CWQA Virtual Annual General Meeting
May 26, 2020
This year’s Annual General Meeting was very different from years’ past.Last year we gathered in Niagara Falls, ON at a great venue and beautiful location. This year we were going to try something very different, and take the AGM on the road. We had arranged to tour the Walkerton Clean Water Centre in Ontario, that was developed after the tragic events of 20 years ago. Today it provides some of the very best training and knowledge on water. Next was a stop to experience fantastic craft beers at Cowbell Brewery while listening to our business portion of the AGM.
So this year, you might have had a craft beer while watching the AGM in the comfort of your home, as that is the new norm. We heard from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) on what they have been doing to support small businesses in Canada through the health crisis.The meeting was short and sweet, but brought us a new Board of Directors, new Executive and great business information.
Western Regional Meeting Highlights
The CWQA is a national association, and our members are coast to coast, therefore, it was suggested to hold regional meetings to gain feedback to what is happening in all areas of Canada. Our first regional meeting was held on June 17th and below are some of the highlights of the conversation.
- Time to re-engage with the plumbing inspectors to highlight the good work that CWQA members do
- Revisit the ‘specialty trade’ for water treatment professionals and bring this to Alberta for trial
- Review education program for key add-on courses for water treatment professionals
Country Water Education
Source:Jeff Wahl | jeff@wahlwater.com
The average Canadian citizen is not aware of the potential risks to water quality outside of city limits wherelittle regulation and testing are conducted. In rural areas people trust the public health unit with watersampling for verification of safety, in real estate transactions and as personal drinking water sources. TheCanadian Drinking Water Guidelines (CDWG) contain 104 parameters with minimum safety levels, of whiche.Coli and Total Coliform account for only two parameters in a public health unit test. The remaining 102parameters are not part of this test.
Treating Water with a Floor Cleaner
Source: Jeff Wahl |jeff@wahlwater.com
Over the years I have experienced many interesting situations with water quality and testing. This example is definitely at the top of the list and raises serious concerns about water safety and how water testing isperceived. As part of a routine water test, I showed up at a residence to take a sample for bacterialanalysis. After running the tap for a couple of minutes, there was a distinct chemical smell which did notdiminish as the tap ran. Curious, I asked if chlorine had been used to disinfect the piping prior to my arrival.To my surprise, the individual indicated that they had put “a little pine floor cleaner in the water” as they didnot have any chlorine on hand to disinfect the piping.
Basics of Water Chemistry
- A huge thank you to Mike Weatherill for his efforts and time to teach us the basics
- Discussed the need for water testing and how the periodic table of elements plays into that testing.
- What roll does pH play in determining the right water treatment equipment.
Helpful Information
Black Lives Matter – Eliminating Discrimination in Our Workplaces
Recent events have highlighted the need for a powerful call to action to all of our communities, governments, businesses and individuals to demand and to deliver change. A vital element to the success of this initiative falls on employers, both large and small, to ensure they are doing whatever they can to help eliminate systemic and systematic barriers in their workplace to ensure an environment where talent thrives and prevails. Read more…
Source: Peak Performance
Guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality: Guideline technical document – Total coliforms
Source: Health Canada
