Water and Wastewater Technician

Program Overview

Saskatchewan requires trained technicians to help ensure the safety of our drinking water, water supply and environment. The Water and Wastewater Technician program is the first step in becoming a certified operator for municipal, industrial, agricultural and recreational water systems.

The program is designed for individuals already working in the field, but is open to anyone wanting to get started. It can be physical work—lifting, bending, walking and climbing ladders—but it also involves monitoring equipment and process monitoring. You could be involved in reservoir operations and lagoon maintenance, chlorination, water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment.

Water and Wastewater Technician is a self-paced certificate program offered on a course-by-course basis. It is offered entirely through distance learning, and administered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Moose Jaw Campus. You can take up to 5 years to complete the program.

You’ll learn how to meet the demand for water of acceptable quality and quantity for municipal, industrial, agricultural and recreational use. You’ll also learn how to collect and treat wastewater to an acceptable level for discharge. The program includes training in:

Water treatment;
Water distribution;
Wastewater treatment;
Wastewater collection;
Communications;
Computer applications;
Drafting.

Certification

If you’re already working in the field, the program can prepare you to challenge the Saskatchewan Provincial Operator Certification Examinations. The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Water and Wastewater Technician program is accepted as two years of post-secondary education by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Water Security Agency and Operator Certification Board (OCB) of Saskatchewan. Certification will open doors to more career choices.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Most graduates find jobs in municipal water and wastewater treatment plants. In a city, you could be part of a team in a large treatment plant. In a small town, you could be responsible for operating the community’s water distribution, wastewater collection and/or water treatment system. Other potential employers include industrial plants, engineering firms, contractors, provincial and federal government agencies, parks and private utility companies.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Technical Sales Specialist	Technical Sales Specialists - Wholesale Trade (6221)	$35,100 - $90,100
Park Attendant	Operators and Attendants in Amusement, Recreation and Sport (6722)	$22,800 - $41,600
Water and Wastewater Utility Operator	Water and Waste Treatment Plant Operators (9243)	$27,100 - $73,800

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): Ongoing

For more information, contact Richard Egroff at richard.egroff@saskpolytech.ca or 306-691-8417.

Length: Self-paced - up to 5 years

Locations

Online

Some online programs include on-site labs, clinicals, practicums or work experiences. Online programs may be offered course-by-course or full-time, or both, and deliveries may change over time.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

250 Arithmetic
247 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
250 Reading
245 Writing

Admission Method

Students do not apply to the program, but take courses part-time and apply to graduate once all courses are completed. View courses.

Tuition and Fees

For more information, contact Richard Egroff at richard.egroff@saskpolytech.ca or 306-691-8417

Courses

Expand All +

Code

Name/Description

Credits

COMP 170

Basic Computer Operation

You will be introduced to the basics of computer concepts. Topics you will study include computer components, hardware and software, working in a graphical user interface, file management, word processing and the Internet. The general skills you learn in this course will prepare you for further courses such as word processing, spreadsheets and presentation graphics.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 342, COMP 170CE, COMP 182
Potential Learning Method(s): Independent Study, Lecture/Lab, Online, Online - Individual, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Work Based Delivery

COMP 171

Introduction to Microsoft Word

Your studies will introduce you to basic word processing skills such as creating, editing and formatting documents, building tables, using templates and applying styles.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): CKEY 187, COAP 196, COAP 343, COMP 120, COMP 154, COMP 171CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Work Based Delivery

COMP 174

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 1

You will study the basic features of Excel. You will learn to create workbooks, format spreadsheet elements, manipulate multiple worksheets, create simple charts and use simple formulas and functions.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 117, COAP 138, COAP 197, COAP 344, COMP 120, COMP 174CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Work Based Delivery

COMP 175

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2

You will study the intermediate features of Excel. Using the skills and knowledge you acquired in COMP 174 (Introduction to Excel 1), you will learn to use more advanced spreadsheet functions, create and modify several chart types, and perform data manipulation.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Prerequisites(s): COMP 172 or COMP 174
Equivalent Course(s): COAP 344, COMP 175CE, COMP 284
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

COMP 176

Introduction to Microsoft Access 1

Your studies will focus on the basic features of Microsoft Access. You will create simple tables, queries, forms and reports. You will also modify database elements such as fields and records.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): CDBM 190, COAP 138, COAP 197, COAP 345, COMP 120, COMP 176CE, COMP 284
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Online - Individual, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

GRPH 123

Graphical Communications 1

Your studies will introduce you to the techniques and standards required to communicate graphically. You will study concepts necessary to create 2-D and 3-D drawings. By practicing working drawing concepts, you will recognize lineweight and linetype standards, engineering and architectural scales as well as dimensioning protocol.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): GRPH 123CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

GRPH 124

Graphical Communications 2

Your studies will introduce you to the fundamentals of reading maps and plans. Through practical exercises, you will interpret maps, prepare drawings, convey survey data and draw layouts in plan and profile form. You will calculate volume and area from plan and profile drawings, calculate bearings, azimuths, distances, and areas on topographical maps. You will also identify symbols used in equipment and pipe schematics.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): GRPH 123
Equivalent Course(s): GRPH 124CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

LABS 121

Water and Wastewater Laboratory Principles

You will review basic water chemistry. You will also describe laboratory equipment, laboratory safety, sampling techniques, preservation, storage and shipping of samples.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): LABS 121CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

LABS 122

Water and Wastewater Laboratory Practicum

You will gain hands-on laboratory testing experience for typical testing required for quality and operational monitoring of water and wastewater treatment, water distribution and collection systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): LABS 121
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

MAT 124

Technical Mathematics 1

You will solve technical problems using concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, systems of linear and non-linear equations and radical equations.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): MAT 124CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

TCOM 102

Workplace Communication

You will examine the employability skills required in the workplace. You will discuss the communication process, and practice effective interpersonal communication techniques and conflict resolution. You will use workplace writing and job search skills.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 127, COMM 191, JOBS 190, JOBS 288, JOBS 290, TCOM 102CE, TCOM 120, TCOM 140, TMGT 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Learn Linc, Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

TCOM 103

Technical Communication

You will use research skills to find technical information and cite it correctly. You will conduct effective meetings and produce supporting documents. As well, you will discuss technical report purposes and formats, write short technical reports and present technical information.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): TCOM 102 or COM 170
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 181, COMM 190, TCOM 103CE, TCOM 106, TCOM 123, TCOM 141, TCOM 190
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

WTER 130

Water Treatment 1

Your studies will focus on the basics of conventional water treatment. You will become familiar with the processes of surface water treatment, reservoir management, coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, taste and odour control, corrosions control. The course includes a mathematics review.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Equivalent Course(s): WTER 130CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

WTER 131

Water Treatment 2

You will build on the skills you gained in WTER 130 and will continue your studies in surface water and groundwater treatment. Your studies will include iron, manganese and trihalomethane control, fluoridation, softening, plant waste disposal, maintenance and instrumentation.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Prerequisites(s): WTER 130
Equivalent Course(s): WTER 131CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

WTER 132

Water Distribution 1

You will become familiar with the processes of water distribution. Your studies will focus on the installation, inspection, operation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): WTER 132CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

WTER 133

Water Distribution 2

You will build on skills you gained in WTER 132 to study operation and maintenance of water distribution systems. Your studies will focus on safe practices and procedures, disinfection of new and repaired facilities, taste and odour control, corrosion control and water distribution system management.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): WTER 132
Equivalent Course(s): WTER 133CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

WTER 134

Wastewater Collection 1

Your studies will focus on the aspects of operating and maintaining wastewater collection systems. You will examine the processes of wastewater collection as well as the need for collection system operation and maintenance. You will study safety procedures required for construction, inspection and testing of sewers, the inspection of manholes and underground construction and repair.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Equivalent Course(s): WTER 134CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

WTER 135

Wastewater Collection 2

You will build on skills you gained in WTER 134 and will study the operation, maintenance and management of wastewater collection systems with an emphasis on safe practices and procedures. You will examine the operation of lift stations, operation and maintenance of pumps, valves and motors as well as sewer rehabilitation.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): WTER 134
Equivalent Course(s): WTER 135CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

WTER 136

Wastewater Treatment 1

Your studies will focus on the basics of conventional wastewater treatment. You will examine the uses of racks, screens and sedimentation tanks. You will discuss the processes of sedimentation, floatation, trickling filters, rotating biological contactors, activated sludge, oxidation ditches and ponds and disinfection.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Equivalent Course(s): WTER 136CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

WTER 137

Wastewater Treatment 2

You will build on the skills you gained in WTER 136 and will examine conventional activated sludge, sludge digestion, solids handling, and effluent disposal. You will also examine the operation, maintenance and management of a wastewater treatment plant with an emphasis on safe practices and procedures.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 80.0
Prerequisites(s): WTER 136
Equivalent Course(s): WTER 137CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Print Distance Group

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.