Water/Wastewater Technology
Degrees & Certificates in this major: Associate of Applied Science Degree | 1 year certificate
Department Website: Environmental Technology
Program Contact:
Ron Sharman
Additional Faculty:
Holly DeRamus, David Kidd, Kevin Krefft
Water treatment facilities treat water to make safe drinking water for the public. Water treatment plant operators have the responsibility for operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant and water distribution system. Wastewater treatment facilities remove pollutants from wastewater to make it safe to discharge into the environment. Wastewater treatment plant operators have the responsibility for operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and the wastewater collections system.
Water and wastewater treatment plant operators control both biological and chemical plant operations, monitor and maintain equipment, perform laboratory tests and prepare reports for regulatory agencies.
Treatment plant operators must have a working knowledge of plant operations, treatment equipment, chemistry, microbiology, mathematics and computer applications.
LBCC’s Water and Wastewater Technology offers two programs: a one-year certificate program in Water/Wastewater Plant Operations and a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Water/Wastewater Technology. Both programs cover all phases of water sources and treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection, wastewater treatment, and industrial applications, and both prepare graduates for employment as water or wastewater treatment plant operators.
Students with one-year certificates can find good jobs as entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant operators. The two-year program, which is more in depth, qualifies graduates for jobs as engineering technicians, representatives for equipment manufacturers, and as operators for industrial treatment systems, giving them more advancement potential and greater mobility.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete an Associate of Applied Science in Water/Wastewater Technology will:
- Follow safe practices in the laboratory and in plant operations.
- Apply chemical, microbiological, and mechanical knowledge and skills to maintain proper water and wastewater plant operations.
- Apply math and hydraulics skills in proper water and wastewater plant, collection system, and distribution system operations.
- Understand regulations and operate the plant accordingly.
- Interact effectively in oral and written communications.
- Use computers in water and wastewater plant operation.
- Demonstrate work ethic and model professional interaction with the public.
Program Requirements
Entering students must be prepared to enroll in MTH 060 Introduction to Algebra and WR 115 Introduction to College Writing by fall term of their first year. The two-year (seven-term) Associate of Applied Science in Water/Wastewater Technology prepares its graduates to work at the technician level in water, wastewater and industrial treatment fields. Graduates of the program are qualified to be plant operators, engineering technicians, and technical representatives for various manufacturing concerns. A firm foundation in chemistry, microbiology, computer applications, hydraulics, communication skills, maintenance skills and advanced operations is provided. Associate degree students are required to complete MTH 095 Intermediate Algebra.
The one-year (four-term) certificate program in Water/Wastewater Plant Operations prepares students for entry-level employment as water and wastewater treatment plant operators. A firm background in chemical and microbiological laboratory procedures, maintenance and treatment plant operations is provided. One-year certificate students are required to complete MTH 060 Introduction to Algebra. The one-year certificate curriculum requires enrollment for four consecutive terms. Students completing the one-year program may choose to transfer credits to the two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program.
Students in both the one-year certificate program and the two-year degree program must complete an in-plant practicum during the summer term. Participation in the summer practicum may require relocation of the student for one term. There is no guarantee of funding for students during this period.
Workplace Requirements
In the field of water and wastewater treatment, workplace and security concerns often require drug testing, background checks and current driver’s licenses as a prerequisite to full time employment. The summer in-plant practicum requirement will take place off campus at a non-LBCC training site. A student may be required to comply with the non-LBCC instructional site’s policies concerning drug testing, background checks, etc. Students should meet with the program advisors for clarification of these and other workplace-related concerns.
Facilities
Classes are held in modern, well-equipped classrooms and laboratories. The Water and Wastewater Technology program offers completely equipped laboratories for chemistry and microbiology, mechanical and electrical maintenance applications. Computer applications are a part of many classroom activities and laboratory applications.
2008 Summer Teacher Institute
2009 Summer Teacher Institute
ABSD/GED
Link to ABSD/GED Goabout:ABSD/GED
Academic Calendar
Academic Calendar Goabout:Academic Calendar
