co-hosted a course, Managing Legionella Risk in Buildings through Water Safety Management Planning. The course was presented by the private sector and federal and provincial partners to provide education on effective water safety management plans to reduce exposure to Legionella.
More than 120 participants attended — including building owners, facility managers, drinking water system owners and operators, public health inspectors and healthcare professionals — to better understand how to write effective water safety management plans based on the ANSI/ASHRAE 188 standard to manage the proliferation of Legionella in buildings.
For more information on WCWC training, please visit wcwc.ca or contact us at 866-515-0550 or inquiry@wcwc.ca.
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DRINKING WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT STANDARD — MAKING THE TRANSITION
WCWC recently hosted the workshop, Drinking Water Quality Management Standard — Making the Transition, in Kingston, London and Thunder Bay, Ontario.
The workshop was geared toward Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) stakeholders: utility managers; drinking water operators; regulators; and municipal decision makers. Over the course of the two-day workshop, a total of 155 participants rotated through interactive breakout sessions facilitated by industry experts. Topics covered included transitional audits, evaluating mandatory hazards, corrective and preventative actions, infrastructure planning, emergency preparedness and best management practices. As well, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks provided an update on the status of the Municipal Licensing Program and how municipalities are transitioning to DWQMS 2.0.
This was WCWC’s eighth year hosting this popular workshop to support its clients. Feedback from participants continues to be very positive. “This was a great workshop. Excellent job to the WCWC and trainers. Thanks!!” reported one participant.
To enhance the dissemination the information, workshop presentations are available through the Drinking Water Resource Library at www.DrinkingWaterResourceLibrary.ca.
Participants at the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard Workshop in Kingston
Walkerton Clean Water Centre Announces Retirement of Brian Jobb
After more than 35 years of service dedicated to the drinking water industry, Brian Jobb has announced his upcoming retirement in August 2019.
Brian Jobb
Brian has been an integral part of the Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) as Manager of the Training Institute since 2008. He has made lasting contributions in the development of many of the WCWC’s programs that will be valued and remembered. Brian has successfully distilled state-of-the-art research into practical concepts and coached numerous drinking water operators through the maze of modern treatment techniques. “Brian has been an invaluable member of the management team at the WCWC and has helped it grow from its humble beginnings to where we are today, reaching out into every corner of the province, from large municipalities to RV campground owners. We will miss him!” said Carl Kuhnke, WCWC CEO.
Brian has more than 35 years of experience in operational troubleshooting, research, technical advisory, operator training and applied drinking water treatment chemistry, specializing in uncommon contaminants. He began his career in the drinking water industry with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment in 1979 and advanced to Field Services Coordinator for the Drinking Water Section. He was responsible for applied research, training, technical advice and troubleshooting of drinking water plants throughout Ontario. Brian also worked for a coagulant manufacturer and was Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for an equipment manufacturer and continued to provide operator training to his clients.
He has been involved in numerous committees and advisory groups. He currently contributes to: the American Water Works Association Small Systems Division (Past-Chair); the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association Drinking Water Quality Committee; the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (Ministry) Operator Training and Certification Working Group; the Ministry Standard of Care Advisory Group; and the WCWC Training Advisory Committee (Chair). He is a Past-President (2004 – 2005) of the Ontario Water Works Association and served on their Board of Directors.
Brian has been the recipient of several awards including: the 2016 Ontario Municipal Water Association Don Black Award for outstanding and dedicated service to the water industry; the 2014 American Water Works Association Soaring to the Summit Award for service to the small systems sector; and the 1999 Ontario Water Works Association Norman J. Howard Award for sincerity in serving the waterworks industry.
To ensure a seamless transition, WCWC has launched a search for its next Manager of the Training Institute. Interested applicants are encouraged to view the job posting at https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=983ed6f5-5ae1-448d-963a-f2008514f65f&ccId=19000101_000001&type=JS&lang=en_CA
Read MoreMinistry of The Environment, Conservation And Parks Documents Out For Comment On Drinking Water Resource Library
Two of the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (Ministry) documents that are out for public comment are now available for access on the Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) Drinking Water Resource Library, at www.DrinkingWaterResourceLibrary.ca. This includes the proposed amendments to the Watermain Disinfection Procedure (WDP, 2015) and a draft Terms of Reference: Determination of Minimum Treatment for Municipal Residential Drinking Water Systems Using Subsurface Raw Water Supplies. These documents are both available for discussion purposes only.
The amendments to the WDP were developed with a large stakeholder group composed of municipal representatives, Ontario Water Works Association, Ontario Municipal Water Association, Ontario Clean Water Agency and Ministry staff. Amendments were identified through requests for clarification and relief related to new/planned watermain construction and replacement.
The Terms of Reference document is aimed to be used to determine whether a subsurface water supply requires treatment beyond a minimum level of disinfection required to inactivate or remove viruses and bacteria, i.e. whether or not treatment for protozoa is required.
Any comments or need for further information can be addressed to the following:
Aziz Ahmed, P.Eng. Licensing and Approvals Section, Environmental Assessment and Permissions Branch, Environmental Assessment and Permissions Division, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Tel: 416.314.4625 Toll free: 1.888.999.1305 Email: Aziz.Ahmed@ontario.ca
Read MoreManaging Legionella Risk In Buildings Through Water Safety Management Planning
WCWC is pleased to be participating in a course, Managing Legionella Risk in Buildings through Water Safety Management Planning. This course will be presented by the private sector and federal and provincial partners to provide education on effective water safety management plans to reduce exposure to Legionella. Information will be beneficial for building owners, facility managers, drinking water system owners and operators, public health inspectors and healthcare professionals.
This course will provide a foundational understanding of how to write effective water safety management plans based on the ANSI/ASHRAE 188 standard to manage Legionella in buildings. Participants will hear from various private and public sector partners on how each is uniquely positioned to assist in managing the proliferation of Legionella in buildings. Speakers include: Aziz Ahmed, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; Jennifer Clancy, ESPRI Institute; Michele Grenier, Ontario Water Works Association; Brian Jobb, Walkerton Clean Water Centre; John Minnery, Public Health Ontario; Jeff Moffat, Public Services and Procurement Canada; Bill Pearson, BPEARSON Consulting; Patrick Racine, DuBois Canada; Patsy Root, IDEXX Laboratories; and Gordon Yasvinski, Health Canada.
The course will be held on May 16, 2019, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 125 Resources Road, Toronto. There is no charge to attend.
Visit the Ontario Water Works Association website to register: https://www.owwa.ca/events-calendar/.
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World Water Day Celebrated At Walkerton Clean Water Centre
To celebrate World Water Day, the Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) welcomed more than 600 children from across Grey and Bruce counties during the week of March 18 to learn about water related issues. WCWC, with assistance from the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, led students through hands-on activities where they learned about water protection, conservation and WCWC’s role in safeguarding drinking water across Ontario.
Students from Spruce Ridge Community School in Durham learn about water protection
Feedback from students was great. “I really liked learning the importance of not polluting here because it can affect other places”, said Ashley Le Mon from Spruce Ridge Community School.
World Water Day is held annually on March 22 to focus attention on the importance of water and advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. “It is far too easy for us in Ontario, and Canada, to take our water for granted, when over one billion people on this earth have no access to any water source that has not been improved at all. It is critical that our students recognize that and work hard at protecting our privilege”, said WCWC CEO, Carl Kuhnke.
WCWC welcomes visitors who would like to learn more about drinking water and WCWC’s role in the province to ensure its safety. To schedule a tour, please contact us at 519-881-2003 or 866-515-0550.
Background: WCWC is an agency of the Government of Ontario, established in 2004, to help ensure clean and safe drinking water for the entire province. WCWC coordinates and provides education, training and information to drinking water system owners, operators and operating authorities, and the public, in order to safeguard Ontario’s drinking water. To date, high-quality drinking water training has been provided to more than 82,000 participants across Ontario. Through partnerships, WCWC also provides training for the 133 First Nations communities in Ontario. For more information please visit www.wcwc.ca.
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Still Time To Register For Provincial Workshop: Drinking Water Quality Management Standard — Making The Transition
Participants at a 2018 DWQMS Workshop in Thunder Bay
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is pleased to be hosting a workshop, Drinking Water Quality Management Standard — Making the Transition, in three locations this spring.
This workshop will be geared toward Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) representatives, utility managers, drinking water operators, regulators and municipal decision makers. Participants will rotate through highly interactive breakout sessions facilitated by industry experts to discuss topics such as transitional audits, evaluating mandatory hazards, corrective and preventative actions, infrastructure planning, emergency preparedness and best management practices. As well, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) will provide an update on the status of the Municipal Licensing Program and how municipalities are transitioning to DWQMS 2.0.
Three workshops are scheduled for 2019:
• April 3 & 4, 2019 in Kingston
• April 16 & 17, 2019 in London
• April 24 & 25, 2019 in Thunder Bay
The cost to register is $455.00 + HST.
For further information, or to register for this workshop, please visit wcwc.ca/registration or contact us at 866-515-0550 or training@wcwc.ca.
Background: WCWC is an agency of the Government of Ontario, established in 2004, to help ensure clean and safe drinking water for the entire province. WCWC coordinates and provides education, training and information to drinking water system owners, operators and operating authorities, and the public, in order to safeguard Ontario’s drinking water. To date, high-quality drinking water training has been provided to more than 82,000 participants across Ontario. Through partnerships, WCWC also provides training for the 133 First Nations communities in Ontario. For more information please visit www.wcwc.ca.
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Walkerton Clean Water Centre Pleased To Support The Aboriginal Water And Wastewater Association Of Ontario
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) recently supported the Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario 24th Annual General Meeting and Training Conference held in Thunder Bay, Ontario. WCWC staff delivered hands-on and mandatory training to approximately 80 First Nations registrants from around the province.
WCWC delivered a successful Maintenancefest event to conference attendees, January 29–30, 2019. This unique training experience included three hands-on training modules: Iron and Manganese in Groundwater; Maintenance and Calibration of Lab Equipment; and Sampling, Testing, Adverse Results and Corrective Actions. Participants rotated through modules, earning 0.6 Continuing Educations Unit (CEU). Feedback from participants was excellent; every respondent indicated that they would recommend the event to others.
Conference participants also had the opportunity to attend the course, Safe Drinking Water Operator Essentials, the mandatory certificate renewal course that must be completed every three years by drinking water operators holding Class I through IV, Water Quality Analyst or Limited System licenses. The course focuses on the role of the drinking water operator in emergency planning and response, regulatory updates and equipment maintenance.
Some of the Participants at the 24th Annual General Meeting and Training Conference
For more information about WCWC, please visit wcwc.ca or contact us at 866-515-0550 or inquiry@wcwc.ca.
Background: WCWC is an agency of the Government of Ontario, established in 2004, to help ensure clean and safe drinking water for the entire province. WCWC coordinates and provides education, training and information to drinking water system owners, operators and operating authorities, and the public, in order to safeguard Ontario’s drinking water. To date, high-quality drinking water training has been provided to more than 81,000 participants across Ontario. Through partnerships, WCWC also provides training for the 133 First Nations communities in Ontario. For more information please visit www.wcwc.ca.
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