Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology
Overview
Water and wastewater treatment technology programs prepare people to help engineers and others develop water systems.Water and wastewater treatment technology programs prepare people to help engineers develop water and wastewater systems. Students learn about water storage and treatment systems. They also learn to inspect, test samples, and write reports.
Water and wastewater treatment technology programs include topics such as:
- Water storage
- Power and treatment systems and equipment
- Equipment inspection and monitoring
- Water sample testing
- System maintenance procedures
- Water filtering and purifying
- Laboratory equipment calibration
- Government regulations
- Recordkeeping and report writing
Schools
Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in waste and wastewater treatment technology. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Biological Sciences, General
- Chemical Technology
- Chemistry
- Engineering Technology, General
- Environmental Engineering Technology
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology and Water Resources Science
- Water Resources Engineering
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Chemical Equipment Operators
- Chemical Plant Operators
- Engineering Technicians
- Environmental Engineering Technicians
- Science Technicians
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Business Computer Applications
- Chemistry
- English Composition
- Trigonometry
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
An associate degree program in this field typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Calculations in Water and Wastewater Technology
- College Algebra
- English Composition
- General Chemistry
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Laboratory Analysis for Water and Wastewater Technology
- Microbiology
- Supervised Work Experience
- Treatment Plant Instrumentation
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation
- Water Distribution Systems
- Water Treatment Plant Operation
Things to Know
You may need to pass a civil service exam to be employed by a municipality. To be a plant operator, you must pass a certification exam.
The technology in this field continues to change, so plan on taking classes throughout your career to keep your skills up to date.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Green River College
- Wastewater Technology
- Wastewater Technology--Municipal Wastewater Treatment Technology
- Water Distribution Technology
- Water Supply Technology
Spokane Area
Spokane Community College
- Water Resources Technology--Water and Wastewater
West Side Area
Bellingham Technical College
- Process Technology
- Water & Wastewater Treatment
Skagit Valley College
- Environmental Conservation--Water/Wastewater Treatment Technician