Durham Works Department Team Competes at Provincial Water Works Event

A team from the Region of Durham's Works Department took part in the 2025 Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA) Conference and Trade Show, competing in a series of waterworks skills events.

The event was held in Ontario and included participants from across the province. Local representation came from the Durham Direct Tappers team, made up of Tyler Jackson, Blake Vanderzalm, Justin Storms, Jack Steinsky, Doug Walton, Salvatore Moncada, and Micah Dejong, according to the Region of Durham.

In the tapping challenge, Jackson, Vanderzalm, Storms, and Steinsky finished in second place, as reported by the Region. In the hydrant challenge, Doug Walton and Salvatore Moncada, competing as a new pairing, completed the course within nine seconds of first place, according to the Region. Micah Dejong was named OWWA Meter Competition Champion for securing first place in the meter challenge, the Region said.

The team was supported by Matthew Fair, listed as Head Coach, Coordinator and Logistics, and Dave Stewart, Coach for Rules and Compliance, the Region reported.

According to the Region of Durham, the OWWA Conference and Trade Show draws more than 1,000 delegates from Ontario’s water services sector and features over 100 exhibitors.