My URL & References

Water Lovers, for your information...

The URL addresses for the links I have created on my blogs are:

http://www.awwa.org/index.cfm?showLogin=N

http://www.canadians.org/

http://www.eco.ca/

http://www.oacett.org/page.asp?P_ID=98

http://www.owotc.com/

http://www.owwa.com/hm/

http://www.owwco.ca/eng.htm

http://www.wcwc.ca/en/

http://xcgtraining.com/ecom.asp

References:

http://www.awwa.org/index.cfm?showLogin=N

The American Water Works Association is the leading authority in North America, in the area of water treatment. They oversee our provincial association, the Ontario Water Works Association. Their website is a vast storehouse of information, and membership options, including affordable student memberships. In fact, AWWA refers to themselves as “The Authoritative Resource on Safe Water” (AWWA, 2010). AWWA is 125 years old, and is recognized by the US Congress, in issues of water policy and public health; and launched the Water Research Foundation. The organization boasts more than 57,000 members in 43 sections, and in 100 countries outside of North America. The Home Page contains a lot of information, with specific link categories across the top of the page. It is well organized, and relatively easy to navigate. The only drawback for Canadian members is that most of the training and resources provided by AWWA are not recognized in Canada.


Council of Canadians celebrates UN General Assembly recognition of human right to water(2010). The Council of Canadians. Accessed July 28th, from http://www.canadians.org/media/water/2010/28-Jul-10.html.

http://www.canadians.org/media/water/2010/28-Jul-10.html

The Council of Canadians was created in 1985, with the goal of promoting social, economic, and environmental justice. This year they are celebrating their 25th anniversary. Over the years, the organization has contributed positively to many important issues. Membership is an option on the site. Although many of their contributions have been positive, their methods, and motives appear to be excessively socialist; therefore website users should be aware of the agenda and overwhelming bias of the site. That does not mean that the site should be dismissed. The link I have listed above takes the navigator to a press release from the Council of Canadians, on a very important issue; that of a basic human right- access clean drinking water and sanitation.

This group was also instrumental in permanently shutting down Site 41 in Barrie. Site 41 was designated for a new landfill facility, but was being constructed over one of the most pristine aquifers in Ontario, if not Canada. Links on the site appear to work, but the site is very busy, and challenging to navigate, partly due to the vast number of links.

Entry-Level Drinking Water Operator Course (OIT).(2010). Walkerton Clean Water Centre. Accessed July 30th, 2010, from http://www.wcwc.ca/en/training/entrylevel.asp?_mid_=1168.

http://www.wcwc.ca/en/training/entrylevel.asp?_mid_=1168

The webpage provides information regarding the Entry Level Drinking Water Course, which is offered by the Walkerton Clean Water Centre. There are four main links that take users to:

• Fact Sheet. This sheet is supplied by the Province of Ontario, and summarizes the topics covered in the   course, and how to register for the course.

• Registration Guide. Provided by the WCWC, and addresses the different stages of the course, and frequently asked questions.

• Application form. This includes contact information, and payment.

• Course Schedule. Provides different locations and dates for training.

The page is easy to navigate, and contains links on the right hand side, to all of the different topics covered on the site. All of the links work. Information is presented in a clear and logical manner. This training centre is very credible, with an excellent reputation. It was created after the Walkerton Tragedy, to address the issue of training, development, and certification of water operators; to prevent further tragedies.

http://www.owwa.com/hm/

The Ontario Water Works Association is a branch of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Their vision is to be the “leading resource dedicated to safe, sufficient, and sustainable water from source to tap”. Founded in 1916, the Association has undergone a number of changes through the years, and in 1971, was split into different chapters, including the Ontario division. OWWA’s goal is to provide leadership in water management, through education, innovation, science and technology, and by actively participating in the development of government policies.

The site contains a number of links including tradeshows, community activities, member services, and job postings. In their library link, navigators can find information on the Walkerton Inquiry, which was a defining moment in time, for the province of Ontario. From this tragedy, and subsequent report and recommendations, came the regulations that are in place today. As always, these are always evolving. The site is easy to navigate, and the pages are not overwhelming in terms of content. Credible and respected, the Ontario Water Works Association is a valuable resource for future and current water operators.