
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
Disponible en français.
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USEPA Small Systems Webinar Series
‘The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s 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.’
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)
Disponible en français.
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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
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
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
Advice for the Operation of Potable Water Field Test Equipment
Disinfection for Micro-Systems
How to Analyze Free Chlorine Residual
How to Analyze Total Chlorine Residual
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
Disponible en français.
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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?
Disponible en français.
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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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