Water and Wastewater Technician
Gain the knowledge and skills to ensure the safety of Canada`s water supply.
- Enjoy a more personalized learning environment with our small classes
- Benefit from supportive and experienced faculty who are active in their industry
- Gain the latest and best industry-specific knowledge and skills to be career-ready upon graduation
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The Water and Wastewater Technician Ontario College Diploma program equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage water and wastewater infrastructure. The water and wastewater management field has been subjected to increasingly rigid legislation, due to ongoing public health concerns. This program teaches you how to deal with the demands on water quality professionals.
This condensed 42-week program allows you to complete a two-year diploma program in only three terms, making it an intensive, but rewarding experience....(read more)
Overview
Gain the knowledge and skills to ensure the safety of Canada`s water supply.
The Water and Wastewater Technician Ontario College Diploma program equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage water and wastewater infrastructure. The water and wastewater management field has been subjected to increasingly rigid legislation, due to ongoing public health concerns. This program teaches you how to deal with the demands on water quality professionals.
This condensed 42-week program allows you to complete a two-year diploma program in only three terms, making it an intensive, but rewarding experience.
Through a series of courses in advanced chemistry, biology and mechanical systems, you are able to make informed decisions in your day-to-day career. Learn how to:
- prevent waterborne illnesses
- manage industrial waste
- operate off-site wastewater treatment units
Learn using theoretical and applied approaches, in labs and in the field. Using industry-standard equipment, you acquire the most up-to-date skills and knowledge possible.
Graduates of this program are well positioned to become:
- water and wastewater treatment operators
- compliance officers
- water analysts with municipal or provincial governments
- lab assistants in private and public laboratories
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy paying attention to fine details without losing sight of the big picture.
- Care about the environment and public health issues, and find related work to be rewarding.
- Want to work in a lab environment, and in the field.
- Envision themselves as responsible, key members of an essential and indispensable team.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813T
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED2012
Course Name:
Achieving Success in the 21st Century
Course Description:
Rapid changes in technology have created new employment and business opportunities that challenge each of us to find our place as citizens i... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MAT1062
Course Name:
Mathematics for Water and Wastewater
Course Description:
Mathematics is important for environmental technology fields. Students learn technical functions, algebraic manipulations and statistics. T... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SAF8710
Course Name:
Health and Safety
Course Description:
Technicians and operators are required to have Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015) and occupational health and saf... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT1001
Course Name:
Hydraulics for Water and Wastewater
Course Description:
Operator certification requires detailed knowledge of the hydraulic systems that are used to move water in treatment plants. Students learn ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT1100
Course Name:
Water and Wastewater Chemistry
Course Description:
Understanding chemistry is essential for practitioners in the water and wastewater treatment sector. Students learn the basic principles of ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT1101
Course Name:
Water and Wastewater Chemistry Lab
Course Description:
In the water and wastewater treatment sector, chemical treatments are used to purify water. To prepare students for a career in this sector,... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT1200
Course Name:
The Science of Water and Wastewater Practices
Course Description:
Employment in the water and wastewater field requires an understanding of fundamental principles of mechanics and electromagnetism. Students... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT2001
Course Name:
Preventing Waterborne Illness
Course Description:
Water treatment operators must understand how to prevent illness and the mechanisms by which water can be contaminated by biological agents.... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL2019T
Course Name:
Technical Communication for Engineering Technologies
Course Description:
The ability to communicate effectively in a technically-oriented interdisciplinary workplace is a foundational skill in an innovation-driven... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT2005
Course Name:
Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection
Course Description:
Careers in this sector require a basic understanding of how water is collected and distributed. Students gain a comprehensive overview of th... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT2102
Course Name:
Water and Wastewater Maintenance
Course Description:
The sheer size of industrial operations often presents unique problems that must be fully understood by those who work in the field. Student... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT2200
Course Name:
Water Resource Management
Course Description:
Assessing potential water resource issues before water becomes scarce is essential for leaders in this sector. Focus is on management and co... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
WWT2400
Course Name:
Water and Wastewater Microbiology
Course Description:
Knowledge of microscopic life and biological principles is indispensable for careers in this field. Students gain knowledge of the world of ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
WWT2401
Course Name:
Water and Wastewater Microbiology Lab
Course Description:
Proper laboratory skills are required by nearly every career in this sector. Students acquire the necessary laboratory skills for microbial ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT2500
Course Name:
Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators
Course Description:
The Entry-Level Course (ELC) is a mandatory course for all drinking water operators developed by the Ministry of the Environment. It provid... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT3100
Course Name:
Environmental Law
Course Description:
A basic understanding of environmental law is necessary for most careers in this sector. Students examine the Canadian environmental legal p... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT3102
Course Name:
Wastewater Treatment
Course Description:
Virtually all careers in this field require the knowledge of how wastewater is treated. Students explore how to treat wastewater using physi... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
WWT2202
Course Name:
Computer Applications in Water and Wastewater
Course Description:
Computers are a necessary tool in most careers. Students become acquainted with the software tools and methods used in water treatment, wate... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
WWT2203
Course Name:
Industrial Wastewater Management
Course Description:
The size of industrial operations presents unique challenges for wastewater management. Students enhance their knowledge of wastewater treat... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT3007
Course Name:
Solid Waste Disposal and Treatment
Course Description:
Knowledge of solid waste disposal is indispensable for many careers in this field. Students become familiar with the key concepts of solid w... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
WWT3104
Course Name:
Water and Wastewater Operations
Course Description:
Producing meaningful reports and assessments requires a good understanding of math and science. Students collect qualitative and quantitativ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT3111
Course Name:
Water Treatment
Course Description:
Effective water treatment is essential for the health of Canadians. Students explore how to treat water using physical and chemical processe... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT3201
Course Name:
Water Treatment Laboratory
Course Description:
Practical experience in water treatment is vital for careers in this sector. Students practise how to treat water using physical and chemica... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT3202
Course Name:
Wastewater Treatment Laboratory
Course Description:
Practical experience in wastewater treatment is essential for technicians and operators working in this sector. Students practise treating w... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WWT3500
Course Name:
Field Techniques
Course Description:
Environmental professionals require a variety of hands-on, practical skills in order to succeed in this diverse sector. Students learn the p... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
This program prepares students to become water and wastewater treatment operators. Graduates may find employment as compliance officers and water analysts with municipal and provincial governments, as well as lab assistants in private and public laboratories.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Work independently and with others to conduct tests related to water and wastewater in the lab and field.
- Analyze and interpret test results for clients or supervisors.
- Provide mechanical and electrical maintenance management at various water and waste water facilities.
- Collaborate with individuals in testing and troubleshooting equipment at water and wastewater plant facilities.
- Make decisions based on an understanding of Ontario environmental legislation affecting wastewater treatment plants, scope and authority of certificates of approval, and owner/operator responsibilities.
- Collaborate on basic design concepts and operational techniques of industrial and municipal water treatment systems.
- Collaborate with others in providing emergency responses to plant issues.
- Contribute to the design of water supply pumping systems, pipe networks and distributed storage reservoirs.
- Develop and implement risk management strategies for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial waste.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books cost approximately $600 per year.
- Supplies cost approximately $50 and can be purchased at the campus store.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent), is recommended.
- Biology, Grade 11 or 12, is recommended.
- Chemistry, Grade 11 or 12, is recommended.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR, TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR, Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICIAN
Program Code 3014X04FPM
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca
Applications for Fall Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Students who successfully complete the Ministry exam as a component of WWT2500 with a grade of 70% or greater will receive credit for the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change Entry-Level course for Drinking Water Operators.