About Our Program

SRJC’s comprehensive training prepares students for state certification and employment in private or public water and wastewater treatment facilities. Courses also provide continuing education opportunities for current industry employees seeking to maintain certification. Instructors are experienced water and wastewater professionals, expert and current in best industry practices. Classes include practical examples of real-world scenarios, demonstrations, and field trips to maximize understanding of subject matter.

 

What do our students have to say?

"The SRJC program catapulted me and allowed me to thrive in life and advance my career." - Jeff Simi, class of 2015

"They're training the next generation of operators to excel at their jobs." - Anonymous

“This program is a great building block for people that want to start a career in wastewater.” - Edgar Rodriguez, current student

 

Degree and Certificate Options

Wastewater Treatment Operations (AS) (22 units) 

Wastewater Treatment Operations Certificate (18 units) 

Wastewater Operator Certificate (6 units) 

Water Utility Operations Certificate (18 units) 

Water Distribution Certificate (6 units) 

Water Treatment Certificate (6 units) 

Click here for visual recommended course sequences

 

Class Descriptions

WTR 101: Introduction to Water Careers 

Introduces the water cycle with focus on Sonoma County water resources and water needs. Explores local career opportunities in the fields of water treatment technology, water distribution technology, and waste water treatment technology.

WTR 110: Water Treatment Plant Operator

This course provides training in the knowledge and skills required to safely operate public drinking water treatment facilities. It assists students in preparation for operator certification examinations required by the State of California. It is designed for those students who wish to become water treatment plant operators and those operators who wish to upgrade their certification grade level.

WTR 111: Water Distribution System Operator

This course provides training in the knowledge and skills required to safely operate a potable water distribution system. Course covers components of water distribution system facilities, flow in pipes, storage facilities, pumps, instrumentation and control, distribution system operation and maintenance, distribution system water quality, safety, and record keeping. Prepares students for the State of California certification examination for Water Distribution System Operator.

WWTR 112: Math for Water and Wastewater Technology

Practical application of mathematical calculations for hydraulics, chemicals, and solids used in the design, operation, process control and maintenance of water and wastewater distribution systems and treatment facilities.

WWTR 120: Wastewater Treatment 1

An introduction to wastewater treatment plant operations. Topics covered include the various origins and characteristics of wastewater. An overview of wastewater collection systems, preliminary treatment, primary treatment, fixed film secondary biological processes, treatment ponds, disinfection, chlorination, reclamation and laboratory procedures. Emphasis is given to the role of the operator and preparation for solving practical problems typical of those found in State of California Operator Certification examinations Grades 1 and 2.

WWTR 121: Wastewater Treatment 2

Principles and techniques used in advanced/tertiary wastewater treatment including disinfection, chlorination, odor control, wastewater reclamation, advanced sludge treatment and disposal, laboratory control methods, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge requirements, report writing and records. Preparation for State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator examination for grade 3.

WWTR 122: Chemistry for Water and Wastewater Technology

This course will cover basic wastewater laboratory information, including chemical terms and symbols, equipment, sampling, safety, and quality assurance. Students will perform lab tests, including pH, dissolved oxygen, solids (settleable, suspended, total, volatile), sludge volume index, biological and chemical oxygen demand, alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, chlorine residual, and total coliform bacteria.

WWTR 123: Instrumentation and Controls

Applications and uses of water, wastewater, and industrial control systems including switches, relays, alarms, motors, transformers, test equipment, control systems, telemetering, and System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).

WWTR 124: Pumps

Basic theory of hydraulics and pumping systems, including operation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of pumps and pumping systems.