Water and Wastewater Technician at Algonquin College

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.

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.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Work independently and with others to conduct tests related to water and wastewater in the lab and field.
2. Analyze and interpret test results for clients or supervisors.
3. Provide mechanical and electrical maintenance management at various water and waste water facilities.
4. Collaborate with individuals in testing and troubleshooting equipment at water and wastewater plant facilities.
5. 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.
6. Collaborate on basic design concepts and operational techniques of industrial and municipal water treatment systems.
7. Collaborate with others in providing emergency responses to plant issues.
8. Contribute to the design of water supply pumping systems, pipe networks and distributed storage reservoirs.
9. Develop and implement risk management strategies for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial waste.
10. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

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.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.