Waterworks Technology School

The Waterworks and Water Treatment industries are driven by the basic need for clean water which is of the utmost importance to human beings. These industries do not suffer from the swings in construction, maintenance and other industries.

Our government is increasing its spending on infrastructure construction and maintenance as well as in treatment plants and water facilities to support current and future population needs. What that means for those in the Water Industry, is more work, as well as the need for more skilled workers. There has never been a better time to start your career in these industries.

Cities in British Columbia normally operate on legislated 5 Year Municipal Capital Plans. This is not a "knee jerk" industry. Careful, planned and budgeted upgrading of systems is required under the Municipal Acts. All cities, towns, villages operate with a five year forward plan.

City authorities KNOW where they are spending the dollars each year over a future 5 Year Plan. Of course, this is good for those who work in construction, maintenance and repair of water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems. ON-GOING is the key to the sense of security enjoyed in this industry. Populations can do without many things - but clean water and wastewater systems are critical to life itself. That is why the National Research Council and Federation of Canadian Municipalities developed the Quality of Life Infrastructure Program.

In all British Columbia , municipalities use the Five Year Capital Plan as an important budgeting tool. It also allows YOU to know what's happening in the Waterworks industry.

Just as an example one can view the Nanaimo 2008-2012 Five Year Capital Plan at the city website www.city.nanaimo.bc.ca

Just to highlight a few of the projected work plans take a look at the following:

$ 15,217,000 to replace AC watermains
$ 2,250,000 for watermains on 10 th & Park St .
$ 360,000 to replace the watermain on Waddington Rd.
$ 4,762,560 to twin the watermain from No. 1 Reservoir to College Park
$ 4,413,600 for a new South Nanaimo Reservoir & piping
$ 2,100,000 to complete Labieux booster station
$ 3,174,800 for land & design of water treatment plant ($46 million total)
$ 454,728 maintenance on No. 1 Reservoir
$ 5,661,200 upgrade to South Forks Dam
$ 4,950,000 for Green Lake sanitary sewers
$ 1,700,000 for Labieux / Millstone sanitary sewers
$ 625,000 to replace sanitary sewers on lower Townsite
$ 350,000 to upgrade sanitary sewers on Bruce Ave.
$ 530,000 for upgrades storm sewers in Chase River / Westwood Lake area
$ 1,125,000 storm sewers associated with paving
$ 142,000 upgrade storm sewers on Sundown & Overlook drives

So you see, water & utilities renewal is a continuation of five year plans and long term upgrading plans. When you consider that each and every municipality, regional districts and villages all up and down British Columbia have similar five year plans in place for their utility upgrades, you can begin to see the high level of importance that this industry enjoys.

The private construction companies that take on tendered work with the municipalities are in a situation no better than the municipalities. Many of our young, bright and energetic workers have no understanding of the great jobs available in the waterworks industry and the opportunity for a fast paced climb up the ladder to a high level of financial security.

Allow Waterworks Technology School to assist you in becoming a part of this solid and sustaining industry.