AWWA ACE58280

Historically, training for water treatment and system operators has been a provincial or territorial responsibility in Canada. AWWA Sections and other associations have been involved as well. This paper discusses how the renewed focus on drinking water in Canada will make it necessary for provincial and territorial governments to reassess their commitment to operator training in light of budget cutbacks over the past decade. AWWA sections will have to be involved in this evaluation and will be relied upon for technical expertise. The development and upgrading of operator certification programs and operator training must go hand in hand.