Building Sustainable Small Water Systems
Approximately 10 per cent of British Columbia’s population relies on a small water system to deliver water to their home. These individual and families, most of whom are living in rural or remote communities, are depending on these systems to protect their health, quality of life and the environment. However, small systems experience more water quality advisories than large systems, and often struggle to maintain the infrastructure associated with their water supply due to financial and operational challenges.
About the project
To help address many of the risks facing small water systems and the communities they serve, the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) is launching a pilot project to build financial and management capacity of up to 40 systems across the province. Through training, professional coaching and community engagement, the BCWWA will provide system representatives with the information and tools to improve the financial sustainability, operational resilience and safety of their systems. The pilot will run from January 2016 to March 2017.
How to participate
Are you part of a Water Users Community (WUC), Mobile Home Park, strata, co‐operative, or small Improvement District? Does your water system serve at least 30 homes and a population of up to 500 people? Is your system independent and not directly connected to a municipality or regional district and as a result, not eligible for government funding for upgrades or major repairs? If you answered “yes” to the above questions, you may be a great candidate to participate.
Learn more about the challenges facing small water systems
- Are our Water Systems at Risk? Assessing the Financial Sustainability of BC’s Municipal Water and Sewer Systems(2015) by BCWWA
- Fit to Drink (2008) by the BC Ombudsman
- Recommendations for Addressing Key Small Water System Challenges (2013) by the UBCM Small Systems Working Group
New Westminster operator education classes are open! These courses provide operators with the basic knowledge of water plant components and the methods used, with varying degrees of complexity. Register now for certification or to gain CEUs.
Date: April 11 – 15, 2016
Location: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6
Courses offered:
- Water Treatment 1 – 2.4 CEUs
- Water Treatment 2 – 2.4 CEUs
- Water Distribution 1 – 2.4 CEUs
- Water Distribution 2 – 2.4 CEUs
Register now by Clicking Here!
Please join us in Chicago, Illinois for ACE 2016! Experience the Adventure – Smarter Session, New Ideas & Exceptional Exhibitors!
Founded in 1881, AWWA is the authoritative resource on safe water, with more than 57,000 members worldwide sharing knowledge on water resource development, water and wastewater treatment technology, water storage and distribution, and utility management and operations. AWWA provides knowledge, information and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond and advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the water community.
AWWA is an international nonprofit and educational society and the largest and oldest organization of water professionals in the world. Members represent the full spectrum of the water community: treatment plant operators and managers, scientists, environmentalists, manufacturers, academicians, regulators, and others who hold genuine interest in water supply and public health. Membership includes more than 4,600 utilities that supply water to roughly 180 million people in North America. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.
The EOCP Office is excited to share our newly renovated space with you at our January 27th Open House. Please Click Here for more information and RSVP details.
The BCWWA Annual Conference & Trade Show is British Columbia’s premier water and wastewater industry event, featuring one of the largest trade shows of its kind in western Canada! This event facilitates professional development and networking for those working in the water industry in BC and the Yukon.
The BCWWA is celebrating 45 years of bringing the water community together for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge-sharing on key industry issues. Join us in Victoria for our 45th Annual Conference & Trade Show to connect with exhibitors; network with colleagues; engage in educational sessions; and build your skills and industry knowledge.
Conference: May 28 – 30, 2017
Trade Show: May 28 & 29, 2017
Concerned about your well going dry? Worried about well water safety? Interested in groundwater?
Join us for a FREE workshop to learn about:
- Groundwater and your well
- How to protect your water source
- How to test and treat your well water
Everyone interested in learning about groundwater is welcome!
Water testing kits and 10% discount on select well water testing provided by Maxxam Analytics.
Water affects us all, let’s keep it clean!
EOCP Certified Operators attending these workshops will earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Please Click Here to view more information or go to www.islandstrust.bc.ca/water
Workshop partners:
Concerned about your well going dry? Worried about well water safety? Interested in groundwater?
Join us for a FREE workshop to learn about:
- Groundwater and your well
- How to protect your water source
- How to test and treat your well water
Everyone interested in learning about groundwater is welcome!
Water testing kits and 10% discount on select well water testing provided by Maxxam Analytics.
Water affects us all, let’s keep it clean!
EOCP Certified Operators attending these workshops will earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Please Click Here to view more information or go to www.islandstrust.bc.ca/water
Workshop partners:
Concerned about your well going dry? Worried about well water safety? Interested in groundwater?
Join us for a FREE workshop to learn about:
- Groundwater and your well
- How to protect your water source
- How to test and treat your well water
Everyone interested in learning about groundwater is welcome!
Water testing kits and 10% discount on select well water testing provided by Maxxam Analytics.
Water affects us all, let’s keep it clean!
EOCP Certified Operators attending these workshops will earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Please Click Here to view more information or go to www.islandstrust.bc.ca/water
Workshop partners: