People Behind the Water

Every day, millions of people turn on their faucets, but give little thought to the water that streams out. How does water move from its initial source through the treatment process and ultimately to our taps? And who are the skilled women and men responsible for bringing us our drinking water and what exactly do they do? Learn more about the professionals who bring you safe water every day by exploring the illustration below.

• Watershed Specialist - Samples from streams and reservoirs to determine the quality of the source water.
• Quality Water Specialist - Tests water throughout the treatment process and as it leaves the treatment plant.
• Certified Treatment Plant Operator - Overseas water filtration, disinfection, and other processes to make water safe for drinking.
• Distribution Field Worker - Repairs water mains and replaces critical infrastructure.
• Meter Reader - Makes sure customers are charged fairly for water consumption.
• Consumer - Plays vital role by using water responsibly and reporting unusual tastes, odours, or events.
• Certified Distribution System Operator - Operates pump stations and ensures adequate water supply at satisfactory pressure throughout the system.
• Provincial Regulator - Ensures that water meets additional provincial drinking water quality regulations
• Federal Guidelines - Health Canada set guidelines for water quality safety.
• Water Resource Specialist - Analyzes the short-and long-term issues of water supply and demand.

Presented in cooperation with the American Water Works Association.