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Serving the Canadian Ground Water industry for 47 years.
8 FORAGE SAMSON
Over 75 years, Forage Samson, based in Saint-Pierre-de-la-Rivière-du-Sud, Que., has built a diversified drilling business and it is now agile enough to take advantage of different opportunities that come its way
10 ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION
Jamie McMillan, founder of Kick Ass Careers, shines the spotlight on the skilled trades as a solid career path for youth
14 THE SOURCE
Find out what’s happening in the Ontario Ground Water Association in The Source
www.groundwatercanada.com
YOUR BUSINESS by Colleen Cross
SUPREME COURT RULES OTTAWA’S CARBON TAX IS CONSTITUTIONAL
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled the federal Liberal government’s carbon pricing regime is constitutional – a major decision that allows Ottawa to push ahead with its ambitious plan to ensure every province and territory has a price on carbon to curb greenhouse gas emissions. CBC News reports.
WELLMASTER AND LAMBTON COLLEGE LAUNCH COMMERCIALIZATION PROJECT
Wellmaster has partnered with Lambton College in Sarnia, Ont., with provincial funding, to launch a collaborative research project to support the commercialization of the Press x Press coupling.
Looking ahead
Diversifying is one of several ways to
by Colleen Cross
What are the key issues for the groundwater industry?
The results of a survey we undertook last year tell us something about your outlook on the future of the industry. The survey, sponsored in partnership with the Canadian National Ground Water Association and the Ontario Ground Water Association, gathered information and opinions from water-well contractors, drillers, pump contractors, and engineers and scientists.
We asked where opportunities for contractors lie to improve operations and profitability: the top answer was clients putting more value on your services to allow higher prices. For a fresh viewpoint on this from the next generation, be sure to read Sarah Eggleton’s opinion piece in this edition of OGWA’s The Source, which presents a detailed analysis of the financial forces affecting youth entering the water-well industry.
We asked where opportunities for contractors lie to improve operations and profitability: the top answer was clients putting more value on your services to allow higher prices.
For another view of the next generation, check out our Q-and-A with Jamie McMillan, a journeyman ironworker and apprentice boilermaker who is on a mission to “engage, educate and encourage” youth to consider careers in skilled trades.
People in the industry want to see improved co-operation between government and contractors. Half of participants saw new technology and greater efficiencies as the way forward. Improved or more frequent training and partnerships with other associations relating to water were were solid suggestions.
Training was seen as important and closely related to professionalism. Comments included: “Develop proper trades training to provide better pathways to employment and raise the standards of practice” and “Having higher standards of certified product.”
These are your own ideas shared in thoughtful
moments away from a drill rig when you can hear yourselves think.
Diversifying your business is another powerful possibility. Forage Samson, profiled by Guillaume Roy in our cover story this issue, is a great example of a thriving company constantly looking ahead. After creating the business for residential drilling projects, they built up their business through commercial and municipal projects. They learned about and invested in new equipment and technology to take their company into the future.
This is what smart businesses do. They keep their ears open for opportunities, they figure out what they need and, step by step, they work on their plan – two-year, five-year, whatever it may be. And by making themselves stronger, they help strengthen the industry as a whole in many ways. They serve as role models, they motivate and inspire other businesses to maintain high standards.
They look to the future.
But no amount of diversifying will help this industry if we don’t address root issues raised in the survey: maintaining high standards, pursuing the best training possible, promoting new technology. And the number 1 concern: getting clients – and contractors! – to value the service you provide to allow higher prices. Which may come down to contractors putting on their sales hats and selling the essential service and the much coveted “product” they bring to Canadians.
These concerns come up in almost every conversation we have with people in the industry. It’s a big circle that seems to start and end with raising awareness about the groundwater industry.
I challenge every reader to select one concern or issue and make it their priority.
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The MudPuppy® was designed to efficiently remove rocks and sand from drill mud, making the mud and jobsite cleaner. With clean mud the problems of wear and tear on the mud pump, drill string, and other parts are reduced dramatically. The hole is cleaner with less wall cake, making for a more productive well.
Each MudPuppy® is outfitted with a high wear CHROME centrifugal pump. Chrome ensures a longer life with higher RPM.
INDUSTRY NEWS
PODCAST SERIES TO TACKLE DRILLING SITE’S CARBON FOOTPRINT
Canadian Pipe and Pump Supply and Ground Water Canada will launch a podcast series exploring current practices and potential best practices for handling waste material on the drilling site.
In three talks designed for quick listening, we’ll look at current and expected legislation relating to single-use plastics and other materials. We’ll also consider what may be done from the contractor’s perspective to reduce carbon footprint.
The Footprint: A discussion on the awareness of the footprint left during drilling for domestic water wells or dewatering wells, is sponsored by CanPipe and brought to you by Ground Water Canada.
Get the information you need from this informative podcast series. Watch for it at groundwatercanada.com this spring!
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND WATER ACT TO COME INTO EFFECT IN JUNE 2021
Prince Edward Island will bring the Water Act into effect June 16, 2021. The will ensure government is able to manage and protect water resources for the common good, the P.E.I. government said in news release.
The Water Act is supported by four sets of regulations including updated Water Withdrawal regulations, which were the subject of public consultation in the fall of 2019. Under these regulations all water wells drawing above the level of domestic household consumption will require a permit. Following public and community feedback, government is strengthening the water withdrawal regulations.
Changes include:
• conservation of water resources is explicitly noted as a policy objective of the minister
• government’s water withdrawal policy for healthy stream flow and aquatic environments is included defining acceptable levels needed to allow or prohibit extraction
• the minister can require a drought contingency plan for selected, large water withdrawal programs
• a provision is being made for construction of high-capacity wells for research in agricultural irrigation and there is a policy to guide government’s decisions on research projects
• a provision is being made to grandfather existing clusters of low capacity wells used for agricultural irrigation (for example, holding ponds); however, no new clusters that have the same impact as a high-capacity well will be permitted
As required under the Water Act, government will provide the regulations to the Standing Committee of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability for 90 days, at which point they will take effect. The regulations continue to be available online for public comment.
Under the provision for research, the Province will be permitting the proposal by the Canadian Rivers Institute at the University of Prince Edward Island into the impacts of high-capacity wells in agricultural irrigation and the environment. The Province will invest in the project, removing the need for financial contributions from industry.
The research program is also being expanded to consider soil health and the relationship between soil health, nutrient management, and supplemental irrigation. Maintaining soil health and organic matter levels is important for soil productivity and for maximizing the benefits of supplemental water use.
FEDERAL UPDATE ON FIRST NATIONS DRINKING WATER ADVISORIES
The federal government has provided an update on drinking water advisories on reserve in First Nations.
As of March 10, 2021, 101 longterm drinking water advisories have been lifted. This means that since November 2015, clean water access has been restored to approximately 5,850 homes and 430 community buildings in 73 First Nations communities.
While 58 long-term advisories remained in 38 communities, project teams continue their work. Information on each community’s progress can be found on new and updated web pages at https://www. canada.ca/water-on-reserve.
Resolving short-term advisories before they become long-term is also an important part of the overall work to eliminate long-term drinking water advisories. Since November 2015, 175 short-term drinking water advisories have been lifted before becoming long-term.
“While the pandemic has impacted construction work and project deadlines, we remain committed to ending all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserves and improving access to safe drinking water,” said Marc Miller, minister of Indigenous services.
by GUILLAUME ROY
In 2020 Forage Samson acquired a new Fraste Mito 100TB drilling rig for piles and anchors.
FORAGE SAMSON
When diversification makes you more agile
Over the years, Forage Samson has built a diversified drilling business and it is now agile enough to take advantage of different opportunities that come its way.
Recently Forage Samson drilled a 230-feet well, 20 inches wide, for a municipal aqueduct network, in the west island of Montreal. “It was a huge project full of constraints,” says Alexandre Samson, co-owner of Forage Samson with his parents.
In 2020, Forage Samson also worked on a big civil engineering project, as a subcontractor, in Old Montreal. “We had to drill a lot of anchoring very deep to retain the secant wall,” he adds, as two drilling teams worked on the project for three months.
The COVID-19 pandemic initially put a halt to many projects back in spring 2020, when only drinking water projects were allowed because they were considered essential
by Quebec government. Ever since the construction sector was relaunched, things are booming. “The virus has brought a lot of bad things, but for our business, it had a very good economic impact,” notes Alexandre Samson, who thinks 2021 will be another record year. “Last year was one of our best year even if we had to stop the operations for one month and this year will be even better,” he says. For example, the list of confirmed projects is six times longer than usual at a similar date. The project delivery dates have pushed back from 10 to 21 days, to 21 to 35 days. “Clients need to think ahead of time to confirm their projects as soon as possible,” claims Samson. Forage Samson has come a long way since
it was founded in 1945, by Alexandre’s grandfather, Maurice and two grand uncles, Wilfrid and Marcel. After creating the business primarily for residential drilling projects, Forage Samson diversified over the years to include commercial and municipal sectors, so that today, the market is evenly shared between those three sectors. For residential projects, Forage Samson covers mainly the Quebec regions of ChaudièresAppalaches and Charlevoix – regions where there is a housing boom. For the commercial and municipal sectors, the drilling business covers the entire province, and sometimes does work in Ontario and New Brunswick.
Forage Samson used to do a lot more geothermal, but the markets have changed. “We had very good years when the Quebec government provided better funding around 10 years ago, he adds. With the evolution of heat-pump systems, which cost less than geothermal projects, it is less popular, even if it still gives good economic returns once installed.”
With 15 employees, Forage Samson works with as many as six drilling teams simultaneously. Examples of jobs include building bored piles and anchoring in downtown Montreal and drilling to look for water for municipal aqueduct networks.
DIVERSIFIED EQUIPMENT
To deliver the projects in diversified markets, Forage Samson had to diversify its equipment as well. “The perfect drilling machines that does it all does not exist, so we need to work with a variety of machines,” Samson says.
Two of the machines still performing very well are the Bucyrus Erie 22W and Erie 60L, which date back to the 1960s, but have been upgraded since. Forage Samson also owns a Foremost machine (DR-24), bigger and more performant for municipal and commercial projects and three Comacchio (MC-900P, MC-22a and MC-28A HD) tracked machines often used for civil engineering projects.
In 2020, the Quebec-based business received a new Fraste Mito 100 drilling machine, worth more than one million dollars, for deep foundation building projects, including bored piles and rock anchorage. “We ordered the machine before the pandemic and the delivery was postponed for five months, so we kept using the machine we were renting. And we finally bought it with the growing demand,” says Alexandre Samson, who likes to try new technologies and follow the evolution driven by manufacturers. The machine has two rotating heads, and one of them, the Vibro, allows them to dig in tougher terrain.
Of course, client service from the manufacturer has a lot to do when buying a new equipment, because a broken machine does not produce any income. And since most machines are made with custom requirements, there are no identical drilling machines. Parts need to be ordered from the United States or Europe. “With the pandemic, delays and constraints are even bigger so we make sure to keep important parts in inventory,” Samson says.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
To keep those hardworking machines rolling, Forage Samson also does a lot of preventive maintenance. “Some contracts are far away, sometimes 1.5 days of driving, and we don’t want to bring the machines back for repairs,” he says.
If machines play an important role, employees are even more important, because they are the professionals who take the best decisions for the good of the business. “They report every time a machine has something wrong, and we ask them to take the lead to optimize the preventive maintenance.”
Just like for all companies, it’s always hard to find trained employees . . . especially since there is no specific training offered for drillers in Quebec. With a new drilling machine, Forage Samson added an extra team of two employees.
“We need to find new staff interested in the sector and train them on our own to transfer the knowledge,” Alexandre Samson says. And when the new employee is trained, you need to retain them. “We have been pretty lucky so far, but I guess our employees like our teamwork, our values and our mentality.”
Over the next decade, Alexandre Samson will continue to gradually take over the business succession. He already is the third generation of Samson to lead Forage Samson, and he wants to grow the company slowly but surely.
“We want to gain market share in our markets,” Samson says. “We have a good name and we want to keep focusing on quality.”
New machines could be added, but again, the main restricting factor is more often the workforce these days, so growing a business has to be done focusing on human resources. Even with huge, hardworking machines, people will remain central to a successful business, he concludes.
For a municipal artesian well in the Charlevoix region, the Samson team, including Jean Bouffard (pictured here), used eight inches of screened artesian well with a depth of 500 feet, with a 60-foot telescopic strainer at 1600 GPM artesian flow.
ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION
Kick Ass Careers
shines the spotlight on the skilled trades as a solid career path
Contractors looking to get young people interested in drilling, pump installing and other trades related the groundwater industry can pick up valuable ideas from an inspiring promoter of the skilled trades.
Jamie McMillan, the founder of Kick Ass Careers, is on a mission to “engage, educate, and encourage” youth to consider careers in skilled trades. She presents to thousands of students, parents, educators and employers each year across North America in person and online, and she has an international following. She also volunteers with a number of organizations, including Skills Ontario and the Skilled Trades Advisory Committee.
And she speaks from experience.
McMillan is a journeyman ironworker and apprentice boilermaker, a career she embarked on in 2002, when women represented just two per cent of the workforce across Canada and the United States.
In her own youth, she wasn’t drawn to the ivory towers of academia and faced challenges choosing a career she could sink her teeth into. Back then, opportunities in the skilled trades didn’t come from high school. The seed that grew into McMillan’s career came from a chance conversation
that changed her life. It also made her very determined to share what she knows about skilled trades with youth – that skilled trades come with good job prospects, income and security.
YOU DO A LOT OF WORK SPEAKING IN SCHOOLS AND TO GROUPS FROM DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES. HOW IS THAT EXPERIENCE NOW THAT THE WHOLE WORLD HAS GONE ON ZOOM?
Well, it was challenging. Usually at this time of year, I’m on the road, and I travel probably about 20 to 25 weeks a year from school to school across Canada and the United States, and I go to big conferences. When I go to schools, I bring tools, equipment, and I get kids dressed up. I have a photo booth. It’s super engaging. I get on stage. I bring kids as volunteers with me, and I get them dressed up in construction gear and make them part of my presentation and then boom – COVID hit. I flew back home [to Hamilton, Ont.] March 13, the day the border closed.
by CAROLYN CAMILLERI
With COVID, it was a challenge because I had to go from being a very engaging speaker in person with all this fun stuff to make the kids like me to now being online. And in the beginning, it was really rocky, but I work a lot with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Skills Ontario. They have been really good at helping me, and through them, they would link me up with the teachers, and I would speak to the classrooms or I’d speak to the kids at home. And I ask for their feedback. Every time I get constructive criticism or suggestions, I change it up. Now I think I’ve pretty much nailed it in the way the students want.
HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED THE SKILLED TRADES AND ATTITUDES ABOUT THE SKILLED TRADES?
Well, a blessing of COVID is that it proved to the entire world that we need skilled trades. Because when everything else was shutting down, the essential jobs were keeping our infrastructure, building and maintaining – you can’t just
Ass Careers is an organization that aims to get youth interested in the skilled trades. Founder Jamie McMillan travels from school to school across North America. She shows up with tools and equipment, gets kids dressed up and brings young volunteers up on stage with her, dressed up in construction gear, as part of her presentation.
stop maintaining all of that stuff. You can’t just stop building housing with the growing population. You can’t just shut down steel plants. They need to run because if you shut everything down, it’s going to seize up. Even the nuclear plants, you can’t shut those down. We need electricity and plumbing and road maintenance. I think government and educators are now saying, ‘OK, skilled trades are actually important.’ It’s changing the mindset and that’s a good thing.
HOW CAN SKILLED TRADES, AND PARTICULARLY WATER WELL DRILLING, ATTRACT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE?
If you want to attract youth today, you have to make it look cool. You have to show other youth succeeding in it. You have to get information really fast and short out there. I’m part of a federal advisory committee for promoting skill trades as first choice pathways to youth. Because I’m in the schools working every day with youth and talking to them, I’ve asked, ‘How is it that you want us to promote this industry to you to make it look cool to you? What do we have to do?’
If you’re trying to attract a younger generation, your first steps are always going to be to talk to that younger generation. You want to find out what you can do to help them understand it in their terms. And the truth is, nowadays kids don’t like anything unless it’s fast information – big, bold and fast. It’s got to be sexy cool. They want one-minute Instagram videos, showing young people who are succeeding in this industry.
It’s like me when I go to these rural communities, like Fort McMurray, and I have to live in camps. What about that is cool? What makes you want to go and do that? Do you make a lot of money? Are there bonuses? If you spend this much time doing this, how is it going to affect your life over here and make this part of your life better? And it has to look cool. If you want to talk to youth about it, you have to show them what the incentives are and why it would be so great to work in that industry.
WATER WELL DRILLERS AND PUMP INSTALLERS OFTEN WORK IN RURAL AREAS OUT IN NATURE, AND WATER WELL DRILLING IS ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND – THAT HAS APPEAL, DOESN’T IT? Oh yeah, definitely. For example, maybe targeting the kids that like to be out in rural areas, and maybe, after work, want to go fishing in that lake that’s never touched. There are a lot of those kids out there, like my nephew who likes hunting and fishing. In my opinion, those careers open up all types of opportunity for that lifestyle.
Kick
PHOTO COURTESY KICK ASS CAREERS
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ‘MUST-HAVES’ AS FAR AS MAKING A JOB APPEALING?
For job appeal, for most of them now, it’s the money. It’s always going to be the money. That’s where you grab their attention. The ability to travel, the lifestyle that they can have from the money they make. You really have to show you can make this much money here.
When I talk about going Fort McMurray, I had a partner that was with me. He was a 21-year-old apprentice. And he would work two weeks in, one week out. Imagine having a one week vacation every two weeks? And at 21 years old, this kid was working two-thirds of the year making $112,000.
By the time he was 25, he saved up and bought a house. He didn’t need a mortgage – just bought the house. And that’s where you have to draw the appeal, because just telling them they’re going to go out and work in this rural area and their life is going to be out in the bush and alone might not be as appealing to them as if you’re showing the lifestyle they can have with the money they make.
ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WATER WELL DRILLING INDUSTRY IN GENERAL?
The thing I really strongly suggest if there is some apprenticeship aspect to it, is to consider the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. They have 144 different trades that they promote through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Get that into their curriculum and, potentially, there’s a program that can be built off of it so kids in schools who are interested in this can start doing co-ops and getting hands-on experience.
Learn more about Kick Ass Careers at kickasscareers.org and by watching Our Niagara TV’s March 9, 2021, episode of The Source, when Jamie McMillan was interviewed in-studio by Mike Balsom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desk top&v=GDspWNcP5Xo#dialog (shared on the video page at groundwatercanada.com)
Carolyn Camilleri is a Toronto-based writer, editor, and content strategist. She has been writing for consumer and trade magazines, as well as businesses and organizations, for more than 15 years.
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PLANS FOR 2021
Hi, everyone.
I hope this letter finds you and those close to you healthy and safe. We have now passed the one-year point since COVID struck. It has been a challenging year for numerous reasons. For many, loved ones have become ill or isolated, and the celebration of birthdays, holidays and other milestones have been missed or greatly altered. Our work lives have changed, our business practices have had to adapt and our interactions with our staff and customers have been changed. With vaccinations rolling out, we hope that we can soon start to get back to some semblance of normal. Until then, be sure to stay safe and be careful.
The OGWA has been working hard through these difficult times, as well. We recently rolled out this year’s version of our regional training meetings, with priority registration given to OGWA members. Please refer to your association email message or get in touch with the OGWA office to register.
Plans are also well underway for this year’s annual scholarship golf tournament. The golf committee has been working hard behind the scenes putting together another great event for this September. We look forward to seeing you there again this year to raise money for students entering the groundwater industry.
The OGWA board of directors has continued to meet monthly via video conference, as have many of the various board committees. At the board level, we are also updating our committee structure and membership. If you are interested in contributing to an OGWA committee, please do not hesitate to contact us. You don’t need to be on the board to be on a committee, and the fact that our committees meet online may open up an opportunity for many of you.
The OGWA has moved to a different office space within the CASO Crossing building in St. Thomas. The larger space will allow our staff to
safely attend the office, while maintaining physical distancing protocols. It is also a great opportunity to promote the professionalism of our organization and the groundwater industry. With the move we also have a better opportunity for interaction with our governmental colleagues, as both the local MP and MPP (currently the Hon. Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks) are on the same floor of the building.
We are also currently planning an altered version of our AGM for later in the spring. It will be a toned-down presentation of the state of the association, including our stable financial position and a summary of the activities since we were last able to meet.
To end on a positive note, I want to remind you to capitalize on the many member benefits that are offered by the OGWA. Many members and their employees have been getting a new truck from Parkway Ford for one per cent over dealer invoice. Others have been saving hundreds (some even thousands!) on home and auto insurance. Be sure to check out the new OGWA website for a complete list of the many benefits and how to access them.
I look forward to seeing you in person as soon as it’s possible. I am sure we are going to need a good get-together when this is all over.
Be healthy. Be safe. Be well.
MATT WILSON, President
INSIDE THE ISSUE
Executive Director’s Report
Spring address
OGWA membership application
Time to apply or renew
CFIB benefits
Our partner, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, has many benefits and resources to help you
Your OGWA benefits at work!
Bill Beaton recently purchased this pickup from Parkway Ford for one per cent over dealer invoice price.
Credit: Photo courtesy Bill Beaton, OGWA member
PUBLISHED FOR THE ONTARIO GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION
750 Talbot St., St. Thomas, ON N5P 1E2
Phone: 519-245-7194 Fax: 519-245-7196
Email: ogwa@ogwa.ca
ADVERTISING: Jennifer Hudson
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 519-245-7194, ext.101 Fax: 519-245-7196
Email: admin@ogwa.ca
EDITOR: K.C. Craig Stainton, Executive Director
Phone: 519-245-7194, ext. 103 Cell: 519-282-0063
Email: executivedirector@ogwa.ca
EXECUTIVE
MATT WILSON President
DWAYNE GRAFF 1st Vice-President
KYLE SMITH 2nd Vice-President
STEPHEN BLEIZEFFER Treasurer/ Secretary
BRYAN WATSON Past President
DIRECTORS
BILL BEATON
Lotowater Technical Services Inc. 519-442-2086 Fax: 519-442-7242
TROY HUGHSON Ontario Water Well Fracturing 705-641-0198
ROBERT MARTINI
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply Ltd. 416-244-6476 Fax: 416- 241-2022
JEFFERY MCCRACKEN Franklin Electric 647-641-2178
KYLE SMITH
Aardvark Drilling Inc. 519-826-9340 Fax: 519-826-9108
BRYAN WATSON
Hart & Sons Well Drilling Ltd. 705-887-3331 Fax 705-887-4788
MATTHEW D. WILSON
J.B. Wilson & Son Well Drilling Ltd. 519-639-9988 Fax: 519-269-3552
PROGRESS – HOW IS YOURS?
I have recently become acutely aware of the affinity between “change” and “progress” and our ability to control the process of taking change into progress. Although we often lament changes, we can generally say change just as often turns out to have been a necessity and how we partake of these changes clearly is our own choice. Making change a form of progress is all on us.
The history of progress often proves it to be a double-edged sword, and you are destined to get cut, one way or the other. You can get cut no matter how you approach the facts, but a better bet is to embrace and use change or progress to your advantage and it often minimizes the chances of getting cut.
This industry has seen a lot of changes in some areas and in fact no changes in other areas where they are sorely needed. Ours is an industry more unique than most so the approach no doubt is a bit different.
The pandemic’s recent restrictions on movement and the underlining of the necessity of water, have brought me to muse on our unique position. I believe we as an industry are not ignored as much as we are taken for granted. No one gives us much thought as long as there is water coming out the taps. Our industry can easily be tethered in the last three centuries and your way of doing business is set by what you have chosen to adopt from each of these periods of change.
If you are running a cable-tool rig, the process and design comes from the century(s) before 1900 and remains pretty much the same. No significant changes except to modes of power, construction materials go from wood to metal but the process and design are pretty much the same. Between 1900 and 2000, advances were made with support materials such as commercially available screens, sands and support tools such as electronic depth gauges. Now post-2000 we have down-hole cameras, computers, cellphones and the internet.
If you drill wells with a cable-tool rig, set screens in overburden, converse from the site on your mobile phone and have taken a Continuing Education course virtually this year, you have touched the process and
progress of three centuries. You have turned changes into progress and process. I consider this very significant and I am very impressed – proud, in fact.
Where this industry has failed miserably is in the evolution of its communication. It seems the very idea of communication is foreign to you stoic outdoors-loving people standing at the back of your rigs. Precious little small talk from you, if any talk at all. I fear not many of you are much good as the salespeople of your talents and craft, in explanations of what the Province requires of you and basically how it all goes together. This is a primary reason why this industry is generally taken for granted. Unless there is no water.
How will you ever raise your profile and pricing if you don’t communicate – and especially with each other, driller to driller. Why must there be an adversarial nature between drillers in areas where there is lots of work to go around? When everyone is busy and waiting lists for work are the norm, why are drillers competing in a price-perfoot format? A per-foot price does not represent all of the elements and requirements for constructing a well to code and completion nor does it explain these necessities or your talents.
Furthermore, these package deals prevalent in the Muskoka areas do nothing toward fairness nor do they help educate the consumer as to how wells work. They do not communicate the unique nature of wells. So, our next bit of progress really has to be communication: educating the consumer to pay the true worth of a water well (certainly more than half the price of a septic tank) and communicating with your fellow members in the area to respectable pricing.
Most of you need more help in the field and can’t find it. If you read further here you will get a clue as to why! Wages have to go up; therefore, prices have to go up. Remember, if you don’t do it who is going to?
CRAIG STAINTON, Executive Director
WELL WISE WATER TESTING PROGRAM
Administered by the Ontario Ground Water Association
In Ontario, well owners should test their water quality regularly until it can be considered stable. Bacteriological testing is provided by the Ministry of Health at no charge to property owners and Well Wise does not offer those tests.
To be sure of what your water contains be it natural or man-made contaminants we recommend your water be tested at minimum for Metals, Minerals & Salts. Drilled wells are generally stable, however shallow wells, surface water sources or wells influenced by surface water should be checked more frequently.
The only way to tell if your drinking water is safe is by having it tested.
Test Packages offered include: Metals/Minerals/Salts, Solvents, Fuels, Mercury, Fluoride, Sulphide, Tannin/Lignin, Glyphosates & OP Pesticides/Herbicides. This test will provide a general chemistry of your water. The minimum recommended testing is the Metals, Minerals & Salts package.
1,2-Dichloropropane Xylenes, total cis-1,3-Dichloropropylene
Fuels
Volatiles Hydrocarbons
Benzene
Ethylbenzene
Toluene
m/p-Xylene
o-Xylene
Xylenes, total
F1 PHCs (C6-C10)
F2 PHCs (C10-C16)
F3 PHCs (C16-C34)
F4 PHCs (C34-C50)
Fluoride Anions
Sulphide
General Inorganics
Sulphide
Tannin/Lignin
General Inorganics
Tannin & Lignin
Glyphosates (Roundup)
Glyphosates
For more information or to order a test visit: http://www.ogwa.ca/ resources/wellwise
Send your order form to: wellwise@ogwa.ca
Difficulties or to order by phone call: (519) 245-7194 extension 101 Return shipping is included with your order.
QUALIFIED BUT UNDERPAID
Ontario’s Drilling Industry Entry Level Rates
RATE PER HOUR
HOURS PER WEEK PER DIEM
The drilling industry is booming! However, recent statistics tell us some divisions within the drilling industry are underpaid. Those entering the industry may have noticed, when job hunting for an entry-level position, that the water-well division of the industry is the lowest paid. Entry-level positions in the water-well division are a staggering 42.52 per cent lower than the average in the industry (see chart for details). Pay is crucial in obtaining and retaining qualified entry-level candidates in the water-well division.
A vast majority of candidates in the division are more qualified than most entry-level workers in the industry. Most entry-level candidates will have their post-secondary drilling and blasting two-year diploma, their DZ licence, their well technician licence, a crane operator’s certificate, only to name a few
typical qualifications.
Are they a bargain hire? Are employers taking advantage of this discrepancy or is this a significant factor in the shortage of potential employees?
employees at the current pay rate. The current pay rate or cost of a well has not increased with the general inflation rate of the “real world.” Current housing rates for a starter home range
“Entry-level positions in the water-well division are a staggering 42.52 per cent lower than the average in the industry”
Employers have increased the requirements for new hires, yet the rates have not increased to match the higher qualifications. Along with increased requirements, additional duties have been added to job descriptions with lowered titles and compensation.
With the cost of living increasing, and the debt1 assumed for qualifications for an entry-level water-well drilling position, it is becoming harder to find full-time, long-term
between $200,000 and $400,000, compared to 10 years ago. This has minimally tripled the amount of living costs. Without a pay reflection of the inflation increase, entry-level individuals will not be able to obtain a goal of purchasing their first home. With that said, at the current pay rate for entry-level positions, obtaining a mortgage of over $200,000 is impossible and unrealistic2. The division’s workers are struggling. The
income inequality affects not only the ability to afford housing, but also the ability to save for retirement. There has been an increase in housing prices of 82 per cent in urban areas and nearly 200 per cent in rural areas since 2010. With that being said, the inflation cost of drilling and installing a residential well has not increased.3 In 2010, the average cost of a residential well was between $7,000 and $10,000 for a $200,000 property/residence. And now in 2021 the average cost of a well installation for a $600,000 to $800,000 property is approximately $7,000 to $10,000. Residential well installation prices are not reflecting the inflation rate of the housing market, which in turn affects the economic well-being of the water-well division, its hard workers, and the ability of Well Contractors to pay properly. This has to be the answer to
why some employers in this division are not paying a living wage! Would a higher price for a residential well deter people from installing a well? Why does a septic system for the water to go to cost twice the cost of the water well which supplies it? What are the other options? Increasing the costs for a service is always tricky and best handled gradually in increments. but, If not achieved, it will remain detrimental, to economic growth. Supply and demand working alongside the strict groundwater rules and regulations may leave the industry’s clients with no other choice but to accept the cost increase to an equitable level for a water well. Securing compensation for the real worth and importance of a quality water well is imperative to the longevity of the industry. This division is at threat of losing out on the best talent and retention of qualified employees. This will surely add to increasing overhead costs in training, time and poorly completely jobs. The current state of the economy would seem to not make things any better; however, our industry hasn’t slowed down. Realistically, it is not the economy, it’s
management. The lagging wages and reluctance of management to increase wages are reflective of the undervalued resource. Only management can reverse the trend that undervalues water wells, only management can sell the skills of their employees to the consumer. Only management can reverse the perception that workers are more of an expense than an investment. In a skill-driven economy and division, it is important to attract the most ambitious and passionate candidates. In the long run, they will be an appreciating asset contributing
to the success and the performance of their employing company and the water well division of the drilling industry. Accepting a lower-paying job is not the end of the world: making sacrifices to build and improve your job skills is essential in obtaining experience. It is tragic and substandard that water wells are so undervalued by the companies that build them.
3. Canadian Real Estate Association National Price Map. https://www.crea.ca/ housing-market-stats/ national-price-map/
Sarah Eggleton is on staff at Aardvark Drilling.
IN MEMORIAM
Donald Edward Miller
It is with great sympathy to his family and friends that we inform you of the passing of Donald Miller on Feb. 1, 2021, at age 80.
Don was a driller in the Peterborough area for 30 years, first with Faulkner Well Drilling starting in 1974 and then with Herb Lang Well Drilling. He learned his trade from his father, Victor Miller.
He was born in Newburg, Ont.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn, and his son Scott and family.
Online condolences may be left online at highlandparkfuneralcentre.com and donations may be made to Peterborough Regional Health Centre Palliative Care, the Peterborough Humane Society Building Fund or a charity of your choice. Donations may be arranged through the Highland Park Funeral Centre, 8510 Bensfort Rd., Peterborough, ON K9J 1C5, 705-745-6984.
Registration is open for in-class/virtual regional training sessions by the Ontario Ground Water Association.
Members receive first priority for registration in in-person sessions. Nonmembers also may register. Our first regional training meeting in Walkerton was a success with in-class and
virtual participants attending at the same time. We thank all those who participated for their patience during set up and the few incurred hiccups during the meeting.
There are still a limited few in-class seats available to members for Perth, Springfield and Thunder Bay. Register as soon as possible
for your preferred location.
Virtual meeting spaces are now open to anyone wishing to register; member or not yet member!
For more information, visit ogwa.ca or call the OGWA office.
IMPORTANT!
Please note and comply with your local COVID-19
restrictions and follow them closely.
Ontario’s Health Advisory Board may change restrictions in some areas where our meetings take place at any time. If we are unable to comply with the regulations and present the course, we will host the same event as soon as possible at a later date.
PHOTO BY BRUCE HIETKAMP
NEW MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL *RETURNING MEMBER
* NOTE: If your Membership has lapsed in the last 3 years and you are re-applying there is a $100 re-instatement fee
New, renewing or returning members of the OGWA are required to log-in to the Members Only section and create/update their profile. There are many benefits to the “members only portal” including a robust search engine for the public. You can effectively advertise the services your business has to offer and the preferred geographical area in which you work. Your OGWA membership entitles you to automatically become a member of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and the National Ground Water Association (NGWA). Information on your profile will be listed in those memberships. Please keep you profile current and accurate.
COMPANY INFORMATION:
COMPANY NAME:
ADDRESS:
PROVINCE:
CONTACT EMAIL:
MAIN CONTACT NAME:
CITY:
POSTAL CODE
BILLING EMAIL:
BUS PHONE: CELL: FAX:
CONTRACTORS MECP LICENCE NUMBER: EXPIRY DATE :____________________
MANDITORY: MECP CONTRACTOR LICENCE NUMBER REQUIRED FOR ALL QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS
GOVERNMENT AND ASSOCIATES
An individual or organization interested in the welfare and success of the Ground Water Industry but unable to be classified in any other of our membership categories may apply to this division/category. Please note, this division/category receives no voting power.
ONLY COMPANY NAMES, BUNDLE MANAGERS, ENROLLED SALESPERSONS AND ASSOCIATES WILL APPEAR IN OUR PRINTED MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY. THEY WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THE MEMBERS’ ONLY PORTAL AND WILL BE SEARCHABLE ON OUR WEBSITE. ALL UN PAID STAFF LISTED IN YOUR PROFILE WILL NOT RECEIVE MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS WHEN REGISTERING FOR EVENTS AND WILL BE BILLED AT THE NON -MEMBERS RATES.
ONTARIO GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Ontario Ground Water Association Membership Benefits
Ontario Ground Water Association Membership Benefits
The OGWA has negotiated special Corporate Membership rates with the 3 district areas in Ontario with CAA. Please remember besides roadside assistance CAA offer members discountson many goods and services. CAA Members can enjoy the features and services offered by affiliate auto clubs across North America and around the world.
The OGWA has negotiated special Corporate Membership rates with the 3 district areas in Ontario with CAA. Please remember besides roadside assistance CAA offer members discounts on many goods and services. CAA Members can enjoy the features and services offered by affiliate auto clubs across North America and around the world.
Enjoy all the Benefits brought to you by being associated with the NGWA, as a member of the Ontario Ground Water Association you will have access to many of the programs and offerings brought to you by the largest groundwater association in the world.
Enjoy all the Benefits brought to you by being associated with the NGWA, as a member of the Ontario Ground Water Association you will have access to many of the programs and offerings brought to you by the largest groundwater association in the world.
As the largest insurer of groundwater contractors in Canada, Lackner McLennan Insurance has made available a unique and taylor-made product covering all aspects of your insurance requirements. Starting back in 1992 they have continued to service the industry’s changing requirements and have earned the trust of over 200 professional groundwater companies. Your company’s assets are your investment and Lackner McLennan will provide you the protection required for you Automobiles, Buildings, Contents, Equipment and Commercial Liability.
As the largest insurer of groundwater contractors in Canada, Lackner McLennan Insurance has made available a unique and taylor-made product covering all aspects of your insurance requirements. Starting back in 1992 they have continued to service the industryʼs changing requirements and have earned the trust of over 200 professional groundwater companies. Your companyʼs assets are your investment and Lackner McLennan will provide you the protection required for you Automobiles, Buildings, Contents, Equipment and Commercial Liability.
Recently through the Economical Insurance Company, we can now offer a reduced cost Home and Automobile insurance product available to all your employees. This offering is an employment benefit that comes to you at no cost. Have your employees call direct for savings on their personal insurance requirements.
Recently through the Economical Insurance Company, we can now offer a reduced cost Home and Automobile insurance product available to all your employees. This offering is an employment benefit that comes to you at no cost. Have your employees call direct for savings on their personal insurance requirements.
Thrifty Car Rental services offers special member rates and benefits throughout all their North American locations and access to their Blue-Chip Express Rental Program with availability to commercial vehicles - pickups and vans.
Thrifty Car Rental services offers special member rates and benefits throughout all their North American locations and access to their Blue-Chip Express Rental Program with availability to commercial vehicles - pickups and vans.
GOSTWEAR provides good quality Canadian and American made work wear for you and your employees. Please visit their website and take advantage of free shipping on orders over $149.00 - https://www.gostwear.com
GOSTWEAR provides good quality Canadian and American made work wear for you and your employees. Please visit their website and take advantage of free shipping on orders over $149.00 - https://www.gostwear.com
Choice Hotels is Canada’s largest lodging chain with over 270 hotels coast to coast. They offer 8 distinct brands at different budget levels providing more lodging choices than any other hotel chainin the world. Choice Hotels also represents hotel brands in 46 countries with more than 4700 locations. Offering a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee to our members or there is no charge for your room.
Choice Hotels is Canadaʼs largest lodging chain with over 270 hotels coast to coast. They offer 8 distinct brands at different budget levels providing more lodging choices than any other hotel chain in the world. Choice Hotels also represents hotel brands in 46 countries with more than 4700 locations. Offering a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee to our members or there is no charge for your room.
OGWA Members’ Newest Benefit Program. 1% above dealer invoice pricing! As a member of the Ontario Ground Water Association, you can purchase or lease a new Ford or Lincoln vehicle from Parkway Ford Lincoln Waterloo. When it comes to your bottom line, your membership in the OGWA pays dividends.
OGWA Members' Newest Benefit Program. 1% above dealer invoice pricing! As a member of the Ontario Ground Water Association, you can purchase or lease a new Ford or Lincoln vehicle from Parkway Ford Lincoln Waterloo. When it comes to your bottom line, your membership in the OGWA pays dividends.
Discover the value CFIB has to offer its members. Get resources from business experts, access webinars and templates for common HR issues. Get exclusive discounts on payment processing, banking, payroll, shipping and more. Have your say with policies that affect your business, as CFIB is your strong voice for Canadian Businesses and included in your OGWA Membership.
Perkopolis is Canada’s leading provider of fully managed perk programs, continually sourcing exclusive, high-value offers, rewards, and benefits. Get savings on entertainment, travel, shopping, dining and more! Included in your OGWA membership.
NEW PRODUCTS
ROCKMORE DEVELOPS RETRAC-TYPE REAMING BIT FOR TUNNELLING DRILL AND BLAST
Rockmore International Inc. has developed a retrac-type reaming bit to improve bit retrieval in face drilling and blasting.
Reaming type bits in underground drilling and blasting operations are used to enlarge selected existing blast holes to bigger diameters for effective blasting and rock fragmentation. This is typically performed in tunnelling, mining and underground construction drilling operations.
The larger reamed holes are not loaded with blasting agents and therefore allow the rock formation to implode during the explosion phase. The empty voids in these reamed holes promote better rock fragmentation and more efficient blasting patterns.
After blast holes are drilled in the tunnel face with hole diameters ranging from 43-51 mm, certain holes in the pattern are enlarged with a typical reaming bit to 76-102 mm,
depending on the blast and rock formation requirements. Standard reaming bits feature face designs with dome or narrow nose fronts and are intended to effectively enlarge a predrilled hole. When they are retrieved out of the hole, however, at the end of the target hole depth, they often seize up due to the loose rock debris inside the hole formation.
“Our field support engineers recognized the need for better bit retrieval in face drilling operations,” said Pejman Eghdami, executive vice-president. “After close collaboration with various drilling teams, our designers introduced the innovative retrac features in this new reaming bit.”
Rockmore engineers addressed the challenge of retrieving these style of bits by developing this new model that features retrac-style cutting fins in the rear section to promote better retraction out of the hole. The fins effectively push out any rock chips trapped behind the bit when the drill string is pulled from the blast hole resulting in more efficient reaming operations in underground drilling operations.
The particular model shown is designed to ream from 41 mm to 102 mm holes and configured with a R32 thread connection to the tunnelling rod. rockmore-intl.com
Johnson Screens’ Shur-Pak glass bead filter pack line has received NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 61 – Drinking Water System Components certification on bead sizes, 0.4 mm to
4.0 mm.
“Upgrading to NSF 61 certification was an important step,” said Craig Benson, Johnson Screens’ director of the water well global product line, in a press release. “Our customers who wanted to use our Shur-Pak glass bead filter pack needed NSF certification, so we made the investment to have Shur-Pak tested and certified to NSF-61.
The water-well industry uses NSF Certified products in the construction, completion and rehabilitation of a well. Shur-Pak glass bead filter pack is the appropriate choice for well that requires a filter pack, the company said.
Johnson Screens’ Shur-Pak glass beads are spherical and smooth, designed for optimum water circulation allowing exceptional filtration of suspended solids. The surface properties of the glass beads create superior self-cleaning that reduces bio-fouling and mineral scaling.
Johnson Screens manufactures industrial filters, architectural elements and waterwell screens.
aqseptence.com
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC SUBDRIVE CONNECT PLUS PROVIDES CONSTANT PRESSURE SOLUTION
Franklin Electric Co. Inc. recently
Nurses are the heart of healthcare and always deserve our gratitude-but especially during these trying times. I wanted to give a special thanks to my daughter and daugter-in-law, Grace and Brandi, you are heroes in my book! –Kevin McGinnis, President
l Adjustable PVC riser pipe for shut off tool to reach the valve after it is buried
l Curb stop riser pipe and cap
l PVC riser pipe features telescoping design
l 1/4 turn positive shutoff with Teflonb seals to chrome plated ball
l Insert barb x insert barb for (PE) pipe
l Valve handle all 304 stainless steel
l Full port thru entire valve
l Available in 3/4", 1" and 1-1/4" pipe sizes
-Stainless Steel Valves
-No Lead Brass Valves
l Very competitive price
l Patent pending
NEW PRODUCTS
able frequency drive suited for residential to agricultural and commercial applications.
The SubDrive Connect Plus VFD is engineered to provide a constant pressure solution for water pumping systems in submersible and above-ground applications that use three-phase motors up to 30 horsepower.
Features include soft-start, pump protection, built-in lead/lag and alternation capacity of up to eight drives, dual set point, pipe fill mode to reduce water hammer, and phase conversion for applications with 230-volt single-phase input power. Its intuitive platform helps water professionals save time during installation and servicing using
setup, monitoring and troubleshooting solutions, including an LCD graphic display, single-level menu, and assisted setup through the smartphone companion app.
A self-contained NEMA 3R rated solution, it is compact and ideal for indoor and outdoor installations while also providing a cost-effective solution when compared to high-horsepower systems that use starters or VFD panel packages.
“SubDrive Connect Plus extends the easy-to-install SubDrive interface, with a track record of success in residential constant pressure systems, into the higher horsepower irrigation, agricultural, and commercial applications dominated by complicated general-purpose drives,” said product manager Terry Smith. “Containing many of the popular control features employed by complex drives, SubDrive Connect Plus is the perfect solution for virtually any constant pressure pumping application, from the most basic plug-and-play systems to more demanding systems requiring advanced control and customization via the FE Connect mobile app.”
franklinwater.com
SONIC WATER LEVEL METER FROM SOLINST CANADA
Solinst Canada Ltd.’s Model 104 Sonic Water Level Meter is a handheld, acoustic ranging instrument designed to simply and quickly measure depth to static water level in a well, piezometer, sounding tube, or any closed pipe from surface.
The Solinst Sonic Water Level Meter works in straight wells, but is also ideal for wells that are difficult to access due to crooked pipes, narrow tubes, or other instrumentation in the well. Because there is no equipment to lower down the well, the device is also ideal for use in contaminated or corrosive environments.
The Solinst Sonic Water Level Meter consists of a control unit and connected
B ECO ME A VOTING MEMBER
Have your say:
In the new association...
In the forming of relationships within our industry in all the provinces and territories across Canada. We are the hub to bring the country together to collaborate on how to protect our groundwater.
To all regulators and the federal government
The time has never been better for us to unite and create synergy with a national voice. Join with other Canadian colleagues to network, learn and help solve industry-wide issues by contributing your experience. Meetings will be by video conference with other professionals working in your industry. Everyone is welcome.
“I joined the association not only to help me as an individual but to support the whole, including the protection of the industry and protection of groundwater. The networking of colleagues has always been important, and being a member will set me and my company apart.”
– Blaine Matuga, owner, Central Interior Pumps Ltd., Kamloops, B.C.
Be pa rt of our g roundwater force from coast to coast to coast
The Canadian National Ground Water Association exists to:
• Increase public a wa reness of the critical impor tance of ground water to Canadian society and the economy.
• Advocate governments a nd industries to protect and improve the quality of ground water resources across Canada.
• Contribute industry knowledge a nd expertise to the development of relevant and effective Canadian federal and provincial ground water legislation.
• Help pre pa re f uture generations of well drillers, contractors, suppliers, scientists, and engineers through outreach, education, and accreditation.
Business Name:
Member’s Name: Address:
Make Selection
Make Selection
$100.00 Voting Member Donation Payment by Cheque Additional Donation: $______________________ Payment by Credit Card
Mail Cheque: c/o CNGWA, 750 Talbot Street, East, Suite 125 St. Thomas, ON N5P 1E2
Credit Card #
Expiry Date CVV#
Please submit this form to accounts@cngwa.ca If you wish to e-transfer, please contact accounts@cngwa.ca
Benefits of being a member
• National Unity – Have a Voice
• Continuing Education Program coming available to all members
• Many future benefits to unfold
• Have ideas of what you wish to see in our National Association. Let us know
• Sign up now and get a chance to win a Heron Instruments Datum Point Central Control Well Monitoring System complete with data logger (Value $3,000) For further information please contact Craig at executivedirector@cngwa.ca
probe. The probe transmits a sound wave into the well or pipe and measures the time for the pulse to return after contacting the water. Readings are shown on the clear LCD display on the control unit. Depth measurements to 600 metres (2,000 feet) are possible.
The Model 104 Solinst Sonic Water Level Meter comes with a plastic disc for covering larger well openings and a convenient field bag. It uses 6 AA alkaline batteries to operate and is backed by a Solinst three-year warranty.
GOULDS V.A.R.I. CHALLENGE OFFERS COOL VIRTUAL TRAINING TOOL
Goulds Water Technology, a Xylem brand, has launched the V.A.R.I. Challenge, an online tool for industry professionals to properly and safely use a digital multimeter to troubleshoot pump systems.
“With in-person training still on hold due to COVID-19 concerns, it’s critical to provide water well industry professionals with education alternatives to boost their capabilities in the field,” said Susan O’Grady, director of marketing, Building Services and Agriculture, Xylem Inc. “We developed this free tool to deliver more on-demand opportunities to novice and veteran industry professionals, and to further our commitment to industry-leading education and training.
Set up in a gaming-style format, users of the V.A.R.I. Challenge use a digital multimeter to test the voltage, amperage, resistance and insulation (VARI) of the brand’s Aquavar SOLO2 variable frequency drive (VFD) performance, enabling users to advance from level to level.
Users are timed throughout the challenge and receive points for accuracy of responses. Upon completion of the challenge, users can see where they stack up on the V.A.R.I. Challenge leaderboard.
NEW PRODUCTS
Additional features and resources are integrated throughout the interactive tool, which include links to Goulds Water Technology service manuals and video tips for each level from Xylem Training Manger, Tom Stephan.
“Using a meter to troubleshoot a pump system is an essential skill required by all industry technicians, and the V.A.R.I Challenge training tool allows them to
easily and safely learn basic yet critical information about V.A.R.I. levels as well as functions related to installation, operation and troubleshooting of the SOLO2 VFD,” Stephan said.
Goulds Water Technology debuted the V.A.R.I Challenge tool during National Groundwater Association’s Virtual Groundwater Week. goulds.com/varichallenge/
NEW PRODUCTS
HOSKIN
SCIENTIFIC’S IMPROVED ES-FLOW SERIES INCLUDING 3-A TWICE AS ACCURATE AS PREDECESSOR
Hoskin Scientific introduces an ES-Flow series that is twice as accurate as its predecessor and capable of being a full hygienic flow controller.
The new ES-103I with triclamp flanges is authorized by 3-A Sanitary Standards and can be supplied with a GEMÜ 650 control valve. In addition, it has various other improvements such as a higher rangeability, a new PC board and ethernet-based fieldbuses.
Bronkhorst developed and manufactured the ES-Flow ES-1x3I Mk II (second generation) Volume Flow Meter and Controller, which includes the following features:
• authorized by 3-A Sanitary Standards (ES-103I)
• improved accuracy ≤0.8% Rd ± ≤ 0.4 ml/min ZS
• improved rangeability (lower full scale and minimum flow)
• range extension (higher and lower flow rates) will follow
• new MBC3 PC-board and display features to offer more functionality
• ethernet-based fieldbuses available, e.g., PROFINET and EtherNet/IP
• customizable display orientation (by factory)
• hygienic flow controller, 3-A authorized ES-Flow ES-103I and GEMÜ valve
The ES-FLOW series can now be ordered and will eventually replace the first generation.
hoskin.ca
BOOK EXPLORES WATER MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE IN CANADA
A new book entitled Water Resilience: Management and Governance in Times of Change explores the practical implications of water resilience, presents insights into new water paradigms for future water resilience and looks at other aspects of water research.
The University of Victoria’s POLIS Water Sustainability Project and the Environmental Sustainability Resource Centre of Brock University hosted a virtual book launch on March 24.
Book editors Julia Baird, Canada Research Chair in human dimensions of water resources and water resilience at Brock University’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, and Ryan Plummer, director and professor at the centre, will discuss the process of compiling this international volume and describe key messages from the work.
The book explores the practical implications of water resilience, presents insights into new water paradigms for future water resilience, highlights the implications of theory and experience for innovation in practice and policy, and offers insights on frontiers and future research of water resilience.
Of special interest to the groundwater industry, the book features a chapter dedicated to groundwater.
It is published by Springer. springer.com
Know your customers
Understanding
your customers
will help you tailor your marketing plan
by Dave Mercer
It sounds simple, doesn’t it? Figure out who your customers are and how they find you, and tailor your marketing efforts accordingly. But surprisingly, many companies struggle to do just that. Marketing companies aren’t always helpful. They are pushing so many different marketing tools and strategies that you can lose track of your goal. Before you know it, you’ve paid for a corporate video and have signed a hefty contract for monthly web maintenance and you’re still not sure if you’re getting your name and message out to potential customers.
It doesn’t have to be that complicated. The following examples show how different types of businesses can use different marketing techniques to their advantage by initially understanding their customers.
Firstly, consider a small contractor who plies a trade in a local area. Most of their business comes from new customers who need their type of work only occasionally. How does this contractor get noticed and convince people to call them? In the old days most of their customers probably found them in the Yellow Pages. They wanted to be seen first and so they would have had a company name like AAA Plumbing and maybe even splurged for a Yellow Pages ad. Other than that, they relied on word of mouth to do their marketing.
Today people find you online, and since over 95 per cent of people use Google when they do a search, this means you must master Google. It’s a little more complicated than buying a listing in the Yellow Pages, but it mainly involves logging into Google My Business (https://www. google.com/business/go/businessprofile/), filling out your business profile and populating it with testimonials. There are plenty of resources online to guide you, or you can work with a marketing specialist to give you a hand.
Compare the small contractor to a consulting company that works regionally, or even globally. What do consultants need to do to get the word out
and attract clients? Consultants offer services that are based on their knowledge, essentially selling their brain power. To that end, in marketing terms they need to become established as a “thought leaders,” and they need more than Google to accomplish that.
A thought leader is someone (or a company) that is recognized as an expert in their field. Successful consulting companies not only do good work: they must also be visible in their industry. Marketing for thought leaders involves helping them communicate their level of expertise to the marketplace. Their people need to present at conferences and submit papers to journals. They need to be on boards of industry and trade associations. And, they need to network. All this combined helps consultants to market themselves and their company. An effective marketing plan then helps them determine where, when and how to be visible.
These examples are, of course, an oversimplification. In the groundwater industry, contractors like drillers and pump installers can be thought leaders too, so they may need more than a good Google presence to reach their customers. Still, whatever part of the industry you work in, if you keep your attention on your customers and how they find you, you will be able to develop a marketing plan that works best for you.
And it’s worth it. Marketing done right means less sales work. Whether mastering Google or creating an in-depth plan, good marketing brings clients to you, so you don’t have to go find them.
Dave Mercer, P. Geo, is a geologist who specializes in marketing and communications for companies that work in the groundwater industry. Dave offers consulting services to companies looking to up their marketing presence and grow their business. He is also currently general manager of the British Columbia Ground Water Association. Dave can be reached at Dave@ undergroundcommunications.ca.
