Who Can Become a Member?
Anyone who has an interest in small water systems within BC is welcome to become a member of the BC Small Water Systems Community Network.
This is a FREE platform.
Join the BC Small Water System Community Network if:
- You are an owner or trustee of a small water system
- You are a contractor, employee or volunteer for a small water system
- You provide products or services for small water systems
- You provide training or expertise to the small water systems community
- You support the small water systems community in other ways
- You have a general interest in small water systems
Why Join the Community Network?
The Community Network is designed to be a FREE inclusive and welcoming space that brings the entire small water systems community together to share information, experience, expertise and ideas. It enables individuals from around the province to find and connect with peers who may have similar systems or needs. It also provides the space to connect with supporters who have the information, resources and expertise that is so valuable for small water systems purveyors.
Community Network Features
The BC Small Water Systems Community Network is an online platform that can be accessed through your browser on your computer, tablet and mobile devices. It has been built with multiple components designed to support active engagement between community members.
The Directory is a place where you can search for other members or organizations within the community, including the option to search for members or organizations near you.
When you select a member or organization in the Directory, you can view additional information, such as their interests, biography and contact information. You can reach out to other members by sending an internal message.
When you find a member or organization that you would like to remember, you can make them your Favourite and keep them in your personal address book called My Favourites.
Members and organizations have the ability to manage their visibility through the Directory. For more information, view Privacy on the Community Network Platform.
Lounges on the Community Network provide a space for private discussions amongst a subset of the Small Water Systems Community.
OWNERS LOUNGE
This area is designed to allow members who are connected with a small water system to share information, experiences and ideas exclusively and privately with their peers. Because this area is intended to be private, members who wish to participate in the Owners Lounge will need to become approved by their small water system as an Authorized SWS Member .
You can become an Authorized SWS Member by connecting to a small water system organization on the platform.
Are you interested in registering your small water system or becoming authorized with a registered small water system? Learn more.
WATER MOVEMENT COLLABORATION ZONE FOR INDIGENOUS OPERATORS
We are pleased to partner with Water Movement as a great resource for all small water systems, and especially for connecting with their Collaboration Zone, specifically designed for and with indigenous operators.
OTHER SPECIALTY GROUP LOUNGES
As the Community Network develops, other groups may be created. Each group will clearly describe its purpose and its membership criteria and request process.
The creation of specialty groups and the membership criteria are done with consultation and approval of the platform administrators. If you would like to discuss creating a new specialty group, please contact smallwaternetwork@bcwwa.org.
The Knowledge Zone is the place to find information or to be directed to places that have it. It is divided into three areas:
ARTICLES
Topical articles and blogs of interest to the small water systems community. These are set up with a place for comments and discussion. Individuals are invited to provide suggestions for topics, contribute to discussions and even submit their own articles.
CURATED RESOURCES
This area hosts searchable links and descriptions of the great resources available through our Supporter network.
TECHNICAL DISCUSSION FORUMS
These moderated forums are designed to give you an opportunity to pose questions and have discussions related to your small water systems, leveraging the wealth of experience and expertise within the community.
ONLINE HELP CENTRE
In line with the philosophy of highlighting great resources, we are linking directly to the Small Water Systems Centre of Excellence Online Help Centre, hosted by Thompson River University in Kamloops.
The Community Board is just that – a place where community members can post and share information relevant for the community.
WANTED/OFFERING
Are you looking for something or someone, or have something to share or sell that would be of particular interest to this targeted community? This is the Community Network "classified ads" section.
OPPORTUNITIES
Are you aware of a funding opportunity you would like to share with the community? Are you looking for participants in a focus group or trial of a piece of equipment? Are you looking for volunteers for something? This is the place to post and find these opportunities.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Are you running a training event that would be valuable for the small water systems community? Are you planning a meet-up at a local coffee shop for small water systems purveyors in your area? All members of the community can post their relevant events in this area.
Privacy and Online Safety
The Community Network is built up on two key principles: Once you log into the network, you will be able to update your privacy settings, which by default are at their strictest settings. You will be able to manage the extent that others can see your information and how others can contact you. You can also choose to be searchable in the Community Directory.
To ensure your online safety and the wellbeing of all Community Network participants, the platform is actively managed by administrators and volunteers who are continuously working to ensure a safe and inclusive environment and are guided by the Community Code of Conduct. There are specific guidelines for service providers regarding solicitation and mechanisms to report abuse.
Solicitation and Marketing
All individuals and their organizations are required to comply with the Community Code of Conduct, which includes a no solicitation requirement. While there are lots of opportunities to learn about and connect with Supporters, it is intended to be on your terms. Community Network moderators and administrators will be monitoring for compliance to this.
While the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) maintains the Community Network site, the data remains distinct and separate. The BCWWA is committed to following and respecting the Supporter guidelines, and will not distribute or sell member information. We will also not contact you except within the permissions that you set in your profile.
Become a Member