Water Purveyor Working Group | www.wpwg.ca
Resources for Small Water System Operators
Do you own a restaurant, campground, trailer park, gas station, or any other system that provides water to more than one household or property? If your water system makes drinking water available to the public and you do not get your water from a municipal drinking water system, you may be an owner or operator of a small water system.Through the Water Purveyor Working Group (WPWG) the Regional District of Nanaimo aims to assist small water purveyors by providing networking and educational opportunities. The WPWG offers water purveyors an opportunity to meet other owners and operators of small water systems in the area, share ideas, and learn more about the sustainable operation of small water systems.
Thank you to all who participated in our 2018 workshop! Details on our next workshop can be expected in mid-2019. Hope to see you there!
Presentations & Resources
- Projects - Small Water Systems
Filename File Size (mb) Modified Self Assessment of Capacity - BCWWA Small Water Systems 0.12 MB Dec 11, 2018 Gulf Islands Ground Water - MSR Solutions 1.68 MB Dec 11, 2018 Small Water System Design Challenges - MSR Solutions 1.09 MB Dec 11, 2018 Emergency Response Planning 0.85 MB Dec 11, 2018 Shock Chlorination and Health Protection 0.32 MB Dec 11, 2018 RDN UTILITY Administration 0.7 MB Dec 11, 2018 Online Help Centre 3.01 MB Dec 11, 2018 2016 WPWG Workshop Slides 2.99 MB Dec 11, 2018 How to Apply For A Groundwater License - Water Guru Factsheet 0.96 MB Dec 11, 2018 Drinking Water Tech Tips 0.66 MB Dec 11, 2018 Interpreting Water Chemistry Lab Results 1.75 MB Dec 11, 2018 Water Quality - Bacteriological Indicators 0.91 MB Dec 11, 2018 Creating a Conservation Plan for Your Water System 0.6 MB Dec 11, 2018 Template for Conservation Plan 0.62 MB Dec 11, 2018 Report on Innovative Options for Sustainable Water Use 2.6 MB Dec 11, 2018 Water Pricing 0.32 MB Dec 11, 2018 Financing Water Treatment 0.91 MB Dec 11, 2018 Water Quality Testing 1.45 MB Dec 11, 2018 Rainwater Collection 2.34 MB Dec 11, 2018 Water Purification 1.13 MB Dec 11, 2018 BCWWA Call For Participants 0.17 MB Dec 11, 2018 October 2013 Summary Notes 0.36 MB Dec 11, 2018 June 2012 WPWG Summary Notes 0.26 MB Dec 11, 2018
Past Workshops
On October 25th, 2018 the RDN presented its' WPWG workshop at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre. Topics that were presented on included On-Line Help Resources, Design Challenges for Small Systems, Emergency Response Planning, Water Quality Issues and Solutions, Shock Chlorination Tips, and Administration Management. As always, this event was both productive and well-attended and we look forward to presenting another WPWG event in 2019.
On September 27th, 2017 the RDN partnered with the BC Water and Waste Association and Sustainable Infrastructures Society to deliver a workshop on Taking Care of Your Water System. This workshop included presentations relating to cost considerations, regulatory landscapes, water treatment fundamentals, the role of operators, and resources on ongoing improvements.
On October 21st, 2016, the working group met in Parksville for presentations from Four Star Waterworks, Island Flow Controls, Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions and Regional District staff, on gathering data to prepare for groundwater licensing. The workshop explored metering and monitoring technology for groundwater systems. It also included a user tutorial of the BC Water Resources Atlas, and other web resources available to purveyors looking to gather information about their wells and systems. Following the workshop, the working group attended a BC Ground Water Association ministry-led information session on groundwater licensing requirements
On December 1st, 2015, the WPWG met in Parksville for a workshop on Drought Response and Small-Scale Water Treatment, with presentations from Econics, GW Solutions, BI Pure Water, and Island Health. The workshop began with a focus on the topics of understanding drought and preparing for and responding to drought-related conditions. Following this, point-of-entry and point-of-use water treatment options, and the benefits and challenges of rainwater harvesting solutions for small water systems were discussed.
The BC Water & Wastewater Association (BCWWA) also attended the workshop to promote their new “Sustainable Small Water Systems” program. Please see the BCWWA Call For Participants for more information.”
On October 30th, 2014, the working group gathered for presentations from North Island Labs, Island Health, Watertiger Water Treatment and Drillwell Enterprises, all on water quality in groundwater. The workshop covered how to interpret water quality test results and delved into some water chemistry information to help small water system operators understand what water quality issues they may have and how to address them correctly.
On October 7th, 2013, the WPWG met in Parksville for a series of roundtable discussions on the Top Challenges of being a water purveyor, as identified by participants. Two short presentations on Financial Best Management Practices and the online Water Use Reporting Centre were also a part of the day. See the outcomes summary: October 2013 Summary Notes
On November 22nd, 2012, the RDN held a meeting to discuss how small water system operators can create and implement specific Water Conservation Plans to run their systems more efficiently. Above are links to helpful documents used in the workshop.
On June 27th, 2012, the RDN hosted another meeting of the Water Purveyor Working group with a focus on Financing and Treatment Options for Small Water Systems. It was well attended with engaging discussions and presentations. A summary of the discussion can be found here: June 2012 WPWG Summary Notes
On September 12th, 2011, the RDN hosted a tour of local water systems to learn what other owners and operators are doing to manage their systems and deal with common issues.
On December 8th, 2010, the RDN held the first meeting of a Water Purveyor Working Group - a FREE workshop for owners, operators, and managers of water supply systems (WSS).
Helpful Links
- Coastal Water Suppliers Association
- Small Water Users Association of BC
- Sustainable Infrastructure Society
- Environmental Operators Certification Program
- Vancouver Island Health Authority