Water Treatment Plant Operations Associate in Science and Certificate of Achievement
Students enrolled in this major learn the key steps, processes, and current technology involved in operating modern water treatment plants. Students who satisfactorily complete the required courses in this certificate and/or degree program will qualify to take the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Grade T-1 and T-2 Water Treatment Plant Operator examinations required for certification and employment at water treatment plants.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Identify in detail characteristics and sources of ground water and surface water supplies including the chemical, physical and bacterial characteristics, and explain the effects on quality of geological formations, stratifications, and watershed management.
- Compare the basic principles of each water treatment process and list them in order performed.
- Identify and classify water distribution system components.
- Explain pump cavitation, corrosion, cross-connection, air valves, head loss and main flushing in relation to water and wastewater collection, distribution, and treatment.
- Compare and contrast the basic principles of each water treatment process and list them in order performed.
- Explain and prepare a plan for the use of chlorine including the characteristics of and methods for storing, feeding and measuring chlorine including the effects of moisture, pH and temperature on feed rate, and the health and safety effects, procedures and personal protective requirements.
- Determine the methods used for coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation including common chemicals used, feed systems, effects of time temperature, turbidity and pH, and the measurement of turbidity and color.
- Compare and contrast the six basic water quality parameters and explain in detail microbiological and chemical components, including sampling requirements and properties.
- Demonstrate through testing basic knowledge of the regulations for monitoring water quality and performing water treatment.
- Perform basic mathematical calculations and conversions relating to water flow, pressure, volume, velocity, chemical dosage, and hydraulic and organic loading.
- Determine appropriate safety procedures applicable to service and operation of water treatment and distribution systems including potential problems.
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-112 | Water Treatment Plant Operations | 3 |
| CWS-134 | Pumps, Motors & Valves | 3 |
| CWS-204 | Applied Hydraulics | 3 |
| CWS-212 | Advanced Water Treatment Plant Operations | 3 |
| Select at least six units from the following: | 6-7 | |
| Water Resources Management | ||
| Water Conservation | ||
| Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations | ||
| Wastewater Reclamation and Reuse | ||
| Water Distribution Systems | ||
| Advanced Electrical & Instrumentation Processes | ||
| Practical Skills in Water & Wastewater Systems | ||
| Advanced Laboratory Analysis for Water & Wastewater | ||
| Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations | ||
| Advanced Water Distribution Systems | ||
| Membrane Plant Operation | ||
| Public Works Supervision | ||
| Backflow Tester Training | ||
| Cross-Connection Control Specialist | ||
| 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 Treatment Plant Operations. An official request must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office prior to the deadline as stated in the Academic Calendar.