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BC Small Water Systems Community Network

The BC Small Water Systems Community Network is a FREE platform available to all individuals who are:

  • Members of a small water systems team (i.e., owner, volunteer, employee)  

  • Part of a supporter organization that provides products, programs, services and expertise to small water systems  

  • Or simply interested in learning more about the small water systems community


To access the platform, go to www.smallwaternetwork.org and create a profile and check it out!

ENTER THE BC SMALL WATER SYSTEMS COMMUNITY NETWORK WEBSITE HERE

In 2020, the Ministry of Health partnered with the BCWWA with the intention of building a mechanism that would support the small water systems community by connecting them with peer networks, resources, information, and expertise. This project was created in response to the positive feedback from the different workshops regarding building regional peer networks. 
 
Importantly, this project recognizes the wide range of associations, companies and individuals that have developed programs and services that support small water systems. These supporters play an important role in helping owners build their own capacity. An important component of this project is elevating these resources so that they are accessible across the province.       

To support small water systems owners throughout BC by connecting them with each other and connecting them with the diverse and interconnected community that supports small water systems and their resources.   

  • All small water system owners, trustees and their teams in BC have access to the knowledge, training, tools, and resources they require to make informed decisions about the long-term management and sustainability of their system; and  

  • All stakeholders within the small water systems community work collaboratively to share resources, expertise and experience.    

The BC Small Water Systems Community Network is an online platform available both through computers, tablets and mobile devices.  

1) Community Directory - An area where individuals can find owners and supporters through their profiles. Each individual can choose to reveal as much or as little of their profile as they are comfortable. Members can flag another member as a "Favourite" to build their own address book. 

2) Lounges - This includes a private discussion area specifically for small water systems owners but can also include other groups that are private to a portion of the community or available by request. 

3) Knowledge Zone - This area contains a variety of sections designed to connect community members with resources and expertise. The Knowledge Zone includes: 

  • Resources - This area contains the ability to search for different types of resources made available through the supporter community. These resources may be housed on the Community Network site or link to resources, programs or services on another site.

  • Articles - Individuals within the site can choose to post an article of information or blog for the community and invite discussion.

  • Technical Discussions - This discussion area is designed to bring the entire small water systems community together to discuss technical issues related to small water systems.

  • Online Help Centre - This is a direct link to the Small Water Systems Online Help Centre, hosted by Thompson Rivers University - a tremendous resource for small water systems teams! 

4) Community News- An area that allows community members to post and find opportunities to learn, participate and assist others.

  • Wanted/Offering Section - An area where community members can reach out to others to help procure help, equipment, etc.

  • Opportunities - An area where opportunities to participate in programs, studies, feedback sessions, working groups, etc., are posted.

  • Upcoming Events - An area where the community members can post relevant training and events (in person or virtual).


Throughout this process, stakeholders have expressed the need to protect their privacy. This platform is being developed with privacy inherent to the design, including the ability to manage their privacy settings. 
 
The platform includes an internal messaging service that allows communication between members without sharing contact information. When a message is sent to a member, they receive an email letting them know.

The Community Network team is continuously developing programming and curating content designed to encourage more people onto the platform, and to provide relevant, valuable experiences for the members. Examples include but are not limited to: 

  • Weekly Digest emails that curate the different happenings on the platform; 

  • Educational "tips and tricks;” 

  • "What are people talking about?" A quick reference to discussion forums; 

  • Informational campaigns about different relevant topics, highlighting existing resources and articles, and upcoming educational webinars and events (i.e., fire season); 

  • "Pulse of the Community" surveys; and  

  • "Coffee in the Community" Zoom calls.

The Community Network is a new and emerging community. Between the platform features and the programming opportunities, the Community Network has the opportunity to become a powerful tool for the Small Water Systems community.

As a supporter, there are things that you can do to help:

  • Talk to your clients and peers about the Community Network! Direct people to www.smallwaternetwork.org when speaking to small water systems teams. 

  • Distribute Community Network information cards. You can request them from smallwaternetwork@bcwwa.org. We are happy to send you however many cards you need.

  • Bring your organization onto the Community Network site. Small water systems teams often don't know who has services or resources that would benefit them. Our team can help you with ideas for making this happen. 

  • Write an article or present at a webinar around relevant topics. If you are already hosting an event, consider posting it on the Community Network site so we can highlight it to all Community Network members. Your expertise is valuable and we would love to work with you!