THUNDER BAY -- An idea started by a handful of people 60 years ago is now an important step in making sure water supplies are safe across the region.
The Northwestern Ontario Water and Wastewater Conference is a chance for more than 200 operators across the region to network, train and learn about new technology for water systems.
Conference chair Henry Connor, who’s also a technology management specialist with the city, said the conference also has 35 booths with suppliers and companies showing off the latest ways to keep drinking water safe.
"Any technology that we can use to help us do that more efficiently and cheaper is definitely something we're going to be focusing on," he said during the conference at the Valhalla Inn.
Operators can also take training courses at the conference to make sure they’re certified, something that’s become a focus since the Walkerton Inquiry.
Walkerton Clean Water Centre training coordinator Leona Cunningham said courses were offered on everything from valve maintenance to monitoring chlorine.
"Making sure that our drinking water operators have the knowledge, the skills, the abilities they need in order to operate drinking water facilities,” she said.
