Training Requirements for Operators of Small Drinking Water Systems (SDWS)
Last revised/reviewed March 7, 2023
Reg 319/08 (Small Drinking Water Systems) requires that operators of SDWS be trained in drinking water system operation and maintenance. The Directive issued under s. 7 of the regulation specifies training requirements for operator(s). The types of training specified in the Directive are guided by a document produced by the Ministry of Health called the “Small Drinking Water Systems Risk Assessment Guideline, 2018”. This document replaces the 2008 version used since the implementation of the regulation in 2008.
The 2018 Risk Assessment Guideline document provides greater clarity around the operator training requirements. The type of training required is based on the water source, treatment type, and system configuration. Please refer to your most recent Directive. Part 7 will specify the operator training requirements which will fall into one of the four categories below.
- Educational Material Only
No formal training required. This would only apply to a system where posting (of warning signs advising customers not to use the water) is permitted. The operator(s) must have knowledge in following areas:
- general protection requirements (notification of users) and record keeping
- Introduction to Small Drinking Water Systems
This course is delivered by Peterborough Public Health. This level of training is required for operators of systems where the source is secure groundwater with no treatment system or a system using hauled water. The operator(s) must have knowledge in following areas:
- groundwater basics, well basics, source water protection (groundwater), storage tanks
- proper sampling techniques, lab submission process, understanding results
- responding to an adverse result
- Basics for Small Drinking Water Systems
This course is offered by the Walkerton Clean Water Centre. This level of training is required for operators of systems using groundwater and where primary treatment is provided. The operator(s) must have knowledge in following areas:
- those items listed in number 2 above
- potential of system failure, impacts of system failure
- notification of users – adverse result or observation
- ability to operate and understand why and how the treatment system works and what to do if it fails
- ability to maintain the operation of the equipment to, at a minimum, the manufacturer’s recommended instructions
- Advanced for Small Drinking Water Systems
This course is offered by the Walkerton Clean Water Centre. This level of training is required for operators of systems which have primary treatment and a distribution system with secondary treatment. The operator(s) must have knowledge in following areas:
- those items listed in number 3 above
- distribution system sampling and maintenance of disinfection residual
- management of distribution system breaks
In addition to the above, all operators are expected to be aware of their obligations under the regulation, to be familiar with the operation of equipment specific to their system, as well as safety and emergency procedures.
The courses Basics for Small Drinking Water Systems and Advanced for Small Drinking Water Systems can be taken through the Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC). To enroll, visit https://wcwc.ca/ or call 1-866-515-0550.
The course Introduction to Small Drinking Water Systems will be offered by Peterborough Public Health on the following dates:
- Thursday April 27, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street, Peterborough
- Wednesday November 15, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street, Peterborough
Please note if your Directive states that you must take Basics or Advanced for SDWS, you cannot take Introduction to SDWS as a substitute.
To register for the course Introduction to Small Drinking Water Systems, please call (705) 743-1000 ex 232 or by email at krogers@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
Please refer to the attached Questions and Answers page. If you have any further questions, please contact Chris Eaton, Public Health Inspector, at (705) 743-1000 ex 225 or by email at ceaton@peterboroughpublichealth.ca