News

New Training Introduced For Water Professionals: Conversion Math

The Walkerton Clean Water Centre launched the course to support water professionals who require a refresh of their math skills

WCWC is pleased to announce the launch of a new course, Conversion Math.

This workshop-style course will teach participants how to apply conversions that relate to water operations. Key concepts such as base units, order-of-operation calculations and the basics of the metric system using distance, area and volume will be reviewed. Common units of measurement will be discussed, with a focus on how these units are expressed. Participants will perform calculations using conversion tables to solve for either metric or imperial units. Conversion Math places special emphasis on common units used in the water industry, including those related to temperature, pressure, velocity, flow, dosage, density and feed rates.

This course is directed to treatment and distribution operators who require a refresh of their math skills. The course may also serve as a precursor to Fundamental Math for those with limited math knowledge.

Conversion Math will be offered through both classroom and virtual sessions to support water professionals across Ontario. Successful participants will receive 0.7 Continuing Education Units.

For more information, or to register, please visit www.wcwc.ca/registration or contact us at 866-515-0550 or training@wcwc.ca.

New Opportunity Available for Drinking Water Instructors, Course Content Developers and Reviewers

Are you interested in contributing to course development and delivery for drinking water professionals? The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) has opened a procurement for instructors, course content developers and reviewers. Tammy Flett, Accounting & Procurement Associate, answers some of your frequently asked questions about the procurement process.

1.  I’m interested in becoming a WCWC instructor. What qualifications are required?

WCWC has two different instructor levels; Technical Trainer and Small Systems Trainer. The qualifications for each are noted below.

For a Technical Trainer, bidders/applicants must meet one of the following;

• Drinking water industry related post secondary diploma/degree,
• Certified Engineering Technologist,
• Certified drinking water operator (Class 1-4 in treatment and/or distribution).

For a Small Systems, Trainer bidders/applicants must meet one of the following;

• Public Health Inspector within the drinking water division,
• Limited Subsystem Operator,
• Trained Person,
• Well Technician,
• Licenced Plumber.

For each of these levels the combination of number of years of drinking water experience and adult learning and instructor experience will also be taken into consideration.

2. I’m interested in becoming a WCWC Course Content Developer and/or Reviewer. What qualifications are required?

To be considered for a Course Content Developer and/or Reviewer a bidder/applicant must meet one of the qualifications listed below.

• Drinking water industry related post secondary diploma/degree,
• Certified Engineering Technologist,
• Certified drinking water operator (Class 1-4 in treatment and/or distribution),
• Public Health Inspector within drinking water division,
• Limited Subsystem Operator,
• Trained Person,
• Well Technician,
• Licenced Plumber.

For the Course Content Developer and/or Reviewer the combination of number of years of drinking water experience and course development experience will also be taken into consideration.

3. I’m only interested in becoming a Course Content Developer and/or Reviewer. Is it possible to only apply for this role?

Yes, should bidders/applicants only wish to be part of the Course Content Developer and/or Reviewer and not instruct any courses this is acceptable. Self identify on your bid/application only the category of Course Content Developer and/or Reviewer.

4. What is a Vendor of Record and how do I apply to become one?

A Vendor of Record means a contractual relationship between WCWC and multiple vendors for the potential delivery of training services which includes development, review delivery and improvement of various training courses throughout the Province of Ontario, on an as and when required basis.

To become a Training Service Vendor of Record for WCWC, you will need to apply through the Ontario Tender Portal, Jaggaer Supplier Network. You may access this by following www.ontario.ca/tenders. The tender details are:

Project Tender # 16843
Project Title: Potential Provision of Training Services
Publication Date: 26/04/2022 12:10

You must register with Jaggaer Supplier Network to download the documents. Note, there is no cost to register. It is important to remember that you must express interest in the procurement to download the documents.

Important steps to remember

If you click on the button ‘Opportunities open to all Supplier’ you must express interest at the bottom of the screen. This will take you to a new screen with express interest at the top of the screen. If you go directly to RFX Open to All Suppliers you express interest one time.

To be fair to all bidders, it is mandatory for all interested parties to acquire the “RFB document”, and all “subsequent documents” related to that RFB only through www.ontario.ca/tenders (see Section 1.4 – Bid Process Requirements of the RFB).

Please note that bid submissions must be made electronically through the Ontario Tender Portal. Bid documents must not be mailed.

Important information about Jaggaer Supplier Network

WCWC recommends that bidders/applicants not upload any submission prior to the May 16, 2022 date of posting the addendum. If any submission is uploaded prior to an addendum being posted, the submission will be invalid and the bidder/applicant will be required to resubmit prior to the deadline.

For Technical Support contact Etenderhelp_CA@jaggaer.com, toll free 866-722-7390, or direct 484-335-4586.

5. What is the application deadline?

Bidders/applications must be received through the Ontario Tender Portal, Jaggaer Supplier Network before 11:00 a.m. Toronto time on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, but not prior to May 16, 2022.

6. Who do I contact if I have questions about the bid/application process?

Should you have Jaggaer Supplier Network system questions please contact Technical Support at Etenderhelp_CA@jaggaer.com or toll free at 866-722-7390.

Should you have any questions related to this procurement please contact Vijay Kandiah, Procurement Advisor, Category & Sourcing Execution Branch, Supply Chain Ontario. Vijay can be reached via email at vijay.kandiah@ontario.ca.

Join us at Ontario’s Water Conference & Trade Show, May 2 – 4, 2022

Join WCWC at Ontario’s Water Conference & Trade Show at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, May 2 – 4.

Meet our staff at the trade show to learn about our training programs, pilot testing services and the Drinking Water Resource Library and stay for the technical presentations by WCWC staff:

Wednesday, May 4 at 9:00 a.m.
A study to reduce disinfection by-products and their precursors in Poplar Hill First Nation’s drinking water system
Jeff Avedesian, Scientist

Wednesday, May 4 at 2:15 p.m.
Finding the source of NDMA precursors in a chloraminated system
Devendra Borikar, Science & Technology Lead

WCWC is proud to be a platinum sponsor of this outstanding event.

We look forward to seeing you in Niagara Falls!

Walkerton Clean Water Centre Providing Training for Postsecondary Students Across Ontario

Since 2007, the Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) has offered hands-on training to support Ontario’s postsecondary students. Operation of Conventional Treatment Processes (OCTP) is a three-day course that gives participants the opportunity to operate, monitor and troubleshoot a pilot conventional drinking water treatment plant. It also provides hands-on experience in the laboratory where participants monitor basic water quality parameters and work with on-line, bench-top, and handheld analyzers. Training has been provided to nearly 1,000 students to date.

WCWC followed up with Lindsay Taylor, a recent participant from Niagara College and Environmental Technician candidate, to talk about her experience with the course:

What can students expect to learn from the OCTP course?

LT: “Through in-class and hands-on experience, students can expect to enhance their existing knowledge of the conventional processes for treating drinking water. The OCTP course was focused primarily on daily sampling and analysis processes that one might encounter as an entry-level drinking water operator. Day one, we went on a tour of the Technology Demonstration Facility and began laboratory techniques for general water quality analysis which included jar tests, calculating coagulant dosage, and turbidity. Experiencing these techniques firsthand was extremely valuable to my coursework.”

How did you find the course material related to your studies?

LT: “The OCTP course is an exceptional compliment to Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators. Personally, the OCTP course brought to life the concepts we learnt about disinfection and maintaining water quality. For example, we explored the concept of breakpoint chlorination and other critical chlorine disinfection information through in-class training and a group-based lab activity. This combination allowed students the time and space to engage thoughtfully with the material and safely make mistakes.”

Have you had the opportunity to use any of the information you learned?

LT: “The material that comes out of this course comes up time and time again in the classroom. While I am still training to take my Operator-In-Training exam and complete Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators, I look forward to using the technical skills I gained out of the OCTP course as a future drinking water operator and Environmental Technician/Scientist.”

Would you recommend the OCTP course to others?

LT: “If you envision yourself as a future drinking water operator and are in a recognized Ontario college program, I highly recommend you take this course. The instructors and course outcomes are designed in a way to set everyone up for success. Everyone that participated in the program was able to take away something that suited their individual interests. The memories made throughout the program, both in the classroom and between colleagues, are priceless.”

WCWC is committed to providing a variety of training for drinking water professionals across Ontario. For more information, please visit wcwc.ca, or contact us at 866-515-0550 or training@wcwc.ca

Happy World Water Day!

NEW DEVELOPMENTS AT THE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION FACILITY

The upgrades will expand the Walkerton Clean Water Centre’s pilot-testing capabilities

The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) recently completed several upgrades in the Technology Demonstration Facility to expand its pilot-testing capabilities.

New Incubator and Refrigerator

The purchase of a new incubator will allow WCWC to store water samples at a precise temperature, accurately mimicking real-life conditions for simulated distribution system testing. An additional laboratory refrigerator will allow WCWC to store larger volumes of sample water, something that has been critical as WCWC continues to take on more pilot- and bench-scale projects.

Rapid Small Scale Column Test

WCWC recently constructed a rapid small scale column test (RSSCT) apparatus that will allow staff to quantify contaminant treatment and estimate adsorption capacity of media in a shortened timeframe while using much less water. Using a scaled filter bed with ground down media, the long-term treatment effectiveness and lifespan of filter media can be estimated. The RSSCT has already been in great demand and produced reliable results. Work is underway to construct a second RSSCT unit, which will enable WCWC to run multiple tests simultaneously.

Stirred Cell

WCWC has procured two new stirred cell test units, which will enable proof-of-concept testing on ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis membranes. Stirred cells are scaled membrane filtration systems used for bench-scale testing. These units use pressurized nitrogen gas to move sample water through the membrane, something previously unachievable on the bench-scale due to extremely small membrane pore sizes. The stirred cell test units have successfully been used in pilot testing projects and upgrades are underway to allow the use of higher-pressure nitrogen gas lines to run nanofiltration tests.

Ion Chromatography

A new ion chromatography (IC) machine had been installed in the laboratory. Ion chromatography is the measurement of ionic species (anions and cations) in a sample volume. The IC machine is capable of testing 15 water quality parameters (fluoride, chloride, nitrite, nitrate, sulfate, bromide, ortho-phosphate, bromate, chlorate, chlorite, sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium). WCWC had performed traditional wet chemistry tests for some of these parameters and outsourced others. Use of the IC machine will result in significant time and cost savings, while yielding more precise results. The ability to perform IC on-site will provide WCWC with a wealth of information regarding the composition of source water and allow it to perform pilot- and bench-scale testing more effectively.

These exciting new additions will help WCWC better serve the needs of Ontario’s communities as they look to optimize and improve their drinking water systems.

Walkerton Clean Water Centre Welcomes New Chief Executive Officer: Brian Bates

The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is excited to announce that Brian Bates will be returning to Walkerton to lead the team as CEO effective February 22, 2022.

Brian is passionate about the water industry, with proven leadership abilities and strong business acumen. He has worked in the industry for more than 20 years, including his time serving as Manager of Training and Development at WCWC from 2019 until 2020.

Most recently, he worked as Senior Director, Product Management, at Evoqua Water Technologies where he provided municipal and industrial clients with a wide range of solutions.

Brian has also been involved in postsecondary education in Ontario. He served as Director, Product Development and Institutional Research at Fleming College where he was responsible for all new program development and transformed the college’s processes to increase new program offerings, enrollment and student engagement.

Brian earned a B.Sc. degree in Environmental Resource Sciences from Trent University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

“I would like to congratulate Brian Bates on taking on this pivotal role and thank retiring CEO Carl Kuhnke for his leadership and tireless work over the years to safeguard Ontario’s drinking water,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “I have enjoyed working closely with Carl. Under his leadership, the Walkerton Clean Water Centre has grown its training and education programs and expanded collaborations with Indigenous peoples. We are incredibly grateful for his service. Ontario continues to make tremendous progress on clean water, and I look forward to working with incoming CEO Bates to ensure that everyone in the province has access to safe water to drink.”

For more information about WCWC, please visit wcwc.ca or contact us at 866-515-0550 or inquiry@wcwc.ca.

Walkerton Clean Water Centre Rings In The New Year By Celebrating A Major Milestone

Training has been provided to 100,000 participants ensuring safe drinking water across Ontario

 The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is excited to announce that it has provided training on drinking water treatment, technologies and regulatory requirements to 100,000 participants across Ontario.

To thank the drinking water professionals whose hard work and dedication helps to ensure the safety and sustainability of drinking water across Ontario, WCWC will be hosting a series of four weekly draws. Every training participant from January 1, 2022 – February 4, 2022 will be entered into one of four weekly draws for a free one-day virtual training session of their choice.

WCWC would like to thank every one of its clients for their support and suggestions that contribute to the continuous improvement of critical programs. WCWC looks forward to continuing to expand and improve the training offerings available to drinking water professionals, both in the classroom and through virtual and on-demand options.

For more information about WCWC, or to register for any of WCWC’s upcoming courses, please visit wcwc.ca or contact us at 866-515-0550 or inquiry@wcwc.ca.

Walkerton Clean Water Centre Welcomes Adam Siefert as Manager of Finance and Administration

WCWC is pleased to announce that Adam Siefert has joined the team as Manager of Finance and Administration.

Adam brings experience from both the public and private sectors. He was previously Operations Manager at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Slots at Hanover Raceway where he was responsible for operation management and business continuity. Most recently, Adam was Controller at Wightman Telecom where he oversaw auditing, budgeting, accounts payable and receivable, shipping and receiving, procurement and maintenance of numerous buildings.

Adam graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Sport Management degree. He also earned an Accounting diploma from McMaster University’s Centre for Continuing Education and is working towards his Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) designation.

WCWC looks forward to welcoming Adam and the knowledge and experience he will bring.

WCWC would also like to extend best wishes to Greg Hayes who will be retiring at the end of the year. Greg dedicated more than 15 years of service to WCWC and was an integral part of the WCWC team. His invaluable contributions as the Manager of Finance and Administration will be missed.

For more information about WCWC, please visit wcwc.ca or contact us at 866-515-0550 or inquiry@wcwc.ca.