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
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Wednesdays with Warren: Water Movement Operator Training Videos
Wednesdays with Warren is an initiative by Water Movement to bridge the connection between Indigenous water operators by providing a collaborative online space where they can connect, share lessons learned and access a video library.
Water Movement is a registered Canadian non-for-profit. Their team of volunteers includes a unique mix of industry professionals and university students. For more information, visit their website.
Video Library
Meet Water Operator Warren Brown!
How to do a Chlorine Residual Test
Slow Sand Filtration and Filter Scrape
Meet Water Treatment Professor Stephen Romaniuk: Things I Wish I Knew as a Young Professional
Solids Retention Time: Wastewater Treatment Practice Problems
Meet Circuit Rider Trainer Rod: Working in the Water Sector
Why are Fire Hydrants Different Colours?
Could You Pass the Water Operator-in-Training Exam?
How a Water Treatment Plant Cleans Your Water
Meet Circuit Rider Trainer Blair: What Does a Circuit Rider Trainer Do?
Reasons Why You Should Go to School for Water Treatment
How do Chemical Dosing Pumps Work?
How to Service and Maintain a Century Fire Hydrant
The True, Unseen Heroes Bringing You Clean Water
Visit our online library’s main webpage to find more resources on topics related to drinking water or view these similar posts.
First Nations Water System Resources
Free Small Systems Training from the Government of Canada
Study Guides for Examinations, Math Problems and Practice Quizzes
Image from https://www.watermovement.ca/
Disponible en français.
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Federal Drinking Water Systems
‘Most drinking water supplies in Canada are under provincial or territorial jurisdiction and have regulations, policies and/or standard operating procedures to follow. Federal departments are responsible for the safety of drinking water provided to consumers in areas of federal jurisdiction. Federal legislation establishes the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (GCDWQ) as the prescribed standards but does not provide guidance on their implementation.
The Interdepartmental Working Group on Drinking Water (IWGDW) was created in 2002 to develop health-based guidance for federal drinking water providers. It comprises federal representatives from departments that have responsibilities for producing and/or providing safe and reliable drinking water in areas of federal jurisdiction. Health Canada provides the technical secretariat for the working group and leads the development of this document’ (Health Canada).
Visit our online library’s main webpage to find more resources on topics related to drinking water.
Acts
Guides
- Guidance for providing safe drinking water in areas of federal jurisdiction
- Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines
- Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality – Third Edition
- Issuing and Rescinding Boil Water Advisories in Canadian Drinking Water Supplies
- Issuing and Rescinding Drinking Water Avoidance Advisories in Emergency Situations
- Controlling Corrosion in Drinking Water Distribution Systems
- Domestic Reclaimed Water for use in Toilet and Urinal Flushing
- Potassium from Water Softeners
Training
Links
- Health Canada – Environmental and Workplace Health department
- Environment Canada: Wastewater
- Questions and Answers on Drinking Water Treatment Devices
- Drinking Water Chlorination
View these similar posts on the WCWC online library for more information.
Free Small Systems Training from the Government of Canada
Guidance for Providing Safe Drinking Water in Areas of Federal Jurisdiction
First Nations Water System Resources
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First Nations Water System Resources
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre is committed to supporting First Nations drinking water systems in Ontario.
Join our Facebook Community or visit our website to stay up to date on training events being held for First Nations Communities.
Visit our online library’s main webpage to find more resources on topics related to drinking water.
Drinking Water System Resources
About Drinking Water Advisories
AWWAO: Helping Train and Certify Ontario First Nations Operators
Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program
Chlorine in Drinking Water in First Nation Communities
Controlling Corrosion in Drinking Water Distribution Systems
Design Guidelines for First Nations Water Works
Disinfection By-Products in Drinking Water
Drinking Groundwater and Well Water Safety
Eco Report Details First Nations Water Issues and Offers Hope
Emergency Response Plan for Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities
Ending Long-Term Drinking Water Advisories
Environment Canada: Water and the Environment
First Nation Community Infrastructure
First Nation Infrastructure Fund
First Nations Infrastructure Investment Plans and Reports
First Nations On-Reserve Source Water Protection Plan
Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality – Third Edition
Inspecting Your Well: A Step-By-Step Checklist
Issuing and Rescinding Boil Water Advisories in Canadian Drinking Water Supplies
Issuing and Rescinding Drinking Water Avoidance Advisories in Emergency Situations
Lifecycle of a First Nation Community Infrastructure Project
Maintenance Management Plan for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities
National First Nations Water Leadership Award
Preventive Maintenance Tasks for Tribal Drinking Water Systems Guide Booklet (US EPA)
Protocol for Centralised Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities
Protocol for Decentralised Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities
Protocol for Safe Drinking Water in First Nations Communities
Providing Safe Drinking Water in Areas of Federal Jurisdiction
Protocols and Guidelines for Water Systems
Questions and Answers on Drinking Water Treatment Devices
Report Pollution and Spills – Spills Action Centre
Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act
Short-Term Drinking Water Advisories by Region
Sustaining Healthy Communities Through a New Clean Water and Wastewater Fund
The OFNTSC: Delivering the Know-How to Achieve Clean Water in First Nations Communities
Training and Support for Managing Drinking Water Systems in First Nations Communities in Ontario
Water and Wastewater Policy and Level of Services Standards (Corporate Manual System)
Water Treatment Plant at Six Nations of the Grand River
Working With First Nations to Improve Drinking Water
Wastewater System Resources
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program
Circuit Rider Training Program
Emergency Response Plan for Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities
Environment Canada: Wastewater
First Nation Community Infrastructure
First Nation Infrastructure Fund
First Nations Infrastructure Investment Plans and Reports
Lifecycle of a First Nation Community Infrastructure Project
Maintenance Management Plan for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities
Protocol for Centralised Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities
Protocol for Decentralised Water and Wastewater Systems in First Nations Communities
Septic Tank and Leaching Bed Safety
Sustaining Healthy Communities Through a New Clean Water and Wastewater Fund
Wastewater in First Nations Communities
Water and Wastewater Policy and Level of Services Standards (Corporate Manual System)
WCWC Pilot Testing Projects Completed for First Nation Communities
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
Optimizing Coagulant Doses by Jar Tests
Optimizing Regeneration Process of Greensand Filtration to Reduce Disinfection By-Products *NEW*
Reduction of Iron and Manganese Using Conventional Treatment and Greensand Filtration
The following organizations can also provide more information or assistance.
- Indigenous Services Canada
- Chiefs of Ontario
- Health Canada – Environmental and Workplace Health department
- Keewaytinook Centre of Excellence
- Circuit Rider Training Program
- Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation
- Aboriginal Water and Wastewater Association of Ontario
View these similar posts on the WCWC online library for more information.
Wednesday’s With Warren: Water Operator Training Videos
Study Guides for Examinations, Math Problems and Practice Quizzes
Free Small Systems Training from the Government of Canada
Regulatory Resources for Ontario Systems
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Well Construction and Licensing
The licensing of well contractors and technicians promotes and supports enforcement of safe environmental practices to maintain the health of Ontario’s groundwater resources. You will need a well technician license or employ a person with a well technician license to construct, maintain, repair or upgrade a well.
This collection of resources was assembled for well contractors, technicians and anyone interested in learning the rules for constructing, maintaining or making repairs to a water well.
Rules for the person who is constructing a new water supply well.
You can also find the full set of requirements for well construction and licensing at:
Find a Contractor
- Find Licensed Well Contractors – Use this directory to find licensed well contractors.
- Find an Ontario Ground Water Association (OGWA) Member Contractor in your Area – Use this directory to find a contractor.
Licensing & Records
- Well Contractor License – How to apply for and renew a well contractor license so you can operate a well construction business.
- Well Technician License – How to apply for and renew a well technician license, as well as add a new class(es).
- Well Records – How to complete, submit or get a copy of a well record.
Technical Bulletins for Ontario’s Wells Regulation
- Completing the New Well’s Structure
- Completing the Structure of the New Test Hole or Dewatering Well
- Constructing New Multi-Level Monitoring Test Holes
- Constructing New Test Holes & Dewatering Wells
- Constructing New Test Holes & Dewatering Wells in Operation for No Longer than 180 Days
- Constructing New Uncased Test Holes & Dewatering Wells in Operation for No Longer than 30 Days
- Exempted Activities Performed on Wells, Including Test Holes & Dewatering Wells
- Flowing Test Holes and Dewatering Wells
- Flowing Wells
- Installing Equipment in a Well
- Licensing (Class 5) for individuals who Perform Tests on Wells
- New Construction of the Hole, Casing, Well Screen and Annular Space
- Shallow Works Test Holes and Dewatering Wells
- Site Considerations & Initial Planning for Test Holes & Dewatering Wells
- Siting a New Well
- Test Hole and Dewatering Well Licensing
- Test Hole & Dewatering Well Maintenance
- Test Hole & Dewatering Well Repairs & Alterations
- Test holes and dewatering wells – Requirements and best management practices
- Understanding the Meaning of Well, Test Hole and Dewatering Well
- Water Supply Wells: Requirements and Best Practices
- Well Abandonment: How to Plug and Seal a Test Hole or Dewatering Well
- Well Abandonment: How to Plug and Seal a Well
- Well Abandonment: When to Plug and Seal a Well
- Well Construction Licensing
- Well Disinfection
- Well Maintenance
- Well Record, Reporting & Tagging for a Test Hole & Dewatering Wells
- Well Repairs and Other Alterations
Well Technician Training
- Fleming College – Ontario Well Technician training courses at Fleming College including courses to obtain your license and courses to maintain your license.
- Lusk Geo Inc. – Provides training in groundwater, water wells, geothermal systems and Well Technician Licensing.
Associations
- Ontario Ground Water Association – a not for profit association consisting of professional members who are involved in the ground water industry in Ontario. They include — Well Drillers, Environmental/Geotechnical Drillers, Pump Installers, Manufacturers and Suppliers, as well as Scientists and Engineers. Included are the company owners as well as their employees.
- Canadian Water Quality Association – representing the Canadian water quality improvement industry.
- Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association – representing the onsite and decentralized wastewater industry in Ontario, including educators, regulators, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and other parties.
- Hydrogeologists Without Borders – a Canadian non-profit organization and registered charity, based in Calgary.
- Canadian National Ground Water Association – a Canadian non-profit consisting of members of the ground water industry across Canada.
- Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (PGO) – governs the practice of professional geoscience in Ontario.
- Professional Engineers of Ontario – the licensing and regulating body for engineering in the province.
Water Testing
- Well Wise Water Testing Program– administered by the Ontario Ground Water Association. This program provides cost effective water testing for things other than bacteria in your water. Metals, minerals, salts, fuels, solvents, fluoride, mercury, sulfate, tannin/lignin, pesticides/herbicides, and glyphosates. Test bottles are shipped to you with return freight included. Not for Profit water testing.
- Public Health Unit (PHU) Testing – Find your local PHU for information on free well water testing for E. Coli and Coliform bacteria. Check your water spring, summer, and fall.
- List of Licensed Laboratories in Ontario – This is a list of laboratories licensed to perform drinking water tests in Ontario. Prior to submitting samples please contact the licensed laboratory for pricing .
- Testing Well Water – An instructional video on how to take an accurate sample of your well water for E. Coli and Coliform bacteria testing.
Visit our online library’s main webpage to find more resources on topics related to drinking water.
Photo from Luskgeo.com
Disponible en français.
Read MoreWalkerton Clean Water Centre Supporting Drinking Water Operator Ethics
The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is pleased to announce the launch of its first course available on-demand, Ethics for Drinking Water Operators.
Ontario’s drinking water operators hold a position of trust in safeguarding public health and should recognize the importance of highly ethical behaviour as part of their role. This course will introduce participants to the concept of ethics and core ethical values. Participants will review incidents where unethical operator behaviour has jeopardized public health. The relationship between ethics and the law will be discussed, as well as the personal and legal consequences resulting from unethical behaviour. The session will include strategies for creating an ethical environment in the workplace.
This course has been developed for drinking water operators of all levels, but will be of interest to drinking water supervisors, managers and other drinking water stakeholders. Successful participants will receive 0.3 Continuing Education Units.
Ethics for Drinking Water Operators is WCWC’s first course to feature a user interface with integrated registration and curriculum. Participants are able to register and complete the course at their convenience. Work is underway to expand the number of courses available in this new format.
For further information about WCWC’s e-learning offerings, or to register, please visit wcwc.ca/registration or contact us at 866-515-0550 or training@wcwc.ca.
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Drinking Water Quality Management Standard (DWQMS) Provincial Workshop Proceedings – 2020
The Drinking Water Quality Management (DWQMS) Provincial Workshop is a WCWC course held annually to provide DWQMS representatives with an opportunity to share and discuss their experiences. This forum allows them to share best practices and solutions for challenges encountered during implementation or continued maintenance of a quality management system. The program consists of different facilitators leading sessions on a variety of topics tying into a common theme. The theme for this year’s workshop was ‘Vision 2020’.
DWQMS Workshop Breakout Session Summary – 2020
Workshop Presentations
DWQMS Program Status Update – Vision 2020 facilitated by Christopher Manning & Amanda Boyden.
Continual Improvement: Wastewater & Linear Infrastructure facilitated by Ann Darby & Amanda Boyden.
Applying QMS Principles facilitated by Christopher Manning & Amanda Boyden.
Electronic Records Management facilitated by Janine deBoer.
Best Management Practices facilitated by Brigitte Roth.
What’s New? Ontario Watermain Disinfection Procedure facilitated by Tony Santos.
Asset Management Plans facilitated by Ted Joynt.
Transitions to V2.0 facilitated by Marco Brunato.
Supporting Documents
Request for Early Implementation of the Watermain Disinfection Procedure
Visit our online library’s main webpage to find more resources on topics related to drinking water.
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Mandatory Certificate Renewal (MCR) Course Resources
This course provides an overview of key regulatory updates and a review of requirements supporting the improvement of non-compliances identified in MECP inspections. The role of Ontario’s operators in protecting public health will be highlighted, and participants will be introduced to the concept of Operator Ethics.
Resources
AWWA Free Water Audit Software
CBC – Carleton Place Crash on Highway 7
GeoPro Lone Work Safety System
Guidance for Issuing and Rescinding Boil Water Advisories in Canadian Drinking Water Supplies
Hamilton’s Corrosion Control Program
Information for Property Owners about Lead Water Service Line Replacement
Ontario Traffic Manual – Book 7 – Temporary Conditions
Response to Adverse Drinking Water Quality Incidents
Visit our online library’s main webpage to find more resources on topics related to drinking water.
Disponible en français.
Read MoreFree 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
Visit our online library’s main webpage to find more resources on topics related to drinking water.
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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.
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