About the BC Small Water Systems Community Network

Mandate

To support small water systems owners and trustees, along with their employees and volunteers throughout British Columbia by connecting them with each other, and connecting them with the diverse and interconnected community that supports small water systems, and their resources.

Background

In 2020, the Ministry of Health partnered with the BCWWA with the intention of building a mechanism that would support the small water systems community by connecting them with peer networks, resources, information and expertise. This project was created in response to the positive feedback from the different workshops regarding building regional peer networks.

The project also recognized the wide range of associations, companies and individuals that have developed programs and services that support small water systems. These supporters play an important role in helping owners build their own capacity. This project was seen as an important mechanism for elevating these resources so that they are accessible across the province.

Prior to developing the Community Network platform, the BCWWA engaged in an information gathering exercise to identify what was important, and where there were gaps. This information gathering involved surveys, interviews and focus groups.


The BCWWA has been utilizing the feedback of small water systems owners throughout the development stage to better understand how the platform can best serve their needs. Their input has been invaluable to the development process.