hands-on training Tag

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

Operation Of Conventional Treatment Processes

Are you curious about the Operation of Conventional Treatment Processes course for postsecondary students? Elliot Jones, Acting Scientist, answers your most common questions:

1.What can I expect from the course?

The course is an excellent opportunity to gain a glimpse at the roles and responsibilities associated with operating a drinking water system in Ontario. It gives attendees a chance to operate, monitor and troubleshoot our pilot-size conventional treatment plant. It also provides hands-on experience in the laboratory monitoring basic water quality parameters, and the chance to work with various on-line, bench-top, and handheld analyzers found throughout the water industry.

2.What will I learn about?

Through this hands-on course, participants gain a better understanding of operating and optimizing the conventional water treatment process. The course also provides an excellent opportunity to become familiar with jar testing at the bench-scale, collecting water quality data, and scaling the learned results to the pilot-scale treatment plant, including the necessary skills required for setting up chemical feed systems.

3.What do I have to bring?

Because this is a hands-on course, operating in both the lab and the Technology Demonstration Facility, closed toed shoes (preferably steel toe) and pants (no shorts) are required. Bring a great attitude and willingness to learn alongside industry professionals while using specialized treatment equipment to ensure you have an excellent time!

4.Is lunch provided?

Lunch is provided, and the desserts and coffee add to the great three-day experience!

Since 2007, WCWC has offered hands-on training to support students who are enrolled in Ontario colleges that include the Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators as part of their curriculum. For more information on WCWC training, please visit wcwc.ca, or contact us at 866-515-0550 or training@wcwc.ca.

WCWC Dedicated to Providing Client Support

The WCWC Training Operations department supports our clients by coordinating mandatory and specialized training for water system owners, operators and operating authorities across Ontario. Kelly Weber, Training Support Representative, answers some common questions about WCWC training.

With all the COVID-19 restrictions, are you offering in-class training?

Yes we are continuing to offer in-class training and WCWC has incorporated a COVID-19 Training Session Protocol to enhance safety for our participants and staff. This protocol includes a pre-screening for our venues, participants and staff, social distancing and disinfection measures, and follows all guidelines for “Training in COVID-19” of the Ministry of Labour.

I am not comfortable attending a class right now, what are my options?

WCWC has been offering several of our popular courses virtually, and more are under development! These are live virtual training sessions with interaction between the instructor and participants and there is a class maximum of 15. View our upcoming schedule by visiting wcwc.ca/registration.

How do I register for upcoming courses?

You can register right on our website! Visit wcwc.ca/registration and click on the course, then “register now”.

Can I have a copy of my training certificate?

For certificates for courses delivered by WCWC, you can log in to “my profile” anytime and view your course history and reprint a copy of your certificate. Or please email training@wcwc.ca or call WCWC directly at 1-866-515-0550.

For further information about any WCWC courses, please visit wcwc.ca or contact us at 866-515-0550 or training@wcwc.ca.

WCWC Technology Demonstration Facility

WCWC operates a state-of-the-art Technology Demonstration Facility in Walkerton, Ontario. Geoff Graham, Technician, explains how the Technology Demonstration Facility is used to provide education, information and advice in support of our clients.  

 1. What is the Technology Demonstration Facility?

The Technology Demonstration Facility is a unique platform for hands-on training and pilot testing projects for the water industry. The idea is to showcase as well as test the wide variety of equipment and processes used throughout Ontario. WCWC provides tours of the Technology Demonstration Facility to share information about the equipment and operational requirements necessary to ensure drinking water is safe.

2. What equipment is there?

The Technology Demonstration Facility features the latest conventional and advanced water treatment and control technologies, laboratory, and model distribution systems. Some of the pilot treatment units available include: dissolved air flotation; ultrafiltration; nanofiltration; reverse osmosis; fixed bed and magnetic ion exchange; slow sand filtration; ozone; ultraviolet light; and advanced oxidation processes. There is also a variety of fire hydrants and other water distribution equipment to allow demonstrations and training of operators in a controlled and safe environment.

3. How is the Technology Demonstration Facility used for pilot testing projects?

A WCWC pilot testing project is a small-scale practical study to evaluate feasibility, duration, or performance of a water treatment strategy and its effect on water quality. This can include bench or pilot-scale projects that may address multiple water quality parameters. These projects can be completed on-site or at the Technology Demonstration Facility. We have the capability to store a large volume of water on site which can then be fed through one or more water treatment processes to evaluate the treatment effectiveness.

For more information about the Technology Demonstration Facility, or to schedule a tour, contact us at 866-515-0550 or inquiry@wcwc.ca.

SMALL SYSTEMS HANDS-ON WORKSHOP COMING TO PETERBOROUGH

The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is pleased to be hosting a small systems hands-on workshop geared especially to the owners and operators of small systems defined under Ontario Regulation 170/03 and Ontario Regulation 319/08. The workshop will provide opportunities for training that can be used to maintain the Trained Person designation.

Participants will choose three of four modules focusing on the operation and maintenance of small drinking water systems, earning 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs.) Modules are led by industry experts. Planned modules include:

Participants at a 2018 Small Systems Hands-On Workshop

• Sampling, Testing, Adverse Test Results and Corrective Actions
• Small Systems: Maintaining Chemical Pumps — NEW!
• Ultraviolet Disinfection and Maintenance
• Well Maintenance

The workshop will be held on March 25, 2020, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in Peterborough.

For the first time, WCWC is offering a 10 per cent early-bird discount for registrants. The cost to register is $230.00 + HST until February 12, 2020.

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

Success At Regional Maintenancefest

The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) hosted a successful regional Maintenancefest event in Thunder Bay on October 16, 2019 in conjunction with the Northwestern Ontario Water and Wastewater Conference.

Participants work on a module at regional Maintenancefest
Des participants travaillent sur un module lors du Maintenancefest régional

Maintenancefest is a unique hands-on event that allowed 26 participants to cycle through training modules of their choice, earning 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Training modules included:

• Maintenance & Calibration of Chemical Pumps
• Maintenance of Valves
• Membrane Maintenance & Repair
• Sampling, Testing, Adverse Test Results

Feedback was extremely positive and 100 per cent of survey respondents indicated they would recommend the event to others.

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

Small Systems Hands-On Workshop Coming To Huntsville

The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is pleased to be hosting a small systems hands-on workshop geared especially to the owners and operators of small systems defined under Ontario Regulation 170/03 and Ontario Regulation 319/08. The workshop will provide opportunities for training that can be used to maintain the Trained Person designation.

The workshop will consist of a choice of five training modules focusing on the operation and maintenance of small drinking water systems. Participants will choose three modules and rotate through sessions, earning 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs.) Planned modules include:

• Completing Logbook and Logsheet Entries
• Sampling, Testing, Adverse Test Results and Corrective Actions
• Small System Filters
• Ultraviolet Disinfection Theory and Maintenance
• Well Maintenance

Modules are led by industry experts, including WCWC’s Small Systems Specialist, Stephanie Meades. Stephanie supports small drinking water system operators across Ontario, with a focus on Ontario Regulation 319/08 systems.

The workshop will be held on November 5, 2019, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in Huntsville. The

Participants at the 2018 Small Systems Hands-On Workshop

cost to register is $203.00 + HST.

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

Ninth Annual Maintenancefest A Success

The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) hosted the ninth annual Maintenancefest in Walkerton on August 27 and 28, 2019.

Maintenancefest is a unique hands-on event that allows participants to cycle through six training modules of their choice, out of a total of 12 modules, earning 1.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over the course of two days. Training modules included:

• Backflow and Cross Connection
• Basics of SCADA Programming
• Basics of Utility Locates
• Completing Logbook and Logsheet Entries
• Concrete Pressure Pipe Tapping Awareness
• Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
• Jar Testing
• Leak Detection
• Pressure Control Valves
• Unidirectional Flushing
• UV Maintenance
• Well and Well Pump Monitoring

Maintenancefest is one of the most popular training events delivered each year by WCWC. This year, more than 100 participants attended. Feedback was extremely positive and 92 per cent of survey respondents indicated they would recommend the event to others.

For more information on any WCWC training, please visit wcwc.ca, or contact us at 866-515-0550 or training@wcwc.ca.

New Training Modules Added To Ninth Annual Maintenancefest

Due to the overwhelming response from clients, the Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) has added two new training modules to the lineup 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. Planned modules include:

• Backflow and Cross Connection
• Basics of SCADA Programming

Participants work on the Basics of Utility Locates module at the 8th annual Maintenancefest

• Basics of Utility Locates
• Completing Logbook and Logsheet Entries
• Concrete Pressure Pipe Tapping Awareness
• Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
• Jar Testing
• Leak Detection
• Pressure Control Valves
• Unidirectional Flushing
• UV Maintenance
• Well and Well Pump Monitoring

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!