Our Workshops

This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of cross connections and backflow, emphasizing their potential dangers to drinking water safety. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the causes of backflow, including both back siphonage and backpressure, and learn how to prevent these issues.

The workshop will cover the following topics:

• Basic Hydraulics: Understanding the principles of water flow and pressure.
• Provincial Regulations: Overview of relevant provincial regulations and guidelines.
• National Plumbing Code: Explanation of the National Plumbing Code requirements for backflow prevention.
• CSA Standards: Discussion of applicable Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards.
• Air Gaps: Detailed explanation of air gaps and their role in preventing backflow.
• Mechanical Backflow Preventers: In-depth look at various mechanical backflow preventers, their types, and applications.

This workshop is designed for operators and anyone involved in the maintenance and operation of water systems.This workshop will bring awareness to cross connections and backflow and the dangers posed to the safety of potable water. It will assist operators in understanding the causes of backflow from both back siphonage and backpressure. Basic hydraulics, provincial regulations, The National Plumbing Code and CSA Standards will be discussed. Air gaps and mechanical backflow preventers will be explained in detail. 

This workshop offers a comprehensive overview of drinking water and wastewater regulations and best practices, tailored for operators, management, administrative staff, and council members.  Participants will gain valuable insights into the historical context of drinking water standards and a thorough understanding of current regulatory frameworks.

Here's a breakdown of the topics covered:

• A History of Safe Drinking Water: Exploring pivotal moments that have shaped modern drinking water standards and regulations.  This section will highlight key events that led to increased awareness of waterborne illnesses and the subsequent development of stricter safety measures.
   
• Federal Drinking Water Regulations:  An in-depth look at the federal regulations governing drinking water quality, including established guidelines and enforceable standards.
   
• Provincial Drinking Water Regulations:  A detailed examination of the specific provincial regulations that apply to drinking water, including any variations or additions to federal standards.
   
• Permits to Operate:  Information on the process of obtaining and maintaining permits to operate water and wastewater treatment facilities, including associated requirements and responsibilities.
   
• Operator Certification:  A comprehensive overview of operator certification requirements, including training, exams, and continuing education necessary for compliance.
   
• Federal Wastewater Regulations:  A thorough review of federal regulations related to wastewater discharge, including limits on pollutants and monitoring requirements.
   
• Provincial Wastewater Regulations:  A detailed examination of the specific provincial regulations governing wastewater treatment and discharge, including any local requirements or variations from federal standards.

This workshop is tailored for operators of smaller municipal wastewater systems utilizing lagoon cells (two or more), as well as administrative staff and council members seeking a foundational understanding of lagoon operations.  The curriculum focuses on practical knowledge and regulatory compliance, covering the following key areas:

• Facultative Lagoon Design and Operation:  An overview of the design principles of facultative lagoons and the typical operational procedures involved in their management. Topics like lagoon sizing, cell configuration, and flow patterns.
   
• The Science of Wastewater Treatment in Lagoons:  Exploring the biological and chemical processes that occur within wastewater lagoons, including the roles of microorganisms, algae, and oxygen in breaking down pollutants.
   
• Record Keeping:  Emphasis on the importance of accurate and thorough record-keeping, including what data to collect, how to organize it, and why it's essential for compliance and process optimization.
   
• Safety:  A focus on safety protocols and best practices related to working around wastewater lagoons, including potential hazards and necessary precautions.
   
• Math for Lagoon Operations:  Practical math skills needed for lagoon management, such as calculations related to flow rates, detention times, loading rates, and other key parameters.
   
• Typical Operations and Maintenance (O&M):  A detailed look at the routine maintenance tasks required for lagoon systems, including inspections, vegetation management, and equipment upkeep.
   
• Federal Wastewater Regulations:  A review of the federal regulations that govern wastewater discharge from lagoon systems, including permit requirements and effluent limits.
   
• Provincial Wastewater Regulations:  A thorough examination of the specific provincial regulations applicable to wastewater lagoons, including any local requirements or variations from federal standards.

This comprehensive workshop focuses on the journey of drinking water, from its source to tap, designed for rural water pipeline operators, administrators, board members, and newer operators in municipal distribution systems. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the various stages involved in delivering safe drinking water.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the topics covered:

• Provincial Regulations:  A review of the specific provincial regulations and guidelines that govern drinking water quality and distribution.
   
• Hydrological Cycle:  An overview of the water cycle, emphasizing the sources of drinking water and the factors that influence their quality.
   
• Basic Water Treatment:  An introduction to the fundamental water treatment processes used to purify water for consumption, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration.
   
• Disinfection:  Detailed information on various disinfection methods used to eliminate harmful microorganisms in drinking water, such as chlorination, UV disinfection, and ozonation.
   
• Distribution System Design and Maintenance:  Exploring the principles of designing and maintaining efficient and reliable water distribution systems, including pipe networks, storage tanks, and pumping stations.
   
• Unidirectional Flushing (UDF) and Swabbing:  Explanation of UDF and swabbing techniques used to clean and maintain water pipelines, ensuring water quality and preventing buildup of sediment or biofilms.
   
• Fire Hydrant Basics:  Understanding the operation and maintenance of fire hydrants, including their role in fire suppression and their impact on water distribution systems.
   
• Cross Connection Control:  Emphasis on the importance of preventing cross connections that could allow contaminants to enter the drinking water system, along with strategies for effective cross connection control.
   
• Sampling Methods:  Guidance on proper water sampling techniques to ensure accurate monitoring of water quality and compliance with regulatory standards.

This essential workshop focuses on the safe operation of chlorine systems, targeting water and wastewater operators, recreational facility staff, and their supervisors.  Participants will gain critical knowledge and skills to mitigate the dangers associated with chlorine gas and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Here's a breakdown of the workshop content:

• Dangers and Risks of Chlorine Gas:  A comprehensive overview of the hazards posed by chlorine gas, including its toxicity, potential health effects, and the risks associated with leaks or releases.
   
• Safe Handling of Chlorine Gas:  Detailed instruction on safe handling procedures for chlorine gas, including proper storage, transportation, and usage techniques.  This will cover engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
   
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Training:  Hands-on training in the proper use of SCBAs, essential equipment for responding to chlorine leaks or other emergencies.  Participants will gain confidence in donning, using, and maintaining SCBAs.
   
• Compliance with Provincial Occupational Health & Safety Regulations:  A thorough review of the relevant provincial regulations regarding chlorine gas safety, ensuring attendees understand their responsibilities and how to maintain compliance. This includes specific regulations related to training, emergency response plans, and hazard communication.