Sponsor Profile: Walkerton Clean Water Centre
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The Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, established in 2004, to help ensure clean and safe drinking water. WCWC coordinates and provides education, training and information to water system owners, operators and operating authorities, and the public, in order to safeguard Ontario’s water.
On behalf of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, WCWC manages and delivers the three mandatory courses required for certification in Ontario. WCWC also develops and offers a comprehensive range of specialized training options to meet clients’ needs, including more than 50 hands-on courses and workshops. To date, high-quality training has been provided to more than 92,000 participants. To view the current course catalogue, visit wcwc.ca/registration.
WCWC is committed to providing training and support to help equip First Nations communities to provide safe water. Through partnerships, WCWC provides training for the 134 First Nations communities in Ontario with curriculum tailored specifically to the experience of operators in First Nations communities. Training is provided at no cost to participants and is delivered by instructors who have experience delivering training in First Nations communities.
The Technology Demonstration Facility, with its water treatment and distribution technologies, serves as a platform for hands-on training and WCWC’s pilot testing services. The facility features the latest conventional and advanced water treatment and control technologies, laboratory, and model distribution systems. Some of the pilot treatment units available include: dissolved air flotation; ultrafiltration; nanofiltration; reverse osmosis; fixed bed and magnetic ion exchange; slow sand filtration; ozone; ultraviolet light; and advanced oxidation processes. There is also a variety of fire hydrants and other water distribution equipment to facilitate training in a controlled and safe environment. To schedule a tour, contact us at 866-515-0550 or inquiry@wcwc.ca.
WCWC conducts pilot tests to find solutions to specific client challenges and provide information to enhance the understanding of source water quality, treatment performance, and alternative treatment parameters or technologies. WCWC has completed pilot testing that addressed cyanotoxins and cyanobacteria, arsenic, manganese, trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, aluminum, dissolved organic carbon, chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, iron, and sulfates. Clients that participate in pilot testing can use the results provided to engage further with professional engineering firms and consultants to address their system vulnerabilities. Results may also be used in new or existing training or be shared through conferences, articles or fact sheets to improve knowledge transfer. To learn more about WCWC’s pilot testing services, visit wcwc.ca/pilottesting.
To improve access to information, WCWC offers a Drinking Water Resource Library and Helpline. The website-based Drinking Water Resource Library is a free online reference library containing more than 5,000 resources vetted by WCWC staff that address common issues facing water systems. Browse the library at any time at DrinkingWaterResourceLibrary.ca. The WCWC Helpline provides information and resources for water professionals and the public. WCWC staff have years of experience and technical knowledge and strive to provide tailored information related to water treatment processes, equipment, distribution, operational and regulatory requirements, training and environmental factors. Reach out with your questions by calling 1-855-306-1155 or emailing helpline@wcwc.ca.
For more information on any of WCWC’s initiatives, please visit wcwc.ca or contact us at 866-515-0550.
