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Water Quality Training for Small Systems:Working Together to
Develop a Common Sense ApproachBill Schutzman
Government of CanadaWater Safety Conference, Kuching, Malaysia,
November 3, 2010
Date:
Background InformationCanada Labour Code requires that Government of Canada must provide
staff with potable water for … Drinking Personal Washing Food Preparation
Many of the staff work in urban areas where water is potable, but … Canada owns or leases about 30 million hectares (size of Belgium) Many small locations where potable water must be provided for just a few
staff Federal jurisdiction includes over 600 First Nations and their populations In many instances the public also has access to water at these rural and
in some cases remote locations These small locations have water treatment systems that have the
potential for high human health risks
Background Information
Canada promotes the multi-barrier approach Many barriers such as source protection, treatment, etc. Appropriate awareness, education and training is important part
of the multi-barrier approach
Although there is good training available for municipal systems, a lack of suitable training for very small systems was identified
Various federal departments recognized the common need of training for very small systems
Very small system = Micro-system - serves 25 people or less
Background Information
Federal Interdepartmental Working Group on Drinking Water Developed a document that gives guidance on providing safe
drinking water in areas of federal jurisdiction Recognized the need for training for micro-systems
Interdepartmental Water Quality Training Board (IWQTB) created to develop and deliver training related to providing drinking water from micro-systems in areas of federal jurisdiction 12 Canadian federal department involved Meets regularly Does not have dedicated budget or staff Each representative has an equal voice Decisions reached by consensus
Our Approach
1. Identify the needs of each participant and develop common themes.
2. Define the desired characteristics that need to be included in a good quality training program.
3. Conduct an assessment of currently available products to determine what can be used and what needs to be developed.
4. Develop a list of required training products.
5. Create an action plan to develop the training tools.
6. Proceed with training product development and delivery.
Training is Targeted
Training is targeted towards micro-systems, although there is general water quality information as well
Training needed for a variety of audiences … Senior Management Facility Managers Water Quality Monitors, etc
… and a variety of learning levels Basic Awareness Demonstrated Understanding Tested Competency
Ingredients of SuccessImportant factors that have contributed to successful development of a training tool kit include: Module Development Plan
• Follows the action plan• Project co-leads established• Accompanying document first
Project Co-leads• ensure multiple perspectives are considered during the training product development
Technical Review Committee• composed of subject matter experts to review and provide guidance as a product is developed
Whole Committee Review• Review of the training product technical content by the entire IWQTB at critical points of
development Single Point Expert
• Critical review by recognized experts – health, engineering, etc. Project sponsor
• provide leadership and financial oversight
Products Developed – Water Quality 101
Products Developed – Water Quality 101
Products Developed – Water Quality 101
Detail
Current Situation
Complete development of Water Quality 101 and remaining standalone modules.
Determine an appropriate way to share the products with the general public.
Lessons Learned
• Stay focussed on the desired result.
• Although there are multiple stakeholders, ensure to focus on the common requirements.
• Collaborate with industry, academia and others when practical and mutually beneficial, without sacrificing the goals or outcome.
• Work on building strong relationships.
• Establish and follow the process needed to guide the development through to the final outcome.
Questions?
Bryna Heffernan
Drinking Water Program
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch
Health Canada
E-mail: [email protected]
