About the BC Small Water Systems Online Help Centre

Safe drinking water takes knowledge, planning, and support.

Small drinking water systems are essential to community health across British Columbia, but operating a system can be complex, especially when time, staffing, budgets, or training opportunities are limited.

Through its Water & Wastewater Technology Program, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) developed the BC Small Water Systems Online Help Centre to provide free, practical support for operators and owners, with support from funding partners.

This work is rooted in place. We respectfully acknowledge that it takes place across the traditional and unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples throughout British Columbia. Water has been cared for since time immemorial through Indigenous laws, knowledge systems, and stewardship. We recognize the importance of learning and working in ways that honour this responsibility.

The BC Small Water Systems Online Help Centre supports people responsible for the operation and oversight of small drinking water systems in British Columbia, including:

  • Small water system operators
  • Small water system owners
  • People responsible for day-to-day operations, maintenance, and monitoring

In BC, a small drinking water system is commonly understood as a system that serves up to 500 people in a 24-hour period.

Our resources are designed to support operators in understanding and working toward BC drinking water requirements, including:

  • Drinking Water Protection Act (DWPA)
  • Drinking Water Protection Regulation (DWPR)
  • Drinking Water Treatment Objectives

Important: This site provides educational resources only. Always follow direction from your local Health Authority and Drinking Water Officer.

This Help Centre exists to support safer day-to-day operations and long-term system improvement. Small systems can face real operational challenges such as:

  • Equipment or infrastructure issues
  • Water quality risks
  • Limited funding or staffing
  • Difficulty accessing technical guidance or training

 

You’ll find step-by-step resources related to: 

  • Operations and maintenance
  • Water quality monitoring and record keeping
  • Emergency response planning
  • Treatment and distribution systems
  • System improvements
  • Planning and financial management
  • Free webinars and online courses (including CEUs where applicable)

Our approach: Safe water from source to tap

This site supports a Multi-Barrier Approach to drinking water protection, strengthening safety through multiple layers of prevention, including: 

  • Source water protection
  • Appropriate treatment
  • Regular monitoring
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Emergency planning

You’re not alone. Whether you’re new to small systems or responding to an urgent issue, these starting points can help you take the next step with confidence.