Water Distribution Operations Associate in Science and Certificate of Achievement
Students in this major learn the methods, processes, technology, and current practices involved in operating and maintaining modern, complex water distribution systems. Students who satisfactorily complete the required courses for this certificate and/or degree program will qualify to take the CDPH Grade D-1 through D-5 Water Distribution Operator examinations required to obtain certification and employment with a water district.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Identify sources and characteristics of water common to water distribution systems.
- Compare and contrast the different types of water distribution systems currently used in the United States.
- Identify drinking water public health hazards and water quality standards common to the industry.
- Using calculations and conversions, determine water flow, pressure, volume, velocity and force, and chemical dosage used in water distribution systems.
- Identify and compare methods used to handle, install and repair water distribution pipe.
- Explain principles of pump operation for the types of pumps used in water distribution systems, including common problems, necessary adjustments, and typical packing gland problems.
- Explain the electrical principles involved in control circuits common to water distribution systems.
- Explain the required safe handling and storage of chlorine used in water distribution systems.
- Check and utilize water maps and drawings to determine location, type and characteristics of water distribution systems.
- Specify necessary procedures needed to safely complete field work in a water distribution system.
- Compare and contrast factors considered in the selection of pipe and different types of water meters.
- Demonstrate the ability to read meters and calculate the meter accuracy.
Associate in Science Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CWS-100 | Career Pathways in Water & Wastewater | 3 |
| CWS-101 | Fundamentals of Water & Wastewater | 3 |
| CWS-102 | Calculations in Water & Wastewater | 3 |
| CWS-106 | Electrical & Instrumentation Processes | 3 |
| CWS-107 | Safety in Water & Wastewater | 3 |
| CWS-110 | Laboratory Analysis for Water & Wastewater | 3 |
| CWS-130 | Water Distribution Systems | 3 |
| CWS-134 | Pumps, Motors & Valves | 3 |
| CWS-204 | Applied Hydraulics | 3 |
| CWS-230 | Advanced Water Distribution Systems | 3 |
| Select at least six units from the following: | 6-7 | |
| Water Resources Management | ||
| Water Conservation | ||
| Water Treatment Plant Operations | ||
| Wastewater Reclamation and Reuse | ||
| Wastewater Collection Systems | ||
| Advanced Electrical & Instrumentation Processes | ||
| Practical Skills in Water & Wastewater Systems | ||
| Advanced Laboratory Analysis for Water & Wastewater | ||
| Advanced Water Treatment Plant Operations | ||
| Advanced Wastewater Collection Systems | ||
| Public Works Supervision | ||
| Backflow Tester Training | ||
| Cross-Connection Control Specialist | ||
| Cross-Connection Control Specialist- Recycled Water | ||
| Cooperative Work Experience | ||
| Total Units | 36-37 | |
Plus General Education Requirements
Certificate of Achievement
Students who complete only the major requirements above qualify for a Certificate in Water Distribution Operations. An official request must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office prior to the deadline as stated in the Academic Calendar.