Local workers who manage drinking water in Watson Lake, Yukon, can now access specialized training close to home. In March 2026, the Yukon University campus in town added a one-day course on ultraviolet disinfection to its local curriculum.
The course teaches municipal staff how to run and fix equipment that uses ultraviolet light to clean drinking water. Since Watson Lake is about 430 kilometres from Whitehorse, this local training saves workers a long commute and cuts down on travel costs for the community.
Completing the session provides workers with credits required by the Environmental Operators Certification Program to keep their professional qualifications. This local option is expected to benefit staff from the municipality as well as operators from the Liard First Nation who look after the region’s water supply.
Students in the class learn how to manage safety rules and clean the specialized glass tubes inside water treatment machines. This training ensures that the people in charge of local water are ready for the spring and summer maintenance seasons, when system inspections and upkeep are most critical.
