Small Water Users Association of British Columbia
Posted February 2006
Founded in 2003, the Small Water Users Association of B.C. is a non-profit society dedicated to serving the interests of small water systems (1-300 connections) throughout the province. As of December 31, 2005, 198 small water systems had joined the association, along with 60 affiliate members (consulting engineering firms, equipment suppliers, and test laboratories).
The association’s mission is two-fold:
- To improve system operations and reduce costs by fostering cooperation and information sharing among small water systems throughout B.C.; and
- To represent the concerns and interests of small water systems to all levels of government.
To meet its mission, the association:
- Educates members about government financial and other assistance programs and services, along with advice on how water systems can apply;
- Educates members about local suppliers of water treatment equipment, technology, and consulting expertise;
- Negotiates affordable group liability insurance rates on behalf of its members;
- Lobbies the government of B.C. to provide a more flexible approach and financial assistance for small water systems that need to make substantial infrastructure investments to comply with the Drinking Water Protection Act & Regulation;
- Helps members bring their concerns to the attention of the appropriate government ministries and agencies;
- Provides an effective forum for members to exchange ideas and information about common issues and other matters related to the operation of their water systems.
For more information about the association, visit www.smallwaterusers.com or contact Denny Ross-Smith at 250-505-5150 or smallwaterusers@shaw.ca.