Education Days 2025 | Ontario Municipal Water Association

DATE: June 5-6, 2025

VENUE:

Casino Rama Resort
5897 Rama Rd,
Rama, ON L3V 6H6
Tel: 705-329-3325 or 800-832-7529

Hotel block available at $185.00/night for deluxe suite
(rates based on single or double occupancy, maximum occupancy up to five 5 persons)
Check in: 4:00pm | Check out: 11:00am
Booking Code: OMWF25A until Apr 30 2025
(click on the link) or call 705-329-3325

EVENT INFORMATION:

Join us for this great opportunity to pick up water/wastewater Director Approved (CEUs) and/or On-The-Job-Training*. Visit with manufacturers and suppliers to get the latest information on new products and technology.
*Attendance may also qualify as a Continuing Knowledge Activity for the PEO PEAK program

ATTENDEES/DELEGATES:

Access to the tradeshow is complimentary for all with opportunities to win a variety of draw and door prizes at the end of Day 2**
**You must be present to collect the prize**
We are offering 2 types of registrations over this event. REGISTER TODAY!

Director Approved Training

We have 3 tracks available this year- each includes 2 hours of On-The-Job-Training (OJTs)

Track 1: Environmental Compliance 101 for Water & Wastewater Utilities

MECP Director-Approved for 0.7 CEUs

About the course

Canadian environmental legislation applies to all activities across the country, including water and wastewater activities.

While some provisions to standard rules are included in your Municipal Drinking Water Licence and your Environmental Compliance Approvals, this course provides an overview of environmental legislation that applies to your activities.

Learning objectives

By the end of this course participants will:

Canadian Environmental Protection Act and related regulations
Fisheries Act and related regulations
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and related regulation
Ontario Environmental Protection Act and related regulations
Ontario Water Resources Act

Track 2: Troubleshooting Treatment & Distribution Systems

MECP Director-Approved for 0.7 CEUs

About the Course

Water quality problems in drinking water systems are often complex interactions between source water chemistry, biology and the physical processes being used. This course will discuss various common water quality problems that occur in drinking water treatment and distribution systems and provide a range of solutions that would be applicable under different conditions. The course content includes a series of troubleshooting exercises which are based on real-world, practical experience with solving problems. Starting with a review of basic water quality parameters, along with a review of treatment and distribution systems, participants will learn how to recognize and respond to common water quality problems. This course also includes mitigation strategies for some more recent water quality issues, including PFAS, algal toxins and asbestos-cement pipe.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course participants will:

Understand important basic water quality parameters, source water characteristics and interactions that occur in drinking water systems
Refresh their knowledge of some common treatment and distribution processes
Understand the basic principles of troubleshooting problems in drinking water systems
Recognize indicators and causes of water quality problems and be able to modify or adjust operational procedures to resolve these problems
Understand and respond to some newer water quality concerns

Track 3: Three – 2hr sessions – totaling 0.6 CEUs

A) Service Tube Selection for Potable Water and Installation with Valves and Fittings

MECP Director-Approved for 0.2 CEUs

About the Course

This course will build from the first course, developed in 2007. Service line valves and fittings are now available with new compression connections with a push-type stab connection. These are sampled and demonstrated. A new service tube, AquaPure was developed recently and will be sampled and explained. This is also equivalent to Municipex and Blue 904 Pex products. When plastic piping systems are used, tracing of the (non-metallic) lines is required for future locates. Experience has shown that this has become a roadblock for many municipalities in converting to the more versatile plastic systems, and partly because it utilizes an electrical technology without a good adaptation to the municipal industry. This will be explored in depth with generic products, layouts and future thought.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course participants will:

Explain the AWWA C800 standard which is a guideline for Manufacturers of Service Brass Valves and Fittings. It affects valve design, machining and pressure ratings. There will be a “hands on” with product samples to assemble. Secondly, we will demonstrate new compression connection designs and alternative materials to brass. This section will conclude with a build into connection design implications for use on plastic service tube.
Service tube is covered under C901, C904 and CSA . These standards will be explained. The Waterworks Industry has transitioned from lead service lines, to copper and now to plastics. These materials and their connection design requirements will be explained. Field hydrostatic pressure testing of plastic service line valves and fittings is preferred. Why?
The adaptation of plastic service lines has been slowed by the need to provide pipeline tracing for future locating needs. The tracing technology is basically electrical in design and the proper transition to use on underground service pipe created a product problem. Proper layout of a tracing grid will be explained in addition to tracing wire options, connectors, test stations and grounding rods.

B) The Cause & Effect of Air in Pipelines, Design, Operation & Maintenance of Automatic Air Valves

MECP Director-Approved for 0.2 CEUs

About the Course

This course will build from the first three courses on air valves, the first developed in 2006. Brief review of the cause of air infiltration into pipelines, and the effect air inside has on pipeline performance. Then vacuum protection and how we need to bring air into the pipeline under vacuum conditions. This is less understood and vacuum conditions have a significant impact on air valve chamber design.

Technical sessions begin with explaining the three types of air valves, how the basic air/vacuum and air relief functions work, as do cut- a -ways on the tables as well. Explain the difference between the air/vacuum function and the air relief function and describe the formula F = P x A to explain air release valve design parameters.

Air relief valve designs have developed (improved) over the last 60 years from traditional “ball port seal” to “rolling seal” to “diaphragm seal” air release mechanisms. Air valve chamber design must allow for vacuum conditions inside the pipeline, drawing air from the atmosphere through the air valve. The risk is possible infiltration of ground water which may be sitting in a chamber and drawn through the air valve in during vacuum conditions. Flood safe devices attached to air valves guard against this, as do one-way out check valves. Direct bury air valves, where the chamber is incorporated into the cannister of the air valve are described as the current direction for air valve implementation considering confined space entry. This is the future, where confined space issues are resolved and cost of inspection and maintenance minimized.

Finally, operational procedures is reviewed, this is especially helpful for maintenance personnel.

C) Pipe Connecting – Coupling, Saddles, Fittings and Restraint

Discuss all the types of pipes used, currently and previously to transmit water or wastewater in our municipal systems: copper (copper tube size poly ethylene and pex); O.D steel; Sch 40/80 steel and IPS, PVC; AWWA Ductile Iron and C-900 PVC; Asbestos Cement. Pipe chart will be shown and available showing outside diameter for each size of each pipe. The focus here will not be on pipe performance but the design details pertaining to connecting into a system. Learn what happens to the pipe wall under compression and restraint .Prototypes will be on display except for asbestos cement which is no longer available even as samples.

Typical non-restrained coupling design with rubber seal, end rings and bolting will be shown and demonstrated. Explain with samples, different design criteria, size-on-size, multi-range and transition types. Attention will be given to the non-restrained nature of standard couplings. Review corrosion potential, design protection and corrosion-inhibitor products. Restraint will be taught in detail, bell-lock style for restraining pipe ends; cam-lock for restraining on pipe ends with MJ fittings (couplings described above); pipe-lock restrained couplings (especially transitioning from one pipe size to another); flange-lock coupling adaptor restraining plain end pipe to flanged fittings. Restraining pins and M11 harness designs will be explained for hard-wall pipe (ie. Steel and stainless steel). Coatings for couplings and restraint devices will be detailed with awwa and NSF standards.

Learn about repairing pipe with full circle repair clamps for transition mains; compression couplings for branch lines or smaller mains. Wet and dry tapping of mains for branch lines using tapping sleeves (4” and larger) will be detailed including line stops; tapping saddles for smaller diameter connections (3/4”-2”); tapped tees. Specific implications of tapping dry versus live (wet) and testing requirement for each different type. Because of the specific characteristics of High Density Polyethylene a separate section will be devoted to connecting, joining, restraining and tapping this type of pipe. Engineering fabrication for any special connection or repair is possible. These custom designs result from deteriorated pipes failing or leaking, usually these pipes become oval which means that standard off-the shelf products will not work. Also, engineered systems are used when the pipeline cannot be emptied so repairs are made encapsulating the leak/failure. There will be exposure to new technology as well.

On-The-Job Training (OJTs)

We have up to 5 hours of On-The-Job-Training (OJTs). Certificates will be issued recognizing participation in these sessions

Maintenancefest (offered by WCWC on Day 1)

Maintenancefest is a unique hands-on training experience that allows participants to cycle through 3 of 4 training modules. The modules being offered are:

*Modules subject to change without notice.

Chemical Dosing Equipment – Participants will identify various peristaltic and diaphragm pump components, and perform hands-on activities to demonstrate the ability to calibrate, disassemble, inspect and identify issues with pumps.

Leak Detection – This session will introduce participants to the characteristics of leaks, various types of leak detection equipment, and leak detection methodology.

Maintenance of Valves – This module will provide participants with the necessary skills to operate valves in the distribution system and evaluate their condition. The session will also explain how different valves are constructed, what’s inside them, and how they work.

UV Disinfection Theory & Maintenance – Participants will gain an understanding of what UV is and how it works to disinfect water. Major components of UV systems will be reviewed, including the associated hazards and personal protective equipment required for safe operation and maintenance. Participants will have an opportunity to perform basic routine maintenance and troubleshooting activities.

Visit https://wcwc.ca/ to register for Maintenancefest.