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SMALL WATER SYSTEMS EDUCATION

The Small Water Systems team at the BCWWA has been developing a series of education workshops and courses designed specifically for small water systems owners and team members, with an eye towards system sustainability and resilience.

OWNERS, TRUSTEES AND VOLUNTEER EDUCATION

The following offerings focus heavily on owners and decision-makers. These are FREE to anyone, and registration is available to all members of the FREE BC Small Water Systems Community Network.



Are you new to having responsibility for having a small water system? Perhaps you just purchased a property that contains a small water system, or you are on a community board as a volunteer or trustee. If you're not sure what being responsible for a small system is about, this FREE 75-minute online course is for you, with the intention of providing an overview of the responsibilities of a small water systems purveyor. The course covers a number of topics, including:  

  • Why it Matters - The Cost of Getting it Wrong  

  • Water Treatment 101  

  • The Regulatory Landscape  

  • The Role of Operators  

  • Capacity Building Areas for Sustainable Systems

To access this course, create a FREE profile at www.smallwaternetwork.org and log into the course from Knowledge Zone>Resources.

This FREE workshop is designed to build on the content from the “So Apparently, I Have a Small Water System ... Now What?” online course and focus on providing the opportunity to perform a self-assessment on the different organizational capacities required to ensure a sustainable system. This workshop runs over two half days in a virtual classroom format. It is recommended that multiple members of the same system attend to gain maximum benefit.   

  • Why it Matters - The Cost of Getting it Wrong  

  • Water Treatment 101    

  • Some Key Factors to Success    

  • The Regulatory Landscape    

  • The Role of Operators    

  • Capacity Building Areas for Sustainable Systems    

  • Improve Outcomes Through Prioritization    

  • Legal Implications    

  • Self-Assessment of Water Utility Performance    

  • Individual Action Plan  

This FREE workshop is offered throughout the year. Workshop schedules and registration are found at www.smallwaternetwork.org. Attendees can receive 0.6 CEUs by attending this workshop.  

Download the workshop reference guide.



This FREE workshop is designed to focus on the financial tools that small water purveyors can use to plan for their system over the long term.  
 
This workshop is run over two half days in a virtual classroom format. It is recommended that multiple members of the same system attend to gain maximum benefit. This workshop is offered throughout the year. Workshop schedules and registration are found at www.smallwaternetwork.org.   


OPERATOR EDUCATION

The BCWWA has a large education catalogue that includes a number of courses that are beneficial for individuals who operate a small system. These courses are available as online, self-paced courses, or as virtual classroom courses. Both are great "learn without travelling" options!

CEUs: 1.2 course Length: 12 hours

This 12-hour Small Water Systems course introduces students to the fundamentals of small water system operations and maintenance, and what operators need to know to ensure that their systems comply with legislation and protect public health. While the course is self-paced, students have access to an instructor who can provide additional support and insights. You should take this course if you:  

  • Operate and maintain water systems that serve a population of less than 500; or  

  • Are preparing to write the EOCP certification exam for Small Water Systems.  

After completing this course, you will be able to:  

  • Understand the factors that impact water quality, the legislation that governs water quality and supply and how to monitor and report on your water system to protect public health;  

  • Understand common water treatment methods, including filtration, and the safe use of chlorine, ozone and UV for disinfection; and  

  • Understand how water distribution systems function, including the materials and equipment, repair and maintenance procedures and safety.  


CEUs: 1.2 course Length: 12 hours

This 12-hour Small Wastewater Systems course introduces students to the fundamentals of small wastewater system operations and what is needed to comply with legislation to protect public health, safety and the environment. While the course is self-paced, students have access to an instructor who can provide additional support and insights. You should take this course if you:  

  • Operate and maintain wastewater systems that serve a population of less than 500; or  

  • Are preparing to write the certification exam for Small Wastewater Systems.  

After completing this course, you will be able to:  

  • Understand the regulations that govern wastewater collection, treatment and discharge, and how to monitor system performance to protect public health and the environment;  

  • Understand the characteristics of wastewater, and how this impacts collection and treatment systems;  

  • Understand how wastewater collection systems are designed, built, operated, maintained and repaired. You will be familiar with the equipment, materials, methods and safety considerations;  

  • Understand wastewater treatment methods, including the design, operation and maintenance of septic systems and mechanical systems including preliminary, primary and secondary treatment; and  

  • Understand and apply safe workplace practices, including confined space entry, WHMIS, lock out/ tag out procedures.  

In addition to the certification preparation courses, the BCWWA offers a wide selection of other one and two day courses that would benefit small water systems operators and volunteers.


Visit our course calendar to view upcoming courses and their descriptions, and to register for any of our course offerings.