Representatives of Brockton and Hanover council's took part in the Standards of Care Course for Drinking Water Standards Friday December 14th, 2018. (photo submitted)Representatives of Brockton and Hanover council's took part in the Standards of Care Course for Drinking Water Standards Friday December 14th, 2018. (photo submitted)
Midwestern

Councillors receive training in clean water standards of care

Members of the newly-minted councils in Brockton and Hanover have been the first to receive training related to the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The course at the Walkerton Clean Water Centre covered the legal, technical and moral obligations of municipal politicians and staff to protect their water systems and keep their citizens safe.     All elected officials are strongly encouraged, although not required, to take the three-hour training.

The course includes case studies in water contamination from Walkerton, Stratford, North Battleford, Saskatchewan and Flint, Michigan.

While the Walkerton e-Coli crisis of May 2000 is perhaps the most renowned, it is by no means an isolated example, said Carl Kuhnke, Walkerton's facility manager.  What’s key, Kuhnke said, is learning from past mistakes, ensuring proper training, and developing a culture of prevention.

The Walkerton Clean Water Centre has trained more than 80,000 people in clean water management since it opened in 2004. It offers pilot testing of municipal water and mandatory operator courses across the province, including northern and remote communities.

Sixteen Ontario colleges with water and environmental science programs have access to the centre for hands-on experience and training.

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