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
A Study to Reduce Disinfection By-Products in a First Nation Community’s Drinking Water Supply *NEW*
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
Optimizing Coagulant Doses by Jar Tests
Optimizing Regeneration Process of Greensand Filtration to Reduce Disinfection By-Products *NEW*
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
Practical Reduction of Arsenic From Groundwater: Two Towns With Two Different Solutions *NEW*
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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Small Drinking Water Systems Resources
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is committed to supporting the owners and operators of Ontario’s small systems. These technical resources were collected for small water system owners/operators.
For further support, the following contacts will assist you:
- WCWC can assist with your training needs.
- OWWCO (Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office) will accept inquiries regarding licensing and renewals.
- Your local Public Health Unit or Public Health Inspector for more information on operation requirements, inspections and compliance for your small drinking water system.
Fact Sheets
How to Ensure Your Water is Safe
Information for you about Drinking Water Treatments
Small Drinking Water Systems under the Health Protection and Promotion Act – Get to Know the Law
Small Drinking Water Systems under the Health Protection and Promotion Act – Source Water
Small Drinking Water Systems under the Health Protection and Promotion Act – Operator Training
Small Drinking Water Systems under the Health Protection and Promotion Act – Sampling and Testing
Small Drinking Water Systems under the Health Protection and Promotion Act – Treatment Options
Treatment Technologies for Small Drinking Water Systems
Ultraviolet disinfection technical bulletin
Understanding Your Well Water Test Results
Forms
Laboratory Services Notification (LSN) – Small Drinking Water Systems
Notice of Adverse Test Results and Issue Resolution – Small Drinking Water Systems (MOHLTC)
Notice to Operate or Reopen a Small Drinking Water System
Registration and laboratory services notification for schools, private schools and day nurseries
Guides
A Guide for Operators and Owners of Drinking Water Systems that Serve Designated Facilities
A Guide for Owners and Operators of Non-Municipal Year-Round Residential Drinking Water Systems
An Introduction to Operating a Small Drinking Water System
Arsenic Treatment Technology Evaluation Handbook for Small Systems
Asset Management: A Handbook for Small Water Systems
Control and Mitigation of Drinking Water Losses in Distribution Systems
Cross-Connection Control: A Best Practices Guide
Cross-Connection Control Manual
Distribution Systems: A Best Practices Guide
Drinking Water Security for Small Systems Serving 3,300 or Fewer Persons
Drought Planning for Small Community Water Systems
Guidance For Safe Drinking Water In Canada: From Intake To Tap
Improving Security through Capacity Development: Capacity Self-Assessments
New Small Drinking Water Systems Program in Ontario Backgrounder
Ontario Drinking Water Regulations for Small Systems
Point-of-Use or Point-of-Entry Treatment Options for Small Drinking Water Systems
Preventive Maintenance Tasks for Small Public Water Systems Using Ground Water
Removing Multiple Contaminants from Drinking Water: Issues to Consider
Setting Small Drinking Water System Rates For A Sustainable Future
Small Drinking Water Systems Risk Assessment Guideline
Strategic Planning: A Handbook for Small Water Systems
Strategies for Saving Energy at Public Water Systems
Taking Stock of your Water System: A Simple Asset Inventory for Very Small Drinking Water Systems
Talking to Your Customers About Chronic Contaminants in Drinking Water: A Best Practices Guide
Talking to Your Decision Makers: A Best Practices Guide
Water Audits and Water Loss Control For Public Water Systems
Water Availability and Variability Strategies For Public Water Systems
Water System Owner Roles and Responsibilities: A Best Practices Guide
Presentations and Project Summaries
Appropriate Technologies for Small Systems
Assessing Pre-treatment Needs of Small Systems
Dual Water/Wastewater Plants: Challenges and Benefits
Reducing Disinfection By-Products in Small Drinking Water Systems
Watershed Modeling to Evaluate Water Quality at Intakes of Small Drinking Water Systems
Regulations
O. Reg. 169/03: Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards
O. Reg. 170/03: Drinking Water Systems
O. Reg. 319/08: SMALL DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS
Practices for Collection and Handling of Drinking Water Samples
Procedure for Disinfection of Drinking Water in Ontario
Required qualifications to operate, test or sample drinking water systems
Technical support document for Ontario drinking water standards, objectives and guidelines
Sampling and Analysis
Advice for the Operation of Potable Water Field Test Equipment
How to analyze free chlorine residual
How to analyze pH and temperature of a drinking water sample
How to analyze UV absorbance and transmittance
How to analyze total chlorine residual
Tools
Drinking Water Treatability Database
Electronic Preventive Maintenance Logs
Knowledge Retention Tool Spreadsheet for Small Water Systems
Preventive Maintenance Card File for Small Public Water Systems Using Ground Water
Rural Water Quality Information Tool
The Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS)
Training
How to Maintain Your Trained Person Designation
Steps to Become a Limited System Operator
Water Quality Challenges in Small Drinking Water Systems in Southern Ontario
Water Quality Training Learning Modules for Micro-Systems
Videos
Disinfection for Micro-Systems
Peristaltic Pump Tubing Change
Small On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
Ultraviolet and Reverse Osmosis for Micro-Systems
Water Filtration and Ion Exchange for Micro-Systems
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Free Small Systems Training from the Government of Canada
‘This site contains water quality training materials that provides basic information that can help a person learn how to operate and maintain a micro-system (water systems serving up to and including 25 people). The training has been developed by Canadian federal departments as part of a multi-barrier approach to providing safe drinking water in areas of federal jurisdiction, including on federal lands, in federal facilities and/or in First Nations communities. This includes Federal government employees working in Canada, as well as Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian Forces personnel, and Canadian diplomatic mission staff working abroad.
The training is provided in two parts: the main training is in a video or e-Learning format with the second part being an accompanying document that can be printed for more in-depth training.’
Water Quality Training Modules
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Small Systems Webinar Series
‘The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) Office of Research and Development and Office of Water host this webinar series to communicate the latest information on solutions for challenges facing small drinking water systems. (USEPA, 2021)’
Free drinking water-focused webinars typically held on the last Tuesday of the month from 2:00-3:00 pm ET.
Past Webinar Recordings
AWIA and Creating Resilient Water Utilities (November 17, 2020)
Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts (October 27, 2020)
Wildfires and Resulting Impacts to Water Bodies Used as Drinking Water Sources (September 29, 2020)
17th Annual EPA Drinking Water Virtual Workshop (August 31, 2020)
- In-Depth Training T1: Sanitary Surveys–Filtration and Disinfection
- In-Depth Training T3: Distribution System and Treatment Models
- Session 2A – Monitoring & Distribution I: Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts
- Session 2B–Source & Treatment I: Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances PFAS
- Session 3A – Monitoring & Distribution II: Pathogens and Disinfection
- Session 3B – Source & Treatment II: Source Water Quality and Protection
- Session 4A – Monitoring & Distribution III: Corrosion and Lead
- Session 4B – Source & Treatment III: Extremely Small Systems
- Session 5A – Monitoring & Distribution IV: Water Quality Changes
- Session 5B – Source & Treatment IV: Contaminant Removal
- Session 7A – Monitoring & Distribution V: Methods and Analytics
- Session 7B – Source & Treatment V: Managing Contaminants
- Session 8A–Monitoring & Distribution VI: Distribution System Best Practices
- Session 8B – Source & Treatment VI: Implementing Innovative Treatments
AWIA Risk and Resilience Check List and AWIA Lessons Learned (July 28, 2020)
Drinking Water Microbes 101 (May 19, 2020)
Drinking Water Regulations 101 and Best Practices for Training Utilities (March 31, 2020)
Drinking Water Tools for Small Systems (February 25, 2020)
Legionella Management and Treatment (January 28, 2020)
Risk Assessment, Emergency Response, and Developing Emergency Repose Plans (November 19, 2019)
16th Annual EPA Drinking Water Workshop (September 24, 2019)
- Session 8A – Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)
- Session 3B: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
- Session 4A: Water Quality Changes Regional Perspective on Planning Source or Treatment Changes
- Session 5A: Pathogens and Disinfection Nitrification Action Plans and Monitoring
Increasing Analytical Laboratory Preparedness (August 27, 2019)
Sanitary Surveys (June 25, 2019)
Harmful Algal Blooms and Algal Toxin Treatment (May 21, 2019)
Lead Management in Homes and Buildings (March 26, 2019)
Treatment Technologies for Removing Chemicals of Concern (February 26, 2019)
Tribal and Very Small Systems (November 27, 2018)
Droughts and Flooding (September 25, 2018)
15th Annual EPA Drinking Water Workshop (August 28, 2018)
- Session 9A: Pathogens and Biofilm
- Session 3B: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Efforts, Perspective, and Treatment
- Session 4B: Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) Implementation
Tank Management/Distribution System Optimization (July 31, 2018)
Source Water Protection (June 26, 2018)
Conventional Treatment Options for Harmful Algal Blooms (June 5, 2018)
Simultaneous Compliance: Considerations for Adjusting Treatment (April 24, 2018)
Water Security and Resiliency (March 27, 2018)
Alternative Disinfection: Dichlor & Trichlor (January 30, 2018)
Lead in Schools and Selecting Lead Free Plumbing Products (November 28, 2017)
Treatment and Control for Manganese and Iron (August 29, 2017)
Water Loss and Distribution System Infrastructure: Leak Detection and Cost Savings (July 25, 2017)
Harmful Algal Blooms: Treatment, Risk Communications Toolbox, and Management Plans (June 27, 2017)
Water Security and Resiliency (April 25, 2017)
Source Water Protection (March 28, 2017)
Removal of Inorganic Contaminants of Interest: Strontium and Nitrates (February 28, 2017)
Disinfection Residuals (January 31, 2017)
Legionella Control in Large Building Water Systems (October 25, 2016)
Perfluorinated Chemicals: Analytics, Occurrence, and Treatment (September 27, 2016)
Removal of Multiple Contaminants: Biological Treatment and Ion Exchange (August 30, 2016)
Lead and Copper: Sampling and Water Quality Challenges (July 26, 2016)
Disinfection Byproducts: Regulatory Issues and Solutions (June 14, 2016)
Point of Use/Point of Entry (POU/POE) Treatment Devices (March 29, 2016)
Consumer Confidence Reports: Electronic Delivery and Best Practices (February 23, 2016)
Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water (December 15, 2015)
Treatability Database, Cost Models, and Other Tools for Water Systems (November 24, 2015)
Decentralized High-Rate Wastewater Treatment of Peak Wet Weather Flows (October 27, 2015)
Corrosion Control for Drinking Water Systems (July 28, 2015)
Biological and Microbial Aspects of Septic System Pollution (June 30, 2015)
Current Water Treatment and Distribution System Optimization for Cyanotoxins (May 26, 2015)
Understanding End Water Quality in Hospitals and Other Large Buildings (April 28, 2015)
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Natural Organic Matter and Disinfection By-Products
The following links provide information on natural organic matter (NOM) and the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) when a chlorine-based disinfectant is introduced in drinking water. Information on treatment strategies to reduce both NOM and DBPs are included in this post.
Abstracts & Articles
Advanced Water Treatment Strategies for the Removal of Natural and Synthetic Organic Contaminants
Chlorination Disinfection By-Products in Drinking Water
Effect of Biofiltration on DBP Formation at Full-Scale and Pilot-Scale
Enhanced Organic Precursor Removals by Gravel Roughing Filters
Enhanced Organic Precursor Removals Using “Aged” Filter Media
Formation and removal of ozonation by-products in drinking water biofilters
Organic Compounds and Genotoxicity in Drinking Water
Removal of organic compounds from aqueous solutions by electron radiation technique
Trihalomethanes: Concentrations, Cancer Risks, and Regulations
Fact Sheets
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) & Groundwater
Water Treatment and Disinfection By-Product Formation
Guides
Guidance on natural organic matter in drinking water
Pilot Testing Project Reports
Conventional and Dissolved Air Flotation Jar Testing
Conventional Treatment Optimization for Big Grassy First Nation
Decentralized Pilot Testing for Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
Optimization of Conventional Treatment Processes for Residual Aluminum Control
Reduction of Iron and Manganese Using Conventional Treatment and Greensand Filtration
Pilot Testing Project Summaries
Conventional and Dissolved Air Flotation Jar Testing
Conventional Treatment Optimization for Big Grassy First Nation
Decentralized Pilot Testing for Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
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
Presentations
Minimizing DBPs With Multiple Disinfectant Barriers to Achieve Multiple Objectives
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
Reducing Disinfection By-Products in Small Drinking Water Systems
Using Fixed Bed Ion Exchange Process to Enhance the Reduction of Organics
Webinars
Advances in PAC Adsorption for DBP Precursor and Micropollutant Removal
Localized Treatment for Disinfection By-Products
Reducing Volatile DBPs in Treated Drinking Water Using Aeration Technologies
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Iron
This post provides information on iron in drinking water and reducing iron through treatment options and optimization.
Articles
Keeping Iron Bacteria Out of Your Well
Fact Sheets
Home Drinking Water Treatment Devices
How to Operate and Maintain Manganese Greensand Treatment Units
Shock chlorination and control of iron bacteria
Water-related Diseases: Anaemia
Guides
Guidance on Controlling Corrosion in Drinking Water Distribution Systems
Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – Iron
Small Public Water System Technology Guide, Volume I – Iron and Manganese Control
Pilot Testing Reports & Summaries
Evaluation of Greensand Filtration Operation for the Reduction of Manganese
Exploring Iron Reduction Options for a Groundwater Source
Reduction of Iron and Manganese Using Conventional Treatment and Greensand Filtration
Reducing Iron in a Groundwater Well
Pilot Testing to Reduce Iron and Hydrogen Sulfide Gas
Presentations
A Pilot Plant Study to Reduce Iron and Manganese
Pilot Testing to Reduce Iron and Hydrogen Sulfide Gas
Reducing Iron in a Groundwater Well
Reduction of Iron and Hydrogen Sulfide from a Well System
Videos
EPA Small Systems Webinar: Treatment and Control for Manganese and Iron
Remove Iron , Sulfur, Manganese by Oxidation System
Read More
Manganese
This post provides information on manganese in drinking water and reducing manganese through treatment options and optimization.
Articles & Abstracts
Adsorptive Contactors for Removal of Soluble Manganese During Drinking Water Treatment
Canada’s New Manganese Guideline Value Among the Lowest in the World
Health Canada Develops New Guidelines for Manganese in Drinking Water
Manganese Removal from Drinking Water Sources
Manganese Removal Processes at 10 Groundwater Fed Full-Scale Drinking Water Treatment Plants
Occurrence of Manganese in Drinking Water and Manganese Control
Removal of Iron and Manganese from Drinking Water Supply
The effects of manganese exposure from drinking water on school-age children: A systematic review
Time to Re-evaluate the Guideline Value for Manganese in Drinking Water?
Fact Sheets
About Iron and Manganese in Drinking Water
How to Operate and Maintain Manganese Greensand Treatment Units
Removal of Manganese from Drinking Water
Guides
Contaminant Candidate List Regulatory Determination Support Document for Manganese
Drinking Water Health Advisory for Manganese
Health Effects Support Document for Manganese
Iron and Manganese in Private Water Systems
Iron and Manganese Removal Handbook
Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality – Manganese
Manganese in Drinking Water – Document for Public Consultation
Water Talk – Manganese in Drinking Water
Pilot Testing Reports & Summaries
Evaluation of Greensand Filtration Operation for the Reduction of Manganese
Pilot Testing with Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
Reduction of Iron and Manganese Using Conventional Treatment and Greensand Filtration
Presentations
A Pilot Plant Study to Reduce Iron and Manganese
Videos
Guidance for the Treatment of Manganese
Legacy of Manganese (Mn) Accumulation in Water Systems Webcast
Treatment and Control for Manganese and Iron Small Systems
Read More
Asset Management
As part of their financial plan, municipal residential drinking water systems now have an asset management plan. These plans help you to increase your knowledge of your system, prioritize rehabilitation and replacement needs and reduce system downtime lowering the risk to human health.
Articles, Abstracts & Reports
Asset Management Framework for Forested and Natural Assets
Defining and Scoping Municipal Natural Assets
Leveraging Asset Management Data for Improved Water Infrastructure Planning
Sustainable Municipal Water and Wastewater Management Using System Dynamics
Visioning A State Of Good Repair Program: First Steps And Best Practices
Your Asset Management Committee at Work
Guides
Asset Management: A Best Practices Guide
Asset Management: A Handbook for Small Public Water Systems – STEP Guide Series
Taking Stock of Your Water System: A Simple Asset Inventory for Very Small Drinking Water Systems
Fact Sheets
Asset Management for Local Officials
Building an Asset Management Team
Tools
Information on Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS) Asset Management Tool
International Stormwater BMP Database
Reference Guide for Asset Management Tools
Strategic Asset Management – Benefit Cost Analysis Tool
The Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS)
Your Utility Balance Sheet Part 1: Assets and Part 2: Liabilities, Equity and Ratios
Videos
Condition Assessment and PCCP Pipe: Critical Components of North American Asset Management
Municipal Natural Assets Initiative
SIMPLE – EPA Asset Management Training Material Videos
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WCWC Helpline FAQs
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre offers a service for Ontario’s owners, operators and operating authorities of drinking water systems and members from the public. Through our helpline, we provide information, education and advice to address questions related to drinking water including treatment processes, equipment, operational requirements and environmental factors.
Below are answers and resources for frequently asked questions we receive. If you can’t find the answer to your question, contact us toll free at 1-855-306-1155 or email us at helpline@wcwc.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use certified products or materials in my drinking water system?
How do I get my drinking water tested?
How do I know if there is lead in my water?
How do I take care of my cistern?
What are the requirements for hauling potable water?
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National Environmental Services Centre (NESC) Fact Sheets
The National Environmental Services Centre (NESC) provides fact sheets in conjunction with the National Drinking Water Clearinghouse and the University of Virginia. These fact sheets can be accessed in this post.
Fact Sheets
Basic water and wastewater formulas
Biofilm control in distribution systems
Cross connection and backflow prevention
Development of low-cost treatment options for arsenic removal in water treatment facilities
Diatomaceous earth filtration for drinking water
Fundamentals of Hydraulics – Flow
Fundamentals of Hydraulics – Pressure
How to begin a fire hydrant operation and maintenance program
How to operate and maintain manganese greensand treatment units
Ion Exchange and Demineralization
Leak detection and water loss control
Oil and gas extraction and source water protection
On-site generation of disinfectants
Point-of-use and point-of-entry systems
Quality control in construction projects
Reading centrifugal pump curves
Repairing distribution line breaks
Simultaneous compliance with drinking water regulations
Treatment technologies for small drinking water systems
Water efficiency and conservation
Water quality in distribution systems
Water treatment plant residuals management
Well maintenance and groundwater protection
Posters
Cross connection and backflow prevention
Disponible en français.
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