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Serving the Canadian Ground Water industry for 47 years.
8 A SEAT AT THE TABLE
The Canadian National Ground Water Association is the voice of the industry in Ottawa
12 DETERMINATION, TRIAL, ERROR SEE SUCCESS
Stewart Hitchon and the story of Well Busters
16 HAVE VOLUNTEERS, WILL DRILL
Industry members gift a new well to a community-run fish hatchery
19
THE SOURCE
Find out what’s happening in the Ontario Ground Water Association in The Source
28 BUYERS GUIDE
Replacing, upgrading or stocking up? Check out our buyers guide
ON THE WEB:
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL FALL SHORT OF ELECTION PROMISE TO FIX ON-RESERVE WATER SYSTEMS
The coronavirus pandemic and the lack of a full understanding of infrastructure needs on reserve means the federal government will not be meeting its March 2021 deadline of lifting all long-term boil water advisories on First Nations, Indigenous Services Canada Minister Marc Miller announced. He also announced $1.5 billion in additional funding to continue work with water and wastewater on reserves.
If you don’t have goals, you’ll never achieve them
by Colleen Cross
Every year at our company we set goals to improve our magazines, outline how we are going to achieve them and say how we will measure that achievement. For example, one of my goals last year was to design, carry out and present the results of an groundwater industry survey. I mapped out the questions we wanted to ask, decided when to conduct the survey and planned to publish results in the Fall issue – all steps on the way to achieving that goal. Our goals are always about meeting our readers’ needs. In that case we wanted to create a baseline of data to help determine the state of this industry. We made a start and we will revisit that goal to try to encompass more contractors. All this is in order to learn about your challenges and priorities.
Stepping back to look at your business objectively can help you decide your next move.
We sweat over the goals a bit but the truth is we need them. They push us to think deeply about what we could do better or more of – for the industry. Thinking deeply might seem like something to be avoided, but stepping back to look at your business objectively can help you decide your next step.
NGWA’s Virtual Groundwater Week featured many smart, experienced and forward-thinking contractors and experts whose aim was to get others to plan ahead for their business. That includes creating depreciation and asset replacement schedules, setting aside part of your profits for future purchases, putting something away to cover leaner years and, yes, making arrangements to hand over your business when you retire.
Jeff Williams, of Spafford and Sons Water Wells in Vermont, handed out plenty of straight talk about ways to manage your business and come away with profits and a sense of control you can be proud of. That includes forecasting
– looking at employee pay, including benefits, and the cost of goods sold. “Try to estimate your gross revenue forecast for next year and beyond,” Williams said. A profit target. For years, the veteran contractor said ran his business in a boom-and-bust cycle, alternately investing when the jobs were plentiful and cash was flowing, and tightening the purse strings when the work slowed. He now invests consistently and is able to weather the unpredictability of the economy and other factors that affect business.
Williams shared a goal he has set in motion: “I don’t want to live off my assets. I want to replace my assets and grow.”
Looking forward one, two, five years – maybe more – is a great antidote to looking back on the mess that was COVID-20. We all want to move forward, and with vaccines on the way we will Appreciating what we have in our lives right at this moment will help us understand what our future goals need to be.
What goals will you set for 2021 and beyond? Will you create a plan to replace and acquire new assets consistently and stick to it? Will you finally get the books in order? Will you commit to trying new recruiting strategies or mentoring a new employee? Will you finally “have that talk” with your family about exiting the business?
Whatever your goal is, we hope 2021 takes you a step toward it and toward personal and professional success.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
CANADA LAUNCHES CONSULTATIONS ON NEW CANADA WATER AGENCY
The federal government has launched public consultations to help establish the new Canada Water Agency and improve freshwater management across Canada.
Water challenges such as droughts, floods and deteriorating water quality are intensifying, due in large part to climate change, the government said in a news release.
A discussion paper, available now, “Toward the Creation of a Canada Water Agency,” seeks Canadians’ input to help identify freshwater priorities for the federal government and build on the federal government’s existing activities to enhance freshwater management, while avoiding duplication and respecting areas of provincial and territorial jurisdiction. The paper is based on comments made through the PlaceSpeak forum.
The paper addresses the following issues, among others:
• freshwater policy, coordination and multilateral engagement
• freshwater prediction to inform climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction
• Indigenous peoples and freshwater management
• economic sectors and fresh water
• agriculture and fresh water
• economic sectors and fresh water
• transboundary freshwater management
• freshwater science
• freshwater technology, innovation, and infrastructure
• engaging Canadians in managing and protecting fresh water
The government will host a virtual national freshwater policy forum on Jan. 27 and regional
forums in February to provide more opportunities for Canadians to participate in consultations: Atlantic (Feb. 2), Quebec (Feb. 4), Ontario (Feb. 9), the North (Feb. 11), British Columbia (Feb. 16) and the Prairies (Feb. 18).
“Through the Canada Water Agency, our government is looking to strengthen collaboration between the federal government, the provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and other partners to find the best ways to safeguard our freshwater resources for generations to come,” said Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency). “Robust consultations are an important part of this process, and I look forward to the input from Canadians.”
LUSK GEO INC. OFFERS MECP-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE TO 10-DAY COURSE FOR THOSE SEEKING LICENCES IN ONTARIO
Lusk Geo Inc. is offering a 30-hour course for those wishing to obtain an Ontario well technician licence that can be offered anywhere in Ontario and at any time.
“Water Wells in Ontario: Rules, Exemptions and Best Management Practices is a Ministry of the Environment,” Conservation and Parks director-approved course of study under R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 903 (Wells).
The course is designed to allow assistant well technicians to qualify for the ministry exam to get their full licence. It can be run at any location, at any time of the year and is applicable to any class of well technician licence, said former MECP staff, course instructor and company principal Warren Lusk, P. Geo., in a news release.
Lusk has 36 years of experience and was the “go-to” subject matter expert on water-well policy implementation, compliance and enforcement work for the ministry over several years until his retirement in December 2019.
The course is designed to meet the education requirement of the Wells Regulation, improve longstanding compliance issues, help protect groundwater resources and drinking water, help protect your company’s liability and help protect your own liability.
It is designed for all persons who work at the construction of any type of well – for example, watersupply well, test hole, dewatering well – and the installation of equipment in a well – for example, pumps, testing and sampling equipment.
The course offers diagrams, photographs and videos
with case studies to help clarify the rules and best management practices. The curriculum is based on the following ministry publications: Water Supply Wells –Requirements and Best Management Practices Manual and Test Holes and Dewatering Wells – Requirements and Best Management Practices Manual.
Applicants can take the course anywhere in Ontario at any time of the year and at any time of the week to help meet an applicant’s and company’s busy schedules. In some cases, the course schedule does not have to run on consecutive days and can be split to accommodate the applicant’s needs, for example, two days a week over a two- to three-week period.
The course, which can be arranged to be offered at a location near the applicant’s work or home to help reduce their travel burden, is not restricted by minimum or maximum enrolment numbers. Depending on the desired training location, it can be offered to a single individual or a group.
The fee of $2,212.39 plus HST per person covers all expenses for the instructor and location. For more information, visit the website at http://luskgeo.com or contact Warren Lusk at Lusk Geo Inc. by telephone: 613-583-3031, by email: info@luskgeo.com.
A SEAT AT THE TABLE
The Canadian National Ground Water Association is the voice of the industry in Ottawa. Learn the latest on its activities and get a better understanding of why it exists
Canada’s groundwater industry is a long-established patchwork of provincial associations that work diligently to represent their members.
by COLLEEN CROSS
With willing volunteers working hard, financial and volunteer support from the industry is very much needed to take the next steps, which include passing bylaws, exploring training and certification, and advocating to government.
They understand the geology of their region, they know the predominant types of drilling done, they are well versed in provincial legislation and regulations, and they grasp the challenges their members face. But do we need a national association too?
Many people believe firmly the answer is yes. Some challenges are common to all provinces and territories and some issues need to be raised at the federal level. And with Ottawa growing more and more interested in managing and regulating water through its newly forming Canada Water Agency (see the latest news on page 6), it’s only a matter of time before the federal government comes
calling.
When they do, the Canadian National Ground Water Association plans to be there to open the door on an absolutely essential, yet often invisible, industry. A small but mighty force of people passionate about the industry and its role in protecting groundwater are hard at work to make sure that industry is represented nationally. It aims to make clear to Ottawa, and the general public, what we do, why it is essential, how groundwater is different from surface water and what is required to protect it.
The ball has been rolling since the demise of the Canadian Ground Water Association.
Volunteers began setting up a new national association to replace the former CGWA and advance the interests of the industry. This federal interest motivated them to keep going. They have met monthly by video call in 2020 to determine what the CNGWA’s priorities and activities should be.
Recognizing that industry members across Canada may have questions, we set out to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
WHY DO WE NEED A NATIONAL ASSOCIATION?
Although the CNGWA’s work is well underway, it’s important to remember why a national body is needed. In a two-part article, “Grappling with Groundwater,” published by Ground Water Canada in 2016, writer Carolyn Camilleri talked with Alfonso Rivera, chief hydrogeologist of Canada, and prominent members of this industry about the potential role and benefits a national association could have. Reviewing that article provides a reminder of why many felt, and still feel, that a national association is crucial.
In the article, Kevin Constable, owner of Fred Constable and Sons in Bradford, Ont., and former president of the original CGWA, makes the case for an educational role. “The biggest advantage of having a Canadian association would be for training, certification, education where the Canadian association would be more in tune with whatever people across the country needed,” Constable said. “The training programs and certification exams could be shared with provinces that didn’t have them.”
because we need that in Canada,” Rivera said in the article. “It’s not just science. We also need technology: science and technology working together.”
Craig Stainton, executive director of the Ontario and national associations, voiced concern about a lack of co-ordination and enforcement of policy. “If there was someone who could look at every aspect of the groundwater industry and its relationships with all the ministries and co-ordinate everything into a cohesive, sensible approach that could be enforced in a straightforward manner, our groundwater would be safe,” Stainton said. “We would know what we have and be on a perfect and level playing field when someone like the U.S. said they wanted some, or for that matter, when a large corporation tried to make it an export commodity.”
WHAT DOES (AND WHAT SHOULD) THE CNGWA DO?
Many shared their vision for the CNGWA in our survey in 2020. One thoughtful respondent summed up the
educational angle: “I think one thing of value is to work with the provinces and federal government to recognize drilling and pump installation as Red Seal trades. Another is developing and delivering drilling/pump installer education.”
Such comments helped shape the CNGWA’s plans and in 2020 culminated in its mission to:
• Increase public awareness of the critical importance of groundwater to Canadian society and the economy.
• Advocate governments and industries to protect and improve the quality of groundwater resources across Canada.
• Contribute industry knowledge and expertise to the development of relevant and effective Canadian federal and provincial groundwater legislation.
• Help prepare future generations of well drillers, contractors, suppliers, scientists, and engineers through outreach, education, and accreditation.
Former BCGWA managing director Bruce Ingimundson, who oversaw a national meeting at the last Canwell convention in Kelowna in 2014, said “A provincial association going alone to the federal government wouldn’t carry much weight, but a representative for the whole country would have a greater chance of getting results.”
Rivera said a national association could help the overall management of ground water by establishing national standards for the collection of data, for example, for well yields and water meters to measure usage.
“I would strongly encourage that [the national association] comes back
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These four roles – to increase awareness, advocate, contribute knowledge and help prepare future generations – will guide the CNGWA in its work.
HOW DOES THE CNGWA RELATE TO THE PROVINCIAL ASSOCIATIONS?
The idea is for the CNGWA to serve as a hub, mutually sharing information among the provinces and territories. With different priorities in different regions, that’s not always an easy sell, says Blaine Matuga, owner of Central Interior Pumps Ltd. in Kamloops, B.C., and president of the national association. “In these early stages we need more time to bring each province in and buy into what the country needs, as a whole.”
Fellow board member Bill MacDonald, who is CEO of Heron Instruments agrees on the importance of associations coming together. “The CNGWA needs local associations to participate and co-operate with bringing similar concerns and issues to the table, so that the CNGWA can package and present these matters to government as a representative of the whole Canadian drilling industry,” MacDonald says.
DO YOU NEED TO BE A MEMBER OF YOUR PROVINCIAL ASSOCIATION TO BE A MEMBER OF CNGWA?
To kick-start collaboration, the CNGWA made everyone involved in the industry a member. “The association was started partially for that reason: no, you don’t,” Matuga says. “The association wants people who are in the field of groundwater to become a member to have a say in how or where they want the association to move forward.”
That said, the CNGWA has the greatest respect for provincial boards and the work they do to represent their members. MacDonald points out the benefits of belonging to both levels. Ideally, he says, members would participate locally first to have a voice nationally.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BECOME VOTING MEMBERS OF THE CNGWA?
All members of the industry –contractors, drillers, pump installers, well technicians, scientists, suppliers
and others – are encouraged to become voting members of the CNGWA.
“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,” Matuga says. “The networking of colleagues has always been important, and being a member will set me and my company apart.”
“A national partnership between all provinces can provide education and regulation. It keeps contractors up to date, and makes it profitable when regulation is in place.”
MacDonald believes the industry, as a whole, needs to be aware and understand current issues that the country is facing with groundwater. “We need to know if all of the issues are the same.”
These four roles – to increase awareness, advocate, contribute knowledge and help prepare future generations – will guide the CNGWA in its work.
SHOULD NON-OWNERS JOIN IN ADDITION TO THEIR OWNERS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR THEM?
“All individuals in the groundwaterrelated industry should be members,” Matuga says. “We need their input on what matters to them. Everyone has the right to input – not just the owners.”
To contractors, drillers, installers, techs and others in the field he says, “We need to believe we can make a change for the better, support regulation and pursue education.
To scientists and engineers he says, “With the right people in place there is a need for proper science and engineering to work on old problems and make sure we don’t create new
problems.”
To manufacturers and suppliers he says, “These individuals give installers the best tools as they enter into the market with new ideas and new products that will naturally be more profitable for both.”
IS THERE ACCREDITATION OR CERTIFICATION IN THE WORKS?
Accreditation is a hot topic within the industry and a concept that has wide interest among the provinces. The possibility of national industry education and certification comes up often at the board’s monthly video calls. Members of the board agree they are key activities that could benefit the industry and are discussing options for making this happen, including creating a new program or building on resources of the U.S. National Ground Water Association.
“We as an association need to work on numerous opportunities, be open to change, and if change is needed, we will change,” Matuga says. “Certification is just one of those opportunities.”
MacDonald envisions the networking of Canadian drillers, associations and potential certification creating levels of expertise within the industry: one that is certified and another that isn’t: “Membership should be on the individual and it should follow you wherever you work. If you are certified through the CNGWA, that should follow you too. Five years from now when I am looking to hire an employee, I hope my first question is: what levels of CNGWA certification do you possess?”
“If the CNGWA is successful in having certification adopted by government and engineering specifiers on bid tenders, it will have an impact on pricing,” MacDonald says. “Certified contractors are more expensive.”
DOES THE CNGWA HAVE MEETINGS AND CAN ANYONE ATTEND THEM?
As of right now only the board meets monthly to develop the new association. In the near future, the board will require the industry to vote on bylaws and other matters to give it direction. At that point, voting (paid) members will be invited to attend
meetings. An open informational virtual meeting is one option the board is considering in the near future.
HOW CAN THE GROUNDWATER INDUSTRY SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE ASSOCIATION?
With willing volunteers working hard, financial and volunteer support from the industry is very much needed to take the next steps, which include passing bylaws, exploring training and certification, and advocating to government. The board strongly encourages everyone working in the industry to ask questions, share their ideas and, most importantly, become a voting member.
If you’re involved in the industry, you are automatically an “Associate” member. Making a donation of $100 or more makes you a “Voting” member and lets you participate in meetings and have a vote on association matters when the time comes.
Fill out the membership form in this magazine, making as many copies as you need for co-workers. Mail it or scan and email it to the Canadian National Ground Water Association. You can also download the CNGWA Membership Registration Form from groundwatercanada.com (under “Editor’s Picks”).
That funding is necessary to have the board fully insured to act on the industry’s behalf, to build a website and to fund future activities.
As important as funds is promotional support. The CNGWA needs a cheering section! The board encourages staff and executives of provincial associations to let their members know about the association through newsletters, regional meetings and phone calls, and to encourage them to support and talk up the national association.
HOW CAN I GET IN TOUCH WITH THE CNGWA?
To ask questions or share ideas, email info@cngwa.ca or reach out to individual board members, listed at groundwatercanada.com.
To donate and become a voting member, email your completed membership form to accounts@cngwa. ca. You’ll be instructed on payment options. Or you can snail-mail the form
along with your cheque to the office in Windsor: University of Windsor, Memorial Hall, Room 203, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON N9B 3P4.
To learn more, bookmark and check groundwatercanada.com regularly and follow the magazine on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and breaking news.
LOOKING AHEAD
It’s 2021 and the board is full of energy and optimistic about the association’s
progress. MacDonald would like to see the CNGWA “as a united voice for the Canadian industry.”
Matuga firmly believes this industry is full of people who care.
“The groundwater industry is a very passionate group of individuals. We want groundwater protection and we can make a difference working together.”
“It takes time to move mountains,” he says. “We need to be recognized as an extremely important association to provincial and the federal government.”
DETERMINATION, TRIAL, ERROR SEE SUCCESS
Stewart Hitchon and the story behind Well Busters
In the shop at Well Busters, back where Stewart Hitchon keeps many of the antique pumps he has collected over his 46 years in business, a 2018 iteration of a flowing well packer called the Well Buster has been running 24/7 since March 2018.
by CAROLYN CAMILLERI
“Right now, this unit has cycled 1,300,000 times without failure on a suck-and-blow device,” Hitchon says. “It runs nonstop to see how long it’s going to last before something wears out in it. We have a lifetime warranty on all this stuff.”
Hitchon owns two businesses connected to the water-well industry, an industry he got his start in when he was just 12 years old, buffing fittings and digging holes for an outfit owned
by his father’s friend.
“Back in the late ’60s, a lot of houses were still not hooked up,” he says. “I was like the groundhog, the digger, and I learned the trade very, very young, and I had to learn fast.”
He started his own company, Hitchon Pumps, in 1975 at the age of 19, by which time he had already been on several adventures: hitchhiking to Florida and out West, driving to Mexico and back, and travelling to Scotland, England and France.
“Before I was 19, I had already seen the world. It was time to get a job,” he says. “In the ’70s, it was a lot different. You did things. I got thinking about that, and I’m lucky to be alive.”
Over the years, Hitchon says he did many different jobs alongside Hitchon Pumps, including running an irrigation business for 27 years. But Well Busters – both the business and the flowing well packer that carries the name –has an especially interesting story.
Sometime in 2003, a former employee was visiting Hitchon Pumps and looked at a device they were working on, commenting that it might work for the new rules.
“What new rules?” Hitchon recalls asking.
As it turned out, stringent new regulations in Ontario called for a device to control the water from flowing wells.
RIGHT: Stewart Hitchon displays some of his impressive collection of antique pumps and accessories.
PHOTO: STEWART HITCHON
“But it didn’t exist,” Hitchon says. “They called it ‘a device’ and said that you must install a device that does this and this and this, but there wasn’t one on the market. So, we jumped on it.”
The “we” he refers to includes Daniel Kofler, an in-house tool and die maker who passed away in 2014. Hitchon calls him a genius.
“I could draw something on my cigarette package, and [Kofler] would have it made the next day. He could understand and he could see what to make,” Hitchon says. “This guy was a wizard with steel. He was just phenomenal.”
In less than six months, they had it working, then tested it for a couple of months nonstop.
“It was just straight determination and trial and error,” he says. Some of the trials were brought to Fleming College.
“We got kicked out of Fleming College a couple of times before we got the thing fixed. We would take something up, and they’d say, ‘Well, it doesn’t suck and blow. It doesn’t breathe,’ and the guy was right,” Hitchon says. “And I said, ‘The next time we come in here, this thing will work.’ ”
And it did work. While Hitchon tends to give all the credit to Kofler, it was truly a joint project.
“I did conquer the idea on the suck and blow,” he says, referring to the air-release mechanism that allows the well to breathe and makes it compliant for wells in the cold climates it is designed to work in.
Getting it right was gratifying. Production molds, testing, and manufacturing were all done in house at the shop in Belleville, Ont.
“Then we did a show in Edmonton and one in Vegas the same year and never looked back. It sold itself,” Hitchon says.
That was in 2005. Fast forward 15 years, and Well Busters are in place in thousands of wells across North America.
“Well Busters are usually sold where the weather gets cold so your well won’t freeze,” Hitchon explains. “It shuts off down under the frost line so the well can breathe, and that’s why it’s so successful.”
While preventing freezing was the main reason the Well Buster was designed, it also conserves water by controlling flow and preventing groundwater from being wasted.
“The hundreds and hundreds of millions of gallons of water that would be starting new wetlands and eroding people’s property – that’s conservation,” he says.
While the Well Buster stops flow, Hitchon points out that it has its limits. Major flowing wells, for example, wells in Northern B.C. or at mines and tar sand sites in Alberta and Saskatchewan, require a spool: an industrial-made packer that would be welded onto the casing.
“For domestic and industrial wells, any place with a PSI that’s not over 20, and it’s a new well, is no problem – our product works perfect.”
He goes on to say that, ultimately, the onus is still on the driller to construct the well properly.
“I don’t want to see anybody using this device on a well that’s 20 or 30 years old,” he says. “If it was never put in properly like today’s regulation, and if it blew out, then who’s responsible for the blowout? Not me. That onus goes back onto the driller.”
And Hitchon knows all about constructing a well properly. In addition to the manufacturing end of Well Busters, the company does everything to wells except drill them.
“We upgrade them. We decommission them. We clean them. We rehabilitate them,” he says. “Then Hitchon Pumps does installs, service on all existing water wells, new hookups, and sales and service of water pumps.”
The two businesses are located side by side in Belleville.
“So, it could be all one company, but it’s not. It’s two separate corporations,” he adds.
While Hitchon Pumps is the bigger and busier of the two businesses, it was Well Busters that was in the spotlight at the 2019 NGWA conference in Las Vegas, when Hitchon received an equipment design award for the Well Buster. It’s a welldeserved award for an innovative response to a change in regulations that resulted in the development of one of the only tools to control flowing wells efficiently and economically.
Hitchon has no plans to sit on his laurels and retire yet – in fact, he is working some new inventions now, so stay tuned –but he is taking it a bit easier these days.
“I’ve worked 18 hours a day all my life. I’m slowing down to 12 now,” he laughs.
Thinking back, what he enjoys about his work now is the same as when he started his first job in the industry.
“It’s a gratifying job. You leave somebody’s driveway, they’re so happy to see you go because now they’ve got water.”
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.
INTRODUCING
GEOTECHNICAL ENVIRONMENTAL & GROUNDWATER
by KEN HUGO
MULTIPLE COMPLETION AQUIFERS
Issues may arise when the well is not pumping
Water well drillers and their clients typically like to obtain the greatest amount of water they can from a well. One way of doing this is to screen the well over several aquifer zones to combine flow from all these aquifers.
However, many jurisdictions discourage completing wells over a long interval with several distinct aquifers.
Why do we have this rule? It turns out that issues arise not when pumping a multipleaquifer well, but when the well is not pumping. Many unwanted things can happen
DIAGRAM: KEN HUGO
– dewatering of an aquifer, damage of the well bore and mobilization of toxic metals.
When a well is not pumping there can be aquifer zones with different hydraulic heads and flow between zones can result. If one has ever heard water cascading downwards in a non-pumping well, that is an example of multiple aquifer completion. Sometimes two aquifers are still submerged in the well, where cascading is not heard but there is still flow in the well, in which case well spinner surveys will detect the flowing.
In a non-pumping well a relatively simple formula can be used to calculate the head in the well based on the properties of the aquifers that the well is perforated over. Consider a well that obtains water from three aquifers which have different heads as shown in the figure. Each aquifer has its own hydraulic head (h1, h2, h3) and its own permeability and thickness (called the transmissivity, T1, T2, T3). A formula to calculate the head in the well (hw) is:
T1h1 + T2h2 + T3h3 +........
T1 + T2 + T3. hw =
The figure shows the head in the well versus the head in different aquifers. The head in the well is a weighted average of the heads in
RIGHT: The figure shows the head in the well versus the head in different aquifers.
the aquifer. Water from the uppermost aquifer will flow into the well, producing a cascading effect and the water will flow down the well to the lowermost aquifer. Even the middle aquifer will contribute water into the lowermost aquifer.
Is this a problem? We are draining the upper two aquifers. If there is a well owner nearby that gets water from just the upper or middle aquifer, it is possible that we are dewatering their aquifer. If no one else is around is there still a problem? There could be a problem if the upper aquifer was supplying a spring, creek or wetland
Although it might seem that the regulation on multiple aquifer completions causes less well productivity and possibly more expense, there are good reasons one might want too long of a well screen.
in the area and the dewatering is causing these surface water sources to dry up.
Another problem that can arise is that we are introducing waters of different quality from one aquifer to the next. This can lead to chemical or biological growth that plugs up the aquifer. Perhaps the water in an upper zone is oxygen rich (or the water becomes oxygenated during the cascading process) and the water enters a lower zone that is nutrient rich. In these situations, one has an ideal condition for bacterial growth, which may plug the well screen.
Chemical encrustation processes are more subtle and the mixing of waters may involve changes in water chemistry such as dissolved solids, acidity (pH) and even temperature that may cause minerals to precipitate out to plug well screens.
Arsenic and lead are particularly problematic metals, because of both the
toxicity of the metals and the confusing ways in which a change in water conditions may cause these metals to be mobile in the water. Mixing of two zones may change the water chemistry enough to cause metal mobility. An example of this was seen in Flint, Michigan, where a change in the water source (with a different chemistry) caused leaching of lead into the water system.
So, although it might seem that the regulation on multiple aquifer completions causes less well productivity and possibly
more expense, there are good reasons one might not want too long of a well screen.
Ken Hugo is senior hydrogeologist with Groundwater Information Technologies Ltd. and technical director with the Alberta Water Well Drilling Association. This article is republished with permission from the AWWDA.
The Rideau Group has become "One for the Sake of Our Customers"
This major re-branding is a reaffirma�on that our business has been and will always be more about people than products.
It always was, and always will be, a human to human thing. Our Pro's helping your Pro's to help you solve your customer's problems and serve their needs.
PROJECTS
HAVE VOLUNTEERS, WILL DRILL
Industry volunteers provide a new water well for a community-run fish hatchery.
Kyle Smith, Jake Woodward and a determined team of drilling volunteers and industry donors are helping to make sure the fishing is good in Ontario’s cottage country.
Kyle, who heads up Aardvark Drilling’s location in Carleton Place near Ottawa, and Jake Woodward, co-owner of Haliburton Artesian Water Wells, and his team, are volunteering their time, expertise, equipment and supplies to replace a dry well at a community-run fish hatchery and they’ve had help from several supplier to help them get it done so that the hatchery can once again run at full capacity.
For two decades, the Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association has operated the hatchery, which receives fingerlings and raises them to stocking size to increase their survival success rate. Last year volunteers stocked the lakes with 34,000 fish.
Recently one of the wells went dry at Ontario’s largest community-run fish hatchery near Haliburton, Ont.
There is a lot at stake. “The well we are operating now is the best of our three wells,” explained Daniel Smith, who has volunteered at the Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association fish hatchery
for six years and recently became its president. “We pump water 24-7. If our good well goes south, we need backup. Unfortunately, the pump in the main well gave up the ghost, then we put number 2 into service, but it soon ran dry. We can’t go half an hour without pumping water into the fish tanks. The recovery of that well after it went dry was just horrible. It goes dry after about a minute.”
The Pump Shop in Haliburton checked out the pump in number 2 and the power readings were good, he said. “So now we knew had a well issue.”
The hatchery’s claim to fame is raising Haliburton Gold lake trout from egg collection in the wild where only one or two eggs per 1,000 survive to eight inches due to natural predators. The hatchery’s rate of survival is 650 out of 1,000. The eight-inch trout are then returned to the lakes.
Daniel explained: “In 1998 scientists discovered a particular species common to Haliburton County and found nowhere else in the world. These fish
by COLLEEN CROSS
were trapped in the region during the glacial age. They are small but grow quickly and so are good for rehabilitating lakes that don’t usually do well.”
In co-operation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, volunteers go to the shoals of Redstone and Halls lakes where the trout lay their eggs. “We net them, separate the male and female, squeeze the eggs, fertilize the eggs, raise them starting in October and 18 months later we stock the lakes,” he said.
“We have a 60 to 70 per cent success rate – and that’s what we sell to the Halls Lake Property Owners Association. We’re actually helping the fish population. In a banner year we’ll put more back in.”
The association is a tight ship run by volunteers and one “very part-time” staff member in the office. Normally, they make a small amount of money from hall rentals, but that ground to a halt this year due to COVID.
Daniel Smith, who has fished and hunted all his life, started volunteering for the association when he retired from
a career in corrections nearly five years ago. He is not only a dedicated volunteer but also Kyle’s father.
A PARTNERSHIP IS BORN
“This all came together in late November,” Daniel said. He learned from local driller Pat Casey that Rick Ruttig, founder of Haliburton Artesian Water Wells, had drilled the original wells at no charge in the early 1990s. Daniel left a message with Jake Woodward, current
LEFT: The team takes a moment to smile after drilling is completed on Dec. 22. From left to right, Dan Smith, president Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association; Braydon Frost, Dave Walker and Jake Woodward, Haliburton Artesian Haliburton Artesian Well Services; and Randy Charter, Haliburton Hatchery manager and vice-president of operations for the HHOA.
co-owner of the drilling company with Dave Walker. While waiting for Jake to call back, father told son about the situation. “At first we thought the well just needed to be jetted, but it turns out the well was enclosed in a pump house so you couldn’t get the equipment in close enough,” Daniel said.
It made sense to drill a new well, but it was an expensive proposition. “Kyle wanted in on it,” Daniel said. “He said Aardvark would supply the pump and other supplies. After my jaw dropped, I said, ‘Are you sure?’ ”
Kyle and his family have enjoyed the hatchery’s outdoor exhibits and Turtle Guardians educational program over the years. “We’d go feed the fish, do morning
and evening feedings, check the water rates and quality,” he said. “Whenever we have the time, we stop in.”
He shared his dad’s concern. “In wintertime, that’s when they fill the hatchery to capacity. They need more water. We got hold of Jake, and he was more than happy to drill the well, but it’s a costly undertaking,” Kyle said.
He described the project as “an evolving beast.”
Rideau Supply provided screen at cost and covered shipping, Wellmaster delivered 90 feet of casing directly to the hatchery at no charge. Haliburton Artesian supplied the drill rig and labour, and Canpipe donated poly, wire and fittings. Aardvark Drilling Inc. is coordinating donations and purchasing the screen. The Pump Shop will take care of pump installation.
They are not sure whether they will be able to reuse the pump from the dry well or whether they will require a new one.
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“The well was drilled on Dec. 22, 2020,” Daniel Smith reported. “The guys actually hit water at 10 feet and we ended up with a 40-foot well with 10 feet of screen installed. At the end of the day the well was producing 30 gallons per minute, which will supply our water needs nicely. We hope to have the pump installed and this well supplying water to the hatchery the first week of January.”
Aardvark will donate a 1.5-horsepower pump. The Pump Shop will install the pump, hook up to the hatchery water supply, which will include trenching with their excavator, possibly heat tracing into the pump house, plumbing and electrical work – all at no charge! The work was expected to be complete by mid-January.
“In our industry 90 per cent of people love fishing. You need to have fish to fish,” Kyle said. “It’s neat because everyone involved with this project is an OGWA member, including the hatchery.”
“We do what we can to help out the community,” Daniel said. “It’s a struggle to keep this place afloat, so when guys like these come forward, it’s great.”
To help maintain the hatchery’s other wells in future, call Daniel Smith at 705457-5417 or email dbsmith@bell.net.
PHOTO BY HHOA VOLUNTEER GREG H.
COMING THROUGH ROUGH WATERS
Happy New Year.
I hope that this message finds you all safe, and that you were able to spend time (in person or online) with those who are important to you over the holiday season. With 2020 behind us, and with the recent vaccine announcements, we can be grateful that there is a light at the end of the COVID tunnel. We’ll still be in the tunnel for a while, but we can comfort ourselves that the end is coming.
Despite everything that has been going on, the OGWA has been busy over the past several months. We were able to hold our annual charity golf tournament on Sept. 18 (safe and socially distanced) and with the support of the attendees and sponsors over $4,000 was raised for the OGWA scholarship fund.
Behind the scenes the numerous board and staff functions have continued to march along. The board has been meeting monthly by video conference and more than a dozen committee meetings (executive, golf, education, budget, etc.) have occurred by video, as well. The OGWA staff has been working hard on plans and programs for the new year and you should expect to see a number of updates soon. As well, the OGWA itself has been taking advantage of the CFIB member benefit that includes support in accessing the applicable government COVID-relief programs (CEWS and CEBA).
The new OGWA website is now up and running! It includes a complete redesign that offers our members and the public new features, a new look, and also makes the behind the scenes structure much more functional for our staff and board of directors. We are also preparing for a virtual AGM in the spring that will cover both 2020 and 2021. More to come on this, as well.
The OGWA has been working with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and our presenters in preparation for the annual regional
meetings. Many of you received, and responded to, a survey about this year’s meetings. In conjunction with the MECP, the details of the upcoming training sessions are being finalized, so watch your inbox for details on the format and how to register in the coming weeks.
It has been a difficult and dark year for many, with numerous challenges faced. I hope that we can all take some lessons from these difficult times and learn from these challenges in our business and personal lives. All of this makes me think of the saying “Smooth seas don’t make for good sailors.” We’ve been through some rough waters, with more probably to come, but we can find comfort in lessons learned, our resilience rediscovered and the supportive people who we rely on to achieve success.
I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2021. Be well.
MATT WILSON, President
INSIDE THE ISSUE
Executive Director’s Report
Best laid plans
OGWA membership application
Time to apply or renew for 2021!
CFIB benefits
Our partner, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, has many benefits and resources to help you
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
BEST LAID PLANS
As I write this, the Province of Ontario has announced our second provincial lockdown due to COVID.
It appears we are at war. I think it is a good analogy to contribute to the mindset we must acquire to beat this pandemic. I have heard more than a few references in the past few days to the efforts and sacrifices required to win the Second World War in relation to winning against this health crisis. Certainly, we must sacrifice, and we must all pull together. We must all do our bit.
So, here we go again. As essential workers this does not mean you are hanging up your hard hats, boots and gloves: it means that things get just that bit more complicated. There are lots of questions to ask of your clients and documentation. Doing service work without coming face to face with the customer is complicated and not just in terms of keeping yourselves equipped with gloves, masks and hand sanitizer.
This news of a more aggressive mutation of COVID from the United Kingdom has certainly added that extra wrinkle of foreboding for us all. Imagine if mutations ever out stripped the vaccines! Let us hope we are never forced to face that reality, and one of the best ways I bet is to stop this in its tracks, now. It would seem that our best protection is avoidance. Avoid people especially in close proximity and large numbers. Wear a mask and establish a safe bubble. Avoid crowds, communal air systems anywhere that air can easily be circulated without being cleansed. Keep to the countryside – that is what I have been doing. I trust you will do your best to protect yourselves.
We in your OGWA office have had to customize our work habits. Debbie and I work remotely. Our current office is not technically large enough for the three of us to occupy at the same time and comply with social distancing rules. So, Jennifer has been the only one who goes to the office regularly, although that becomes complicated for her from time to time. She has a young family, and her husband works shifts, so there can be child-care issues especially when there is no school. The new year and the lockdown will prove there are more challenges for her. We will work together to ensure as little disruption as possible for you, our members. I will ask you to keep this in mind and do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time if our response time seems a bit long.
After a couple of false starts we have settled on Google Drive between the three of us, so we are able to source our files remotely, work collaboratively and video conference with ease. There was a bit of chaos in the beginning, as several files were still on the old OGWA server, but we have everything downloaded now and almost all available on our Google Shared Files for quick reference by any of us. This past year has proven to have delivered us a hugely unexpected challenge with all these modifications necessitated by COVID and we had a rather aggressive work schedule already planned in the launch of the new website. The best laid plans of mice and men had not prepared us. There was a huge amount of work required in the back end of the new website to switch the database over and, as any of you who have dealt with this type of thing will know, it is the unexpected glitches, the unexpected detail that was otherwise overlooked that causes the greatest pains. It was important to me that we not lose any of our history. We have some records that would not be easily replaced. Sixty-nine years this year this association has been serving this industry in Ontario.
We have much work to do this year, but my priority now is to see that all the challenges around COVID, continuing education and licence renewals are addressed and you all able to continue serving the people of Ontario in the important capacity that you do. We can go without a lot, but we cannot go without water.
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
Fluoride Anions
Sulphide
General Inorganics
Sulphide
Tannin/Lignin
General Inorganics
Tannin & Lignin
Glyphosates (Roundup)
Glyphosates 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)
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.
ABOUT THE ONTARIO GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION AND THE CANADIAN FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS
At the OGWA our members are most important; we want your business or organization to thrive in every aspect. The OGWA supports you, and as such has entered into a partnership agreement with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). As a member in good standing of the OGWA you have FULL ACCESS to all the many services that CFIB provides Canadian businesses.
A VOICE FOR YOUR BUSINESS
CFIB advocates on behalf of small business. It advocates for better tax rates, laws, and regulations building a stronger business environment. Current initiatives include working with the government to increase COVID relief measures and fighting against red tape, making it easier to do business. The current COVID crisis has meant a very busy year. CFIB has worked extremely closely with the government to create relief for Canadians
– especially Canadian businesses – and has educated its members of the current relevant information through regular webinars on what is available, who qualifies and how to access the various programs. Join in on a CFIB webinar.
FREE TOOLS, RESOURCES AND ACCESS TO PROFESSIONALS
At any time, you can call for expert advice and support on federal and provincial regulations. Human resources, succession planning and a myriad of other issues you might face are available topics. The CFIB has regular webinars and training courses for members as well as individual support and legal referrals.
Did you know? OGWA members have accessed training on Getting Smart About Seasonal Hiring, Coronavirus – Keeping you and your employees safe, How to build your business plan, Creating a successful small business, Selling your business – The 5 Phases of a successful exit strategy, How to keep your information safe and secure, The ABCs of Building an Employee Handbook, Social Media Street Smarts, and Fraud, cyber
LETTER FROM OGWA
It is that time of the year, again! The OGWA would like to thank you for your continued support. Certainly COVID-19 has sent us into unprecedented times. We trust you have been able to keep yourselves, your families, and your staff safe as you continue your important roles as Essential Workers in the Province of Ontario. On behalf of Ontarians, we thank you for your service.
As you know the Ontario Ground Water Association (OGWA) Board of Directors have entered into an agreement with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) to provide OGWA Members with CFIB memberships. The Board of Directors has successfully negotiated a group discount for OGWA members and CFIB membership is now included in your OGWA membership. This benefit to members could not have come at a better time with specific reference to COVID and government programs. Have you been using the tools and information provided by CFIB to help cope with the pandemic? Additionally, the programs and benefits offered by CFIB cover many topics, credit card terminal rates, legal advice, and group benefits. Check them out.
security and the cloud – What your business needs to know, to name a few.
Did you know? OGWA members have called business counsellors about the Employment Insurance program, employment standards, employment policies and management, layoff and leave questions, human rights, financial aid, labour legislation, Workers’ Compensation, sales tax, pensions, business ownership, compliance, and transportation, to name a few.
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS AND BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE TO CFIB MEMBERS
Save on payment processing, banking, payroll, shipping and more.
Did you know? OGWA members have accessed the savings programs from CFIB Master Card Rate, QuickBooks, Bark Builder, PrimaSure, Chase Merchant Services, SelectCom, Northbridge Insurance, ShipTime, Nexim, Vubiz, Scotia Bank, Payworks, Telus and Fitzii.
AS AN OGWA MEMBER EXPLORE THE SAVINGS AND BENEFITS AVAILABLE FROM CFIB!
Furthermore, the new OGWA website is live. This new website has an enhanced member’s search platform and will make searches for your services easier and more effective. Please be sure your Contact Information and Profile are up to date so that members of the public and all your potential customers can find you. Included in this issue is information on the Well Wise Water Testing program. We encourage you to save it for future reference. Members are increasingly using this cost-effective testing program to augment their customer service offerings.
We have applied to the MECP for approval on a Regional Training Course for 2021. It is our intention to offer virtual as well as limited in-person classes: stay tuned. As soon as we receive the course’s approval, we will start planning venues. All virtual and in-person training will be between January and March 31, 2021.
Finally, our last piece of news is that we are moving our office. We are not moving far – just upstairs into the office next to the constituency office of Jeff Yurek, the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks! What an opportunity for us. The move will likely transpire in February, although it is dependent on new construction being completed for the current tenant, MP Karen Vecchio. A new beginning for them and for OGWA.
Please be safe.
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.
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.
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
GROUNDWATER WEEK GOES VIRTUAL
Online
event
affirms
the annual knowledge-sharing event is essential to industry
The U.S. National Ground Water Association put on virtual Groundwater Week and the Groundwater Summit 2020 to deliver education and a chance for groundwater professionals to connect.
Although things looked very different, many of the elements attendees have come to anticipate were there: an opening address by the president, an informative general meeting, awards honouring high achievers, an exhibit hall full of information and experts. And people came – more than 2,500 attendees from 59 countries and 76 exhibiting companies.
“We’re very happy with how Groundwater Week has gone,” said Merritt Partridge, outgoing president of the NGWA, when we reached him by phone at his business in Jacksonville. “Participation was high.
“We’ve never done this before,” he says. “In-person events like Groundwater Week take years to plan. Back in March we were still planning the live event. We made the final decision to commit to going virtual in October. That’s a very short time frame and there was a lot of communication with exhibitors and presenters. I really want to congratulate our staff who have done an amazing job putting this together.”
Partridge was pleased with the
attendance numbers for the general membership meeting. “There are hundreds of people attending sessions – when you look down at the bottom of the screen and see 200, 300 people attending, it makes you feel good. We don’t necessarily get those numbers with an in-person meeting. That means people are enjoying it.”
Jeff McCracken, national sales manager for Canada with Franklin Electric, agreed the response was good. “Although the format was very different, we were able to connect with many attendees using chat functions, Zoom meetings, and other digital forums,” McCracken says. “There was still a hunger for information from attendees, so engagement was strong and conversation still flowed!”
There are some advantages to a virtual event, namely, the convenience. “You don’t have to travel to attend,” Partridge says. “And with sessions like the one on profit and loss statements or the update on federal legislation, for example, it’s great that you can sit back and watch it later. It can be a lot to take in all at once.”
McCracken agrees: “We were excited
by GROUND WATER CANADA STAFF
to connect with many of our Canadian partners who were able to participate without making the trip. While we miss interacting with attendees face to face, some told us this was the first time they had attended Groundwater Week because of its virtual accessibility. They hadn’t been able to travel in prior years but still wanted the information. This year presented the opportunity for their participation.”
“The show setup was a new experience for our team at this scale but went relatively smoothly,” he added. “Many thanks to Dave Evener of NGWA for his commendable organization and strong communication in keeping exhibitors updated and comfortable with the process.”
Attendance was strong at the booth and the company extended a $50 donation to the NGWA for each non-exhibiting water well professional who visited, which resulted in a $25,000 donation.
For attendees Groundwater Week had the driving force of daily keynote
Established in 1981, Aggressive Pump & Supply Inc. is the leading wholesale distribution specialists of “Pumps” and “Water Treatment” products for British Columbia and the Yukon. Aggressive enjoys a proud tradition as the trusted supplier of quality products for the Residential, Agricultural, Commercial, Municipal and Industrial markets. Products range from standard design to engineered factory built for OEM, and specialized applications. Aggressive also supports a dedicated network of installation and service Professionals.
ANDERSON PUMP HOUSE LTD.
9802 Thatcher Ave., P.O. Box 1418 North Battleford SK S9A 3M1
Founded in 1983, we Specialize in water systems, pumps and plumbing wholesale/ distribution. We have branches in Prince Albert and North Battleford, SK.
SUPPLIERS
CARRIFF CANADA
688 Sovereign Road
London ON N5V 4K7
Tel: 519-457-7166
Toll Free: 866-457-7166
Fax: 519-457-3277
Email: admin@carriff.com
www.carriff.com
Carriff Canada, formerly Zodiac Fabrics Company, is a Canadian manufacturer of Filter Socks for use in monitoring well applications to prevent the infiltration of sand and silt into the well point. Commercially known as AQUASLEEVE, the seamless, tubular-knit polyester fabric is available in sizes from 1” (25mm) to 12” (300mm) in 100’ (30m) rolls. ISO Registered. Contact us today! www.carriff.com
EPIROC CUSTOMER CENTER
1025 Tristar Drive
Mississauga ON L5T 1W5
Tel: 416-525-6416
Email: chris.graves@epiroc.com www.epiroc.ca
Facebook: m.facebook.com/epirocgroup
Epiroc is a leading global productivity partner for the mining and infrastructure industries. With ground-breaking technology, Epiroc develops and produces innovative, safe and sustainable drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment and tools. The company also provides world-class service and solutions for automation and interoperability. Epiroc is based in Stockholm, Sweden, had revenues of BSEK 41 in 2019 and has about 14 000 passionate employees supporting and collaborating with customers in more than 150 countries. Learn more at www.epirocgroup.com.
Epiroc’s Surface division develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of rock drilling equipment for use in surface mining, exploration, construction, quarries, as well as water well and oil and gas applications worldwide.
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply manufactures and distributes pipe products used in water well and groundwater monitoring applications as well as also distributing pumps and most accessories used in the same applications. Canpipe works with many different manufacturers to gain technical knowledge on their products and keep designated items in stock. One stop shopping is what you can find at all 3 of our Branch locations (Toronto, Tillsonburg, and Ottawa). If items are not readily available in stock they can be transferred from our other Branches or Canpipe can order direct from our manufacturing partners.
CETCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of Minerals Technologies Inc. The Drilling Products division of CETCO offers a wide assortment of high quality bentonite drilling fluids, grouts, sealants, polymers, and additives, CETCO can help maximize your drilling efficiency and meet your needs in the field. Our complete line of professional products are specially designed to enhance the cost-effectiveness of drilling operations by controlling and improving drilling fluid properties. Each and every drilling product is supported by our experienced team of field engineers and research scientists. CETCO is committed to bringing you innovative, cost-effective products that go beyond merely meeting your needs for all drilling related markets. We are dedicated to providing our customers the newest solutions in drilling product technology.
FLEXCON INDUSTRIES
479 Acadia Court
Waterloo ON N2K 3Y2
Tel: 519-635-3539
Fax: 519-489-1481
Email: elemay@flexconind.com www.flexconind.com
Twitter: twitter.com/flexconind?lang=en
Facebook: www.facebook.com/flexconind
Flexcon Industries is a family owned North American manufacturer of Steel and Composite fibreglass Pressure tanks, RO Storage tanks, Baffle Mixing tanks and heating expansion tanks.
FRANKLIN ELECTRIC
9255 Coverdale Road
Fort Wayne IN 46809
Tel: 800-269-0063
Toll Free: 800-269-0063
Email: cleanwater@fele.com franklinwater.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/franklinwater
Franklin Electric provides the groundwater industry with complete system solutions that meet requirements for pumping challenges across a variety of applications, from residential and light commercial to the most demanding agriculture and irrigation jobs.
SUPPLIERS
GENEQ INC.
10700 rue Secant
Montréal QC H1J 1S5
Tel: 514-354-2511
Toll Free: 800-463-4363
Fax: 514-354-6948
Email: info@geneq.com www.geneq.com
GENEQ inc. is a Canadian Supplier of Environmental Instrumentation since 1972. We offer a wide range of products for Groundwater monitoring and much more. Products like Weather Stations, Lab Equipment, and are a proud partner of Solinst Instruments.
GEO-LOOP INC.
316 E 9th Street
Aurelia IA 51005
Tel: 712-434-2125
Toll Free: 800-580-5965
Fax: 712-434-2115
Email: sales@geo-loop.com www.geo-loop.com
We are an employee owned company in NW Iowa, United States. We have been in the water well and geothermal fields for over 20 years and build a full line of grout pumps, hose reels, loop reels, and other related equipment as well as custom units. Let us help you build your next machine!
HERON INSTRUMENTS INC.
447 Moxley Rd.
Dundas ON L9H 5E2
Tel: 905-628-4999
Toll Free: 800-331-2032
Email: info@heroninstruments.com
www.heroninstruments.com
Twitter: twitter.com/HeronInc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HeronInc
Since 1995, Heron Instruments has designed and manufactured water level monitoring equipment, portable downhole inspection cameras and data loggers for short and longterm monitoring with capabilities for remote data collection. Heron is innovative with its design styles and is focused on high-quality, durable and reliable monitoring instruments for a wide range of environments.
HOSKIN SCIENTIFIC
#5-3280 South Service Road West Oakville ON L6L 0B1
Goulds Water Technology, a well-known name that has served the water market for many decades with products sold throughout Canada and supported by a network of independent channel partners. Offering a complete range of energy efficient pumps, boosters, drives, valves, controllers, water systems, and other solutions for numerous applications in the Residential, Agricultural & Landscaping, Building Systems, Light Industry and Municipal Water markets.
For over 70 years Hoskin Scientific has provided expert consultative support to find the right product to fit your application needs. Our Environmental Department provides solutions for monitoring and sampling biological and chemical parameters in the environment. Our team of environmental sales representatives and diverse product range guarantee that you will find the right products for your application.
Whether you require monitoring or testing instrumentation, rentals or service, we are where you need us to be across Canada.
SUPPLIERS
The Leader in Thermoplastic Piping Systems
The Leader in Thermoplastic Piping Systems
As
in
–everything professionals need to manage the
IN-SITU, INC.
221 E Lincoln Ave
Fort Collins CO 80524-2533
Tel: 970-498-1500
Toll Free: 800-446-7488
Email: sales@in-situ.com www.in-situ.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/InSituInc
In-Situ Inc. designs, manufactures, sells and rents water level, water quality and water flow monitoring instrumentation for groundwater, surface water, and coastal waters. Known for innovating top-quality water monitoring equipment, In-Situ also offers a full solution for decision-quality data via easy integration with telemetry and data services. For more than 40 years, In-Situ products have provided accurate results and reliable operation for a variety of applications, including aquifer characterization, mine water management, remediation performance monitoring, groundwater monitoring networks, low-flow sampling and more. Headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, In-Situ offers 24/7 technical support through a global network of regional offices and distributors. Please visit in-situ.com or call 1-800-446-7488.
IPEX INC.
1425 North Service Rd. E. Unit 3
Oakville ON L6H 1A7
Tel: 866-473-9462
Email: sales@ipexna.com
www.ipexna.com
The Leaders in Thermoplastic Piping Systems. As the leader in thermoplastic piping systems, the IPEX companies design and manufacture the largest, most recognized and diverse range of integrated piping products –everything professionals need to manage the full spectrum of today’s municipal, plumbing & mechanical, industrial, and electrical challenges.
J&K TOOL COMPANY, INC.
6385 County Road 7, PO Box 808
Wheaton MN 56296
Tel: 320-563-4967
Fax: 320-563-8051
Email: sales@jktool.com
www.jktool.com
J&K Tool Company, Inc.
Essential tools for well drilling, pump installation and well repair. Kwik Klamps, PVC Pipe Elevators and Flush Joint PVC clamps. Design and manufacture high quality automatic PVC slotting, threading and perforating machines.
J&K Tool Company manufacturing and selling tools and machines worldwide for over 40 years. sales@jktool.com ~ www.jktool.com
LITTLE GIANT, A FRANKLIN ELECTRIC BRAND
9255 Coverdale Road, Apt. 2B
Fort Wayne IN 46809
Tel: 800-269-0063
Toll Free: 800-269-0063
Email: cleanwater@fele.com
littlegiant.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/franklinwater
Reliable Pumping Solutions: The Little Giant brand specializes in the water transfer market with products including wastewater, sump, sewage, effluent, dewatering, condensate, magnetic drive, and utility pumps; as well as low pressure sewer systems, and water garden pumps and products.
Canada’s largest insurer of Ground Water Contractors and Professionals since 1992. We are a full service Insurance and Risk Management brokerage specializing in providing our clients with tailor-made insurance programs designed for their individual and industry requirements. Our insurance programs provide insurance coverages across all water related industries in Canada and are uniquely designed to be industry specific. Many of our program coverages are only available through our firm. We will design an insurance program suited for your needs.
SUPPLIERS
MERRILL MANUFACTURING CO.
315 Flindt Drive
Storm Lake IA 50588
Tel: 800-831-6962
Email: colten@merrillmfg.com
www.merrillmfg.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MerrillMfgCo
Merrill Manufacturing is a family-owned water well manufacturer located in Storm Lake, Iowa, USA. We’re proud to be manufacturing in the water well industry for over 70 years and offer over 5,000 above the pump products. We take pride in our product quality, customer service, and can-do attitude to ensure our customers feel valued and successful at the end of the day.
MILLS MACHINE CO. INC.
201 North Oklahoma, PO Box 1514
Shawnee OK 74801
Tel: 405-273-4900
Fax: 405-273-4956
Email: sales@millsmachine.com
www.MillsMachine.com
Twitter: @MillsMachineCo
Facebook: Mills Machine Co
Mills Machine Company (est. 1908) is a custom manufacturer of Earth Drilling Tools, Bits, & Related Accessories for Water Well, Environmental, Mining, Geo-Thermal, GeoTechnical, Soil Sampling, Construction & Shallow Oil & Gas Drilling.
Products include Hollow Stem & Solid Flight Augers & Bits, Rotary Drag, Claw & Roller Bits, Rotary Subs (we have over 600 different thread gages), Stabilizers, Drag & Roller Underreamers, Hole Openers, Fishing Tools, Hoist Plugs, Casing Cutters, Perforators and a wide variety of Custom Manufactured Bits and Tools.
NILEX INC.
6810-8 Street NW
Edmonton AB T6P0C5
Tel: 780-801-3393
Toll Free: 800-667-4811
Email: tammy.kidd@nilex.com http://nilex.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NilexInc
Nilex’s Water Management solutions offer economical, technical and environmentally beneficial alternatives to traditional ways of managing drainage, stormwater, groundwater, and both clean and contaminated diversions on industrial, mine, and oil and gas sites. Applications range from sports fields and golf course drainage to Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater applications, to green roofs and lined diversion ditches.
NORTH EAST EQUIPMENT
5640 C rue Barre
St-Hyacinthe QC J2R1E4
Tel: 450-250-2442
Email: info@ebostiguy.com
North East Equipment specializes in service and repair of drill rigs and high pressure compressors. With more than 35 years experience, we are known in the field for our expertise and customer satisfaction.
Pentair is a leading global provider of solutions that bring clean water into the home. Includes well water pumps, tanks and pressureboosting systems in the Berkeley, Starite and Pentek brands.
PIONEER PUMP, A FRANKLIN ELECTRIC BRAND
9255 Coverdale Road
Fort Wayne IN 46809
Tel: 260-241-6187
Email: cleanwater@fele.com pioneerpump.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/franklinwater Pioneer Pump® Is Performance Through Innovation.
As a Franklin Electric brand, leading-edge hydraulic engineering makes our centrifugal pumps the highest performing pumps on the market. Our pumps provide better flow, higher head, greater efficiency, and unparalleled service designed to meet your unique challenges. At Pioneer Pump, we don’t just design, we deliver.
Curb Stop Series
Stratford ON N4Z1H3
Toll Free: 800-463-7648
Email: pros@rideausupply.com www.RideauSupply.com
Our vision at Rideau Supply is simple, we want to partner with our customers and suppliers in a way that is mutually successful and profitable. We provide the highest quality products delivered at the right price for our customers and their market.
22650 County Highway 6 Detroit Lakes MN 56501
Toll Free: 888-324-5756
Email: sje@sjeinc.com www.sjerhombus.com
Twitter: twitter.com/SJERhombus
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjeinc
SJE Rhombus is an an industry-leading control solutions provider combining over 45 years of expertise in pump controls with the latest technology to deliver energy efficient, cost-effective products for a wide range of applications. We offer a complete line of Sump, Effluent and Sewage Controls for residential and commercial applications, including control panels, alarms, float switches and accessories for pump control and alarm notification. Custom Embedded Controls provide innovative engineering solutions for software, firmware and hardware designs using printed circuit board assemblies for high and low volume OEM applications in a wide variety of markets. Engineered Control Solutions are custom designed control solutions built to individual specifications for municipal and industrial applications. With corporate headquarters in Minnesota (USA), SJE has multiple locations worldwide and markets under three brands: CSI Controls, PRIMEX and SJE Rhombus. SJE is 100% employee WAGMAN WATER AND WELL SERVICES LTD
Leader SK S0N 1H0
Email: wagmanwater@gmail.com
Proudly Serving Southern Saskatchewan Specializing In Pump Retrieval, Well Rehabilitation and Treatments, Solar Water Systems, Well Abandonments, Complete Pump Sales and Services, Water Purification
SUPPLIERS
WELLMASTER PIPE & SUPPLY INC.
1494 Bell Mill Road, PO Box 456
Tillsonburg ON N4G 4J1
Tel: 519-688-0500
Toll Free: 800-387-9355
Fax: 519-688-0563
Email: dwhite@wellmaster.ca
wellmaster.ca
Full Service Supplier, Manufacturer, Fabricator, Distributor and Logistics Service Provider for all Drillers, installers and contractors who service the water, geothermal, ground monitoring, environmental, oil, and gas, industries.
Wellmaster’s customer service levels are second to none in Ontario, Canada, USA, In these challenging times, we are committed to find new ways to better service our customers. We do our very best to provide you with WHAT quality of product you require WHERE you require it to be delivered WHEN you need it
WILO is a multi-national manufacturer of pumps and control panels for residential, commercial, industrial, irrigation and municipal applications. Pump types include: submersible, dry pit, vertical turbine, self -priming and conventionalfor clean water, drinking water and/or sewage.
The mission of the Canadian National Ground Water Association is to:
Increase public awareness of the critical importance of ground water to Canadian society and the economy. Advocate governments and industries to protect and improve the quality of ground water resources across Canada. Contribute industry knowledge and expertise to the development of relevant and effective Canadian federal and provincial ground water legislation.
Help prepare future generations of well drillers, contractors, suppliers, scientists, and engineers through outreach, education, and accreditation.
CANADIAN WATER & WASTEWATER ASSOCIATION
Unit 11, 1010 Polytek St. Ottawa ON K1J 9H9
Tel: 613-747-0524
Fax: 613-747-0523
Email: admin@cwwa.ca www.cwwa.ca
CANADIAN WATER QUALITY ASSOCIATION
180 Northfield Drive West, Unit 4 Waterloo ON N2L 0C7
Diverse groundwater professionals. Volunteer board passionate about protecting Ontario’s most precious resource. Providing guidance to members, government, and public for sound scientific, economic, development, protection, and management of groundwater resources.
SASKATCHEWAN GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION
1027 6th St. E
Saskatoon SK S7H 1E1
Tel: 306-244-7551
PRODUCTS › DRILLING
CASING DEPTH
INDICATORS
Heron Instruments Inc.
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
CASING HAMMERS
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
CASING HANDLING TOOLS
J&K Tool Company, Inc.
Rideau Supply
CASING, FLUSH THREADED
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
CASING, PLASTIC
IPEX Inc.
Rideau Supply
CASING, STEEL
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
CENTRALIZERS
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
COMPRESSORS
North East Equipment
CORE DRILLING TOOLS
Hoskin Scientific
Rideau Supply
COUPLINGS, COMPRESSOR
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
COUPLINGS, MUD PUMP
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
DETECTORS, PIPE, CABLE
Rideau Supply
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
EQUIPMENT
Rideau Supply
DOWN HOLE SHOCK
ABSORBERS
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
DRAWDOWN SEALS
Rideau Supply
DRILL COLLARS
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
DRILL PIPE HOLDERS
Mills Machine Co. Inc.
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
DRILL PIPE/STEM
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
DRILLING FOAM, GEL
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
CETCO
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
DRILLING FOAM, STIFF
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
CETCO
Rideau Supply
DRILLING MUDS & ADDITIVES
Anderson Pump House Ltd.
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
CETCO
Rideau Supply
DRILLING RIGS
North East Equipment
DRILLING THREAD COMPOUNDS
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Merrill Manufacturing Co.
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
DRIVE & PULLING HEADS
Rideau Supply
DRIVE SHOES & ACCESSORIES
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
DRIVING ACCESSORIES
Rideau Supply
DROP PIPE
Anderson Pump House Ltd.
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Rideau Supply
DROP PIPE, FLEXIBLE
Anderson Pump House Ltd.
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Rideau Supply
EDUCATION & TRAINING
CETCO
Franklin Electric
Ontario Ground Water Association
Rideau Supply
FILTER PACK
North East Equipment
FISHING TOOLS
Mills Machine Co. Inc.
Wagman Water and Well Services
Ltd
FLUMES
Hoskin Scientific
GENERATORS
Hoskin Scientific
GROUTING SYSTEMS/ EQUIPMENT
CETCO
Geo-Loop Inc.
Rideau Supply
GROUTS & SEALANTS
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
CETCO
Rideau Supply
GUIDE SHOES
Rideau Supply
HAMMER BITS
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
HAMMERS, DOWN-THEHOLE
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
HOISTING PLUGS
Mills Machine Co. Inc.
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
HOLE ABANDONMENT
PRODUCTS
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
CETCO
Rideau Supply
PRODUCTS › DRILLING
HORIZONTAL BORING
EQUIPMENT
Mills Machine Co. Inc.
HOSES
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Hoskin Scientific
North East Equipment
Pompco Inc.
Rideau Supply
HYDROFRACTURE
EQUIPMENT
North East Equipment
LANDSCAPE ACCESSORIES
Rideau Supply
LOCKING PLUGS
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Heron Instruments Inc.
Rideau Supply
LUBRICANTS
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
CETCO
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
MUD MIXERS
Rideau Supply
MUD PRESSURE GAUGES
Rideau Supply
MUD PUMPS
Rideau Supply
MUD SEPARATORS
Rideau Supply
NIPPLES
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Pompco Inc.
Rideau Supply
PACKERS
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
PELLETS, BENTONITE
Anderson Pump House Ltd.
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
CETCO
Rideau Supply
PERFORATORS
J&K Tool Company, Inc.
Mills Machine Co. Inc.
PITLESS ADAPTORS & UNITS
Aggressive Pump & Supply
Anderson Pump House Ltd.
Merrill Manufacturing Co.
POLYPHOSPHATES
Rideau Supply
PUMPS, BOOSTER
Aggressive Pump & Supply
Anderson Pump House Ltd.
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Franklin Electric
Pompco Inc.
Rideau Supply
WILO Canada
PUMPS, GROUT
Geo-Loop Inc.
Rideau Supply
REFERENCE MATERIAL
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
REGULATORS, AIR
North East Equipment
REGULATORS, PRESSURE
North East Equipment
ROPE, ADAPTORS
Merrill Manufacturing Co.
Pompco Inc.
Rideau Supply
ROTARY DRILL BITS
Mills Machine Co. Inc.
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
ROTARY DRILL COLLARS
Mills Machine Co. Inc.
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
ROTARY HAMMERS
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
ROTARY SUBS
Mills Machine Co. Inc.
SCREENS, FIBREGLASS
Rideau Supply
SCREENS, FLUSH
THREADED
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
SCREENS, PLASTIC
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
IPEX Inc.
J&K Tool Company, Inc.
Rideau Supply
SERVICE & REPAIR RIGS/ PUMP HOISTS
North East Equipment
STABILIZERS
Mills Machine Co. Inc.
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
STRAINERS, CONE & BASKET
Rideau Supply
STRAINERS, SUCTION
North East Equipment
Pompco Inc.
Rideau Supply
SWIVELS
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
TOOL WRENCHES & TONGS
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
TORQUE ARRESTORS
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Merrill Manufacturing Co.
Pompco Inc.
Rideau Supply
UNDERREAMERS
Mills Machine Co. Inc.
WELL INSPECTION
CAMERAS
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Heron Instruments Inc.
Hoskin Scientific
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
WELL PLUGS
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Rideau Supply
WELL SCREENS & POINTS, METAL
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Merrill Manufacturing Co.
North East Equipment
Rideau Supply
WELL SCREENS & POINTS, NON-METAL
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Rideau Supply
WELL SEALS & CAPS
Canadian Pipe & Pump Supply
Merrill Manufacturing Co.
Rideau Supply
WINCHES
North East Equipment
EDUCATION & TRAINING
CETCO
Ontario Ground Water Association
FURNACE, FORCED AIR
Geneq Inc.
FURNACE, HYDRONIC
Rideau Supply
PRODUCTS › GEOTHERMAL
GLYCOL, FLUIDS
Anderson Pump House Ltd.
Rideau Supply
GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
Rideau Supply
GROUTING & MIXING EQIUPMENT
Geo-Loop Inc.
Rideau Supply
GROUTING, THERMAL CONDUCTIVE CETCO
LOOP SYSTEMS
Rideau Supply
PIPE, HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE
Anderson Pump House Ltd.
IPEX Inc.
Rideau Supply
PRODUCTS › MONITORING AND CONSULTING
ANALYTICAL EQUIPMENT
Geneq Inc.
Hoskin Scientific
In-Situ, Inc.
Rideau Supply
ASSOCIATION/ ORGANIZATION
Alberta Water Well Drilling Association
BC Water & Waste Association
British Columbia Ground Water Associatioin
Canadian National Ground Water
Association
Canadian Water & Wastewater Association
Canadian Water Quality Association
Canadian Water Systems Council
L’ASSOCIATION DES ENTREPRENEURS EN FORAGE DU QUEBEC (AEFQ)
speakers and consistent booth times each afternoon. But the education sessions were more of a self-serve affair designed for the busy professionals. Dozens of speakers presented scientific, technical and business sessions, with speakers engaging in lively Q-and-A afterward.
Among highlights, Alfonso Rivera, Chief Hydrogeologist of Canada, kicked off Day 1 by focusing on the importance of mapping and understanding transboundary aquifers.
Kevin McGinnis, president of Cotey Chemical Corp., delivered the first presentation of his 2021 McEllhiney Lecture, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Innovative Treatment Options for Established and Emerging Water Quality Challenges.”
In another well-attended session, “Realistic Budgeting to Reinvest in Your Business,” Jeffrey Williams, MGWC, CVCL, vice-president of Spafford & Sons Water Wells in Jericho, Vt., and former NGWA president, went through the
There are some advantages to a virtual event, namely, the convenience. “You don’t have to travel to attend.”
–Merritt Partridge
factors you should be considering in your financial planning and how to implement a reinvestment strategy for your business operation.
“Much too often business owners focus primarily on meeting monthly expenses and disregard the need for a consistent reinvestment plan for their businesses,” he said. “Every business owner should understand current equipment valuation in relation to its business life and projected replacement time frames and costs.”
He urged operators to identify
which equipment in their business will require replacement and create an asset replacement schedule. Unlike a depreciation schedule, which has peaks and valleys, asset replacement should be steady, telling you when you need to replace assets.
Operators should be asking themselves: Can the yearly revenue generated cover expenses, overhead, fund reinvestment and add to the profit margin? “I don’t want to live off my assets,” he said. “I want to replace my assets and grow.”
Condition of equipment is important, Williams said. Equipment declines in value over time and values are driven by the market, life span and condition.
“People snap up used equipment quickly. We can get equipment value in real time from several sources. Don’t assume your equipment is valued at asking price.”
Registered attendees will have access to the event platform until June 30, 2021, and sessions will also be made available for purchase at the new NGWA University for those who did not attend in 2020.
Groundwater Week 2021 will return to an in-person event Dec. 14-16 in Nashville, Tenn.
Jeffrey Williams, vice-president of Spafford & Sons Water Wells in Jericho, Vt., spoke about reinvesting in your business. “Unlike a depreciation schedule, which has peaks and valleys, asset replacement should be steady, telling you when you need
Digital marketing
by Dave Mercer
It’s better to do nothing than to do something badly.
Even though you know the workflow we described previously – evangelism, interaction and repurposing – how can you make sure you don’t do it badly? Here’s a look at basic tools every company needs.
A website is the keystone of your digital marketing strategy. It’s the place where you tell your story the way you want it to be told. You can use pictures and content that reflect your work and your people. You can offer testimonials from clients who appreciate your experience. But it’s not just a one-way flow of information. Using your website as a hub for your content means your digital marketing drives traffic to your website, which is where you learn about your visitors. You can track visitors using analytics, which tells you where they are coming from, where they live and what they want from you. Analytics provides information that can help convert interest into sales.
And your website does one more thing – it helps people find you online. Structuring your website content so that search engines can find you means that everyone who looks online can find you too. Which takes us back to the beginning: when visitors find you online, you want to be sure that you’re sharing a compelling story that will make them reach out to you.
Social media is where networking happens in our digital age. With all the options, including Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn, it can be daunting to know where to start. To keep it simple, start with one and implement an organized approach that includes regular posts (at minimum one per week) on a variety of topics, with interaction and carefully planned repurposing.
For most businesses in the groundwater industry, LinkedIn is the best place to start. Set up a corporate page and make sure all of your employees are also on LinkedIn and reposting. This helps draw more attention from a broader audience to your posts. More advanced social media approaches include preparing different types of content to be posted on
a wider number of social media platforms, which drives more traffic but also requires more of your company’s resources.
Other digital marketing materials are commonly developed from the printed media that was used for marketing in the past. These include regular newsletters, brochures and case histories. However, if they are intended for digital marketing, they need to use the tools available for digital delivery. What works on paper is not always what works on the web. Some newer tools include creating enewsletters that contain hyperlinks to past projects, animated project summaries and interactive project case histories. To take a visual approach, many businesses are starting to use the technique of “scrollytelling,” which offers a vertical flow of information reflecting how individual users scroll on their screens or mobile devices.
Hosting webinars is ideal for helping to establish your company as an industry expert. Events are also great marketing opportunities and ideal candidates for the evangelism, interaction and repurposing workflow. There is a wide variety of software available to help make hosting events easier while providing a better experience than a basic Zoom meeting. This can get involved and likely requires the help of a specialized consultant to make it work well and make you look good.
There are many tools available to help you get your message out effectively online, but it can take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. If you don’t have the expertise in house, it’s a good idea to get some guidance from someone who does rather than go it alone from the outset.
Dave Mercer, P. Geo, operates Underground Communications, offering specialized business development and marketing services in geology-related industries. Dave is also currently general manager of the BCGWA. He can be reached at Dave@ undergroundcommunications.ca.
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