ocwa courses · this course will give you a snapshot of ocwa’s ... booster pumps, water hammer,...

The Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) offers training to water and wastewater treatment personnel in communities across Ontario. As a leading provider of water and wastewater treatment services in the Province, OCWA courses are specifically focused on the needs of professionals in this industry.

OCWA’s Operational Training Program

OCWA's courses are Director-Approved by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) and meet legislative requirements for water and wastewater operators in Ontario. OCWA is also one of the training providers to the Walkerton Clean Water Centre for the provision of the mandatory Entry Level Training Course for new operators and the Certificate Renewal Course.

Director Approved Training

OCWA

Courses

Skilled Trainers

For more information:

Courses are delivered regularly across the province throughout the year. For the latest information, including dates and locations of courses being delivered, please contact OCWA’s Operational Training Program Coordinator at 905- 274-6710 ext. 5251 or email your request to [email protected]

OCWA's trainers include highly skilled adult educators and experienced experts in the water and wastewater industry. Through this combined expertise, OCWA has created its course curriculum to address the complex needs of industry professionals to deliver safe and reliable clean water services.

mailto:[email protected]

Training Brochure - 2018

Bird's Eye View of Operations

Course duration - 1 day Training hours issued - 6.0 This course will give you a snapshot of OCWA’s overall organization, a painless overview of the legislation that governs us, and a look at the complex world of water and wastewater operations. You’ll find out how OCWA gets water from our lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers to the consumers’ taps, and then how we collect and treat the used water that’s now chock full of…other stuff, so that it’s safe to return to the environment.

Operational Courses: Developing Training Skills in the Water Sector

Course duration - 2 days Training hours issued - 14.0

Developing training skills in the water (and wastewater) sector examines the process of teaching adults by focusing on the learning experience. The course aims to provide the essential knowledge and skills required to design and deliver interesting, relevant and enjoyable training programs. Adult learning principles and methods will be actively demonstrated, both in design and delivery. Group discussions, hands-on demonstrations, facilitator-led role plays and individual practice sessions will help participants learn by observing and by doing. As with all adult learning courses, active learning involves full participation and willingness to learn from others in the course. The target audience for this program is anyone that would like to build on their presentation skills, or anyone expected to deliver training as part of the job.

This course is beneficial for PCTs, subject experts, supervisors, and Operations managers.


Math Workshop

Course duration - 1 day Director Approved CE Credits earned - 0.7 Training hours issued - 7.0

A math workshop! Sign me up, now!

If you’d like to improve or build on your math skills, prepare for that upcoming certification exam, or shake the rust off your mathematics if you haven’t used them for a while, then this a good workshop to attend. We’ll reinforce some math basics, and then use them to solve typical wastewater and water calculations: volumes, flows, dosages, F/M ratios, sludge retention times, even a couple of the dreaded metric-imperial conversions!

Math Workshop

Course duration - 1 day

Director Approved CE Credits earned - 0.7

Training hours issued - 7.0


If you’d like to improve or build on your math skills,

prepare for that upcoming certification exam, or

shake the rust off your mathematics if you haven’t

used them for a while, then this a good workshop to

attend. We’ll reinforce some math basics, and then

use them to solve typical wastewater and water

calculations: volumes, flows, dosages, F/M ratios,

sludge retention times, even a couple of the dreaded

metric-imperial conversions!

Math Workshop

Course duration - 1 day

Director Approved CE Credits earned - 0.7

Training hours issued - 7.0


If you’d like to improve or build on your math skills,

prepare for that upcoming certification exam, or

shake the rust off your mathematics if you haven’t

used them for a while, then this a good workshop to

attend. We’ll reinforce some math basics, and then

use them to solve typical wastewater and water

calculations: volumes, flows, dosages, F/M ratios,

sludge retention times, even a couple of the dreaded

metric-imperial conversions!

Preventive Maintenance


Remember the old repair for a noisy transmission in your car? Turn up the radio!

We won’t be doing that…

A good preventive maintenance program and its planned practices are what OCWA relies on to keep water and wastewater services strong and reliable for its users. This course, for new operators hungry to gain maintenance insight, looks at the major components in your facilities, their basic operating principles, and what you need to do to keep them purring along reliably. The fundamentals of operation, troubleshooting, and proper application of various pumps, pipes, valves, bearings, seals, and motors are covered.

The Need –to-Know Guide to Multiple Choice Exams

Course duration - 1 day Director Approved CE Credits earned – 0.7

The most stressful part of an operator’s job is to write certification exams. In order to relieve some of the stress and assist operators write and pass certification exams, we have developed a course that will assist them understand and troubleshoot the questions found in certification exams.

This course will discuss basic exam preparation techniques, and will guide operators through the Need-to-Know-Guides recommended on the Ontario Water and Wastewater Certification Office (OWWCO) website. The larger portion of the course will consist of the discussion and analysis of common certification exam questions.

Think of this as the exam prep course for your career!


37 Litres or Bust: An Introduction to Water Conservation

Course duration - 1 day Director Approved CE Credits earned - 0.7 CEUs Training hours issued - 7.0

This introductory course explores water conservation principles and practices used throughout the world and in Ontario. We’ll explore key water conservation principles, and how Integrated Water Resource Management helps ensure that these principles are met. Best management practices for water conservation are investigated on three levels: water supply, outdoor conservation, and indoor conservation.

The fundamentals of water conservation public awareness campaigns are then discussed and applied to allow all water industry personnel the opportunity to understand what will become a key component of their work in the coming years.

UV – Beyond Visible Spectrum

Course duration - 1 day Director Approved CE Credits earned - 0.7 Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection has become the preferred technology for water disinfection. If you are new to this disinfection technology, then this is the course for you! During this course, you will be exposed to the background of UV practices and the equipment that is used at water and wastewater treatment facilities. The main objective of the course is to familiarize participants with the operating principles of UV treatment, monitoring parameters and dosage determination. A key component of this course is the practical exercise where participants conduct an inspection of a UV system to ensure its operation.


Water Courses:

Basic Water Distribution

Course duration - 2 days Director Approved CE Credits earned - 1.4 Training hours issued - 14.0

If simple means kilometre after kilometre of aging pipe, valves, water towers, hydrants, booster pumps, water hammer, dead ends, rechlorination stations, pressure zones, air reliefs, beam breaks, repair saddles, biofilm, tuberculations, swabs, backflow, corrosion, colorimeters, and hydrant diffusers, then yes, I guess a distribution system is simple!

We’ll explore all aspects of distribution system operation, and its multitude of components. A course designed for operators with some experience, but who are looking for more insight.

Expanded Fundamentals of Water Treatment


This course is designed for those who have completed your Entry Level Operator course, gained valuable operating experience and have your Level One operator certification. This offering will broaden your skills to take on that next water treatment challenge.

This advanced course covers public health, legislation, water characteristics, disinfection (all types), treatment, and troubleshooting in greater depth and complexity. It’s time to know more about mudballs than just that they occur in filters. It’s time to find out why they form, what they can do to filter performance, and how you can prevent them. And just so no one leaves disappointed, there’s even some math and groundwater CT calculations to do!

Know your Hydrants


Essential for fighting fires, hydrants are also access points to our distribution systems, and are important tools for maintaining water quality. This course explores hydrant design, safe operation, maintenance, and flow evaluation. Operators will have an opportunity to disassemble and overhaul several types of hydrants. Also curious about colour coding and Fire Code requirements? Here’s the course!


Watermain Disinfection and Repair

Course duration - 2 day Director Approved CE Credits earned - 1.4 Training hours issued - 14.0 This course explores the underground world of main breaks, pipes, valves, repair clamps, locating equipment and techniques, and of course, how to get to those components safely. That means trenching and worksite safety, traffic control plans, and working with pressurized systems. Then it’s time to figure out how to get the repairs disinfected, sampled and back in service—all to MOE and AWWA standards. A key course for all operators.

Understanding Drinking Water Disinfection & CT


Y If you’re a certified Level 1 operator or above, then this course is a great opportunity to explore in detail, the different types of disinfectants commonly used in North America, their strengths and weakness, operational challenges, and safe use practices. In addition, we’ll spend some time prowling through “The Procedure for Disinfection of Drinking Water in Ontario”, which offers up a wealth of information on how to achieve proper disinfection. And we’ll take a paced approach to the dreaded CT concept which will ultimately allow you to complete complex surface water disinfection calculations without even breaking a sweat!

A key course to prepare you for the disinfection challenges at any plant.

Water Distribution Preparation Class I-II Course duration - 5 day Director Approved CE Credits earned – 3.5 Training hours issued - 35.0

Water flows downhill, pipes leak, and operators write certification exams—the three inevitable truths of life!

This course is designed to assist water distribution personnel in preparing to write the certification exam for Water Distribution Class I – II. This course has been created around the Need-to-Know guide for water distribution in order to meet MOE standards and expectations. Course information reinforces the knowledge you have acquired thus far in your work, and it also introduces new terms to help you become familiar with the style and language of certification exams.


Wastewater Courses:

Introduction to Wastewater Collection

Course duration - 2 days CE Credits Earned - 1.3 Training hours issued - 13.0

These critical municipal networks direct the effluent of industry, the fats/greases/and oils of restaurants, the flushing and draining of homes, and in some locations, the rains of enormous storms to our wastewater plants for treatment and eventual safe release to the environment. And sometimes there’s the occasional phantom of an opera, gigantic pet alligator, or ninja turtle that gets wedged in a forcemain.

The challenges and complexities of a wastewater collection system are immense. This course is here to assist you in acquiring the knowledge and skills essential for assessing, operating, and maintaining a wastewater collection system. Designed for people new to wastewater collection, it reviews basic hydraulics and the equipment and materials used in a wastewater collection system. It’s also a great prep course for operators writing their OIT or Level 1 exams.

Biological Wastewater Treatment

Course duration - 3 days CE Credits Earned - 2.0 Training hours issued - 21.0

In addition to the plant infrastructure that’s been put in place, there’s also a team of biological players that need to make the treatment process work. And sometimes they don’t follow the game plan if conditions don’t suit them, or maybe they suit them a bit too well! This course explores the biological treatment processes; how to sample, analyze, and interpret what’s happening in those processes; how to deal with process issues; and how to optimize conditions to meet your effluent targets.

Biosolids Treatment Methods

Course duration - 3 days CE Credits Earned – 2.0 Training hours issued - 21.0 This course will assist wastewater treatment personnel in understanding various aspects of biosolid treatment methods. Sludge is an important type of biosolid, and accounts for the majority of biosolids handling costs. That can amount to approximately 20-40% of a plant's operating costs! Looks like dealing with it cost-effectively and efficiently is a key goal. A primary concern when dealing with biosolids (sludge) is the task of dewatering and disinfecting the sludge so that it can be safely reused or disposed of in the future. You’ll learn about the methods available to treat the various forms of sludge, as well as understanding the process by which the biosolids are conditioned and thickened.

Sewage Simulator Solutions

Course duration - 1 day CE Credits Earned – 0.7 Training hours issued - 7.0

Welcome to the new approach to wastewater training and troubleshooting! Wastewater operators face daily challenges operating conventional activated sludge treatment plants. This exciting new course provides participants an overview on the conventional activated sludge treatment process and uses a computer simulator to test various approaches when troubleshooting treatment process problems. What approach will work best— aggressive, middle of the road, ultra-conservative, maybe multi-point adjustments? Try it and see!

Participants will be expected to actively participate in group discussion, troubleshooting scenarios on the computer simulator. Each participant will be assigned a laptop which contains the simulator, they can then work in pairs or individually to solve the scenarios presented during the course.


Introduction to Wastewater Treatment Operations

Course duration - 2 days CE Credits Earned - 1.4 Training hours issued - 14.0 Do you want to increase the depth of your wastewater operations knowledge, without experiencing the depth of the primary clarifier? Now that you’ve gotten your feet wet at your plant, it’s time to build on your operational insights. This course reviews and expands on the treatment processes in use throughout OCWA, and makes the connection between the operational checks you carry out, and what these checks are telling you about how your plant is feeling. Gain valuable insights into each treatment step, the equipment used, solids handling, waste stabilization lagoons, and the health and safety procedures required at all facilities.

Laboratory Analysis for Wastewater

Course duration - 2 days CE Credits Earned – 1.4 Training hours issued - 14.0 A sound understanding of laboratory analysis methods and a solid repertoire of good laboratory sampling techniques are key attributes for any wastewater operator. Combine that with the knowledge needed to interpret your results, and you have become a key player at your facility. This course gives you hands-on experience performing a range of typical wastewater sampling and analysis procedures, and leads you through the processes used to figure out what those results mean. A valuable foundational course for operators.

Lagoon Operations

Course duration - 2 days CE Credits Earned – 1.3 Training hours issued - 13.0

Lagoon operations can be a complex world of biology, chemistry, and hydrology under its calm surface. This course dives into the design, operation, maintenance and regulatory requirements around effective lagoon operations. It’s also a large body of water, so we’ll be looking at the safety hazards associated with them, and some of the problem solving skills you’ll need to operate effectively and efficiently.

Microbiology of Wastewater

Course duration - 1 day CE Credits Earned – 0.7 Training hours issued - 7.0

This course is designed to introduce you to one of the most important—and unseen--contributors to the reduction of wastewater organics, the wastewater microorganisms. Biological wastewater treatment can be as simple as natural ecosystems such as marshlands, or as complex as engineered systems of microorganism cultivation and harvesting. The course will introduce the role of bacteria and protozoa in biological wastewater treatment, the latter of which is used as performance indicator organisms. The course will focus on the identification, structure, and function of the performance indicator microorganisms. We’ll also look at some nuisance microorganisms that interfere with the cultivated microbiology. Then it’s up to you to decide whether you want “Rotifers Rule” printed on your T-shirt…


Wastewater Treatment Prep. Course Level 1-2 Course duration - 3 days CE Credits Earned – 2.1 Training hours issued - 21.0

This course is designed for operations staff preparing to write wastewater treatment class 1 and 2 examinations. This course will examine all aspects of wastewater treatment. As the key concepts and processes of wastewater treatment are instructed, participants will practice these concepts through practice exams in order to gauge progress and knowledge gained. Multiple choice style exams will be reviewed to help prepare participants when they write the real exam

Wastewater Treatment Prep. Course Level 3-4 Course duration – 2 days in class & self-study (distant education) based on pre-assessment. Training hours issued - 23.5 This course will focus on operator competencies required to write the Level III and IV Wastewater Treatment Certification Exam. It includes content and questions that operators may find on the certification exam. It also covers various conventional and advanced treatment processes, performance optimization, support systems, process control parameters, laboratory analysis and safety integration, hands-on activities.

PODCASTS NOW AVAILABLE!

Earn DA CEUs just by listening to our Podcasts

Contact the Training Department for details


Hands-On Training: In order to assist our clients meet training requirements, we have developed a series of two hour modules. These modules provide training on areas such as: Health & Safety, Wastewater Treatment, Water Distribution Operations, and Equipment Maintenance. Customers have the ability to choose up to three modules for a one day training session. Contact the Training Department for more information on how to customize your training session!

Equipment Maintenance Modules: Chlorine Cylinder Repair (0.2 DA CEUs)

Review the properties of chlorine gas and list the personal protective equipment requirements needed when working with chlorine gas. Participants will be able to use leak detection and gas detection equipment.

Submersible Pump Maintenance (0.2 DA CEUs)

Discuss the difference in maintenance practices in wet pits versus dry pit pumps. Assemble a submersible pump and identify pump components.

Tightening your Belts (0.2 DA CEUs)

Review the causes of bearing failure and conduct belt alignment and tensioning assessments.

UV Troubleshooting (0.2 DA CEUs)

Perform maintenance on a UV system, and review safety hazards. Participants will be able to identify UV system components, disassemble and reassemble the UV reactor and properly clean UV optical surfaces.

Health & Safety Modules: Basic Spills Management (0.2 DA CEUs)

Review the basic equipment in a spill kit and its purpose. Participants will be able to use the equipment to clean a simulated chemical spill.

Confined Space Entry (0.2 DA CEUs)

Set up rescue equipment and conduct the necessary inspection checks to ensure the proper operation of equipment and safe environment for the operators.

Does this Look Infected? (0.2 DA CEUs)

Review the pathogens that can survive in an aqueous environment. Operators may become exposed to these pathogens during maintenance or daily activities at treatment plants. This session will review the methods and techniques to use to reduce the risk of infection.

Work Area Protection Plan (0.2 DA CEUs)

Review the requirement for Traffic Control at a sewer access point which is located on a municipal roadway. Participants will be required to participate in a physical setup of the plan using provided road signs.


Wastewater Modules: Bugs up Close (0.2 CEUs) Learn how to use a compound microscope and

to be able to prepare a wet mount slide. Participants will then be able to list the various microorganisms found in mixed liquor and determine operational changes required to improve the treatment process.

Laboratory Analysis of Wastewater (0.2 CEUs)

Perform sampling functions, microscope evaluation, Gravimetric, SVI tests as well as ammonia and phosphorous testing.

Submersible Pump Maintenance (0.2 CEUs) Assemble a submersible pump and identify

pump components and demonstrate how to change the oil in a mechanical seal.

The FOG (0.2 CEUs) Discuss sources of fat, oil and grease in the

collection system, wastewater treatment plant and customer plumbing. Participants will be able to identify and demonstrate solid understanding of FOG issues and FOG management options.

Wastewater Simulator (0.2 CEUs) Using a simulator, participants will execute the

troubleshooting procedures to use when a treatment facility is faced with a high flow event or a high BOD loading event.

Wastewater Simulator – Part 2 (0.2 CEUs) Simulate the impact on treatment process when

process equipment is taken out of service. Using a simulator, participants will be able to practice troubleshooting techniques and discuss the steps to take when reporting out of compliance issues to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC).

Water Modules: Distribution Maintenance (0.2 DA CEUs) Install various coupling devices that are used to

join lengths of pipe in the distribution system, or used for repair purposes. Prior to installation of coupling devices, participants must review manufacturer’s manuals, blue prints for installation and AWWA C651-05 disinfection guidelines.

Sampling & Flushing Techniques (0.2 DA CEUs) Review sampling techniques when collecting

bacteriological and chemical samples. This module will allow operators to review proper sampling/testing techniques and steps to take when flushing.


OCWA’s on-line courses can be accessed via the online training domain. Courses available on-line include:

Bird’s Eye View of Operations (0.4 DA CEUs)

The objective of this course is to provide basic information on OCWA and the role it plays in the water and

wastewater industry.

Essential Facts: Blue-Green Algae (0.2 DA CEUs)

Blue-green algae in water can be a public health issue. In this e-module you will learn the basics of cyanobacteria

and cyanotoxins, determine if a water treatment facility is at risk, and take a look at the various treatments

available to treat water affected by blue-green algae.

Facility Log Books (0.1 DA CEUs)

A facility log book is an essential part of all water and wastewater treatment facilities. But incorrectly completed or

problematic log book entries can lead to significant problems for OCWA if and when an inspection occurs. In this e-

module you will learn how to correctly enter information in a facility log book to protect yourself and OCWA.

Filamentous Indicators & Controls

Filamentous microorganisms are an essential part of the activated sludge process. They provide the scaffolding

needed to assist in floc formation. But if not managed properly, filamentous bacteria can compete with floc-

forming bacteria and cause problems. In this e-module you will learn the basics of filamentous bacteria and how to

control it at your facility.

Introduction to Safe Drinking Water Act (0.2 DA CEUs)

The safe water drinking act is the cornerstone of regulation for water in Ontario. In this e-module, you will

familiarize yourself with the basics of the act so that you have a better understanding of the laws and regulations.

governing drinking water systems in Ontario.

E-Learning:


Manganese in Drinking Water (0.1 DA CEUs)

Manganese is valuable to various industries but can cause issues in drinking water. This e-module explains where

manganese comes from, how to identify it in your system, the effects of manganese in drinking water, and how

to manage manganese in your facility.

Notice of Adverse Test Results and Other Problems and Notice of Issue of Resolution at Drinking Water Systems (0.2 DA CEUs)

While it would be ideal for all water to meet regulations at all times, adverse test results do occur. In this e-

module, you will learn the various adverse water indicators, additional criteria for determining adverse water

quality, and corrective actions you can take.

Notice of Adverse Test Results and Issue Resolution for Small Drinking Water Systems (0.2 DA CEUs)

OCWA manages many smaller facilities but adverse results still need to be reported. This e-module explains the

requirements for reporting adverse test results and resolving issues caused by adverse test results at small

facilities.

Webinars include:

Disinfection By-Products Concerns, Controls & Acronyms (0.2 DA CEUs)

Safe Drinking Water Act Regulations Review (0.2 DA CEUs)

411 on Water & Wastewater Log Books (0.2 DA CEUs)

On-Line courses have become a fast method of communicating policy changes and of informing staff of

regulatory changes or to guide staff through operational issues.

Webinars include:

Disinfection By-Products Concerns, Controls & Acronyms (0.2 DA CEUs)

Identify the common disinfection by-products associated with chlorination and their MAC as per the ODWQS to

understand the conditions contributing to increased disinfection by-products formation;

Safe Drinking Water Act Regulations Review (0.2 DA CEUs)

Know the differences between the SDWA and the regulations under the Act and name the objective of O. Reg.

170, 128, and 169. State a supporting document that is found under O. Reg. 170/03. List two AWWA standards

that apply to water operators;

411 on Water & Wastewater Log Books (0.2 DA CEUs)

In this 2-hour webinar you will learn how to correctly enter information in a facility log book at water and

wastewater treatment facilities.


Please contact our Training Coordinator at 905.274.6710 ex. 5251 for all inquiries.

Distance Education & Blended Learning Programs:

We have a variety of courses available via distance education:

All About Solids

Learn about solids test commonly conducted at

wastewater treatment facilities, through online videos,

quizzes and practical activities.

Math Workshop

Distance learning program that reviews basic

mathematic principles.

OIT Exam Prep

One-on one program that assist participants prepare for

OIT exams.

Expanded Fundamentals of Water Treatment

Learn about water treatment methods and technologies,

and obtain a better understanding of the inactivation and

removal of pathogens.

Water Distribution Prep Class 1-2

This is a take home course, complete with sample

questions and a general review of distribution system

operations.

Introduction to Wastewater Treatment

Operations

This course will help you prepare for your level 1

certification exam in the comfort of your own home.

Wastewater Treatment Prep. Level 1-2

Review treatment process, watch operational videos and

complete sample questions.

Introduction to Wastewater Collection

This course will help you prepare for your level 1

certification exam.

ocwa courses · this course will give you a snapshot of ocwa’s ... booster pumps, water hammer,...

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