Water Technology Education
17 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
WTE 51 Career Pathways in Water Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
Provides an introduction into the water industry and highlights career pathways. Students will learn about position qualifications and the state certification requirements. Current water industry challenges and solutions will be discussed in relevancy to future industry needs. Students will also prepare for the job recruitment process through creation of a resume and cover letter, completion of a mock interview, and final presentation.
WTE 102 Fundamentals of Water and Wastewater
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces students to the water and wastewater fields and issues confronting the industry. Students will learn how source waters are obtained, treated, and distributed and how wastewater is collected, transported, and disposed of in the area. Contemporary issues facing the water and wastewater industry will also be explored.
WTE 149 Calculations in Water/Wastewater Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides instruction in entry-level to intermediate-level mathematical calculations used in the operation and evaluation of conventional water/wastewater treatment processes and water distribution systems. The course content has been developed to meet requirements for entry to water/wastewater education program courses. Course will cover basic geometry, metric conversions, flows, pressure, and chemical dosage as it relates to the water/wastewater industry. Material will parallel some problems found on State certification examinations.
WTE 152 Water Distribution Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): WTE 149
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides an introduction to water utility system operations and maintenance. An introduction to the principles of pressure pipe systems and the hydraulics involved in their operation. Design, installation, operation, and maintenance of basic elements of water systems including pipes, pumps, valves, meters, and related hydraulic units. Evaluation of operations, maintenance, and safety programs to compose a holistic operational plan. This course prepares students for the State of California - Water Distribution Operator Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III exams.
WTE 153 Basic Plant Operations: Wastewater Treatment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): WTE 149
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction to conventional wastewater treatment plant operations. Topics covered include: the various origins and characteristics of wastewater; an overview of wastewater collections systems; preliminary treatment; primary treatment; Secondary Treatment including activated sludge and fixed film; treatment ponds; disinfection; and laboratory procedures. Emphasis is given to the role of the operator through evaluation and analysis of problems typical of those found in Operator Certification examinations.
WTE 154 Basic Plant Operations: Water Treatment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): WTE 149
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction to water treatment plant operations in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Special emphasis is given to implementation of the Surface Water Treatment Rule through USEPA approved filtration technology. Subject matter includes major provisions of the SDWA and its amendments; basic water chemistry; source water assessment; conventional treatment processes; treated water stability; waterborne diseases; public health protection; disinfection; and an introduction to math skills equivalent to those required of State of California Grade II water treatment plant operators. This class is helpful to those preparing for the Grade I and Grade II state examination.
WTE 155 Wastewater Collection Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): WTE 149
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction to wastewater collection systems. Content covered includes collection system equipment, pipeline cleaning and maintenance, system design, safety procedures, inspecting and testing procedures used in collections systems. Emphasis is given to the role of the collections worker and preparation for collections operator exams, such as that administered by the CWEA.
WTE 156 Intro to Electrical and Instrumentation Processes
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): WTE 149
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to basic electrical theory, applications, common uses, and real world examples of control systems and instrumentation used in water distribution, water and wastewater treatment plants; including switches, relays, alarms, motors, instrumentation, valve actuators, computers, and communication.
WTE 158 Backflow Tester Training
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.50 hours lecture, 1.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides intensive training focused on the field testing procedures and diagnostics for backflow prevention devices and training in the recognition and abatement of cross connections in water and plumbing systems. Students will acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to test as a certified backflow tester.
WTE 160 Public Works Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to provide an overview of public works management and supervision. The main topics covered include: Organization, Decision Making, Coordination, Communication, Public Relations, Personnel Supervision, and Safety Programs. Special emphasis is given to personnel supervision including coaching, training, evaluation, discipline, team building, morale, and grievances. Safety programs and encouraging safe conditions, actions and attitudes are shaped by OSHA guidelines.
WTE 162 Cross Connection Specialist
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
The study of the various levels of administrative and technical procedures necessary to operate a cross connection control program. Students will obtain the knowledge to become certified as a "Cross Connection Control Specialist" under the provisions set forth by the American Water Works Association.
WTE 164 Laboratory Analysis for Water/Wastewater
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2.50 hours lecture, 1.50 hours lab
- Advisory
- WTE 154
- Transfers to
- CSU
Prepares students to properly monitor public drinking water quality through study of: Federal and State regulations, laboratory analyses, types of contaminants, sample collection techniques and interpretation of monitoring data.
WTE 166 Motors, Pumps, and Hydraulics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): WTE 149 or Recommended Preparation: WTE 152
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an in-depth look at how water is moved through the distribution system. Emphasis is given to the role of a maintenance technician and focuses on identification of problems encountered, causes of problems, corrective solutions, and repairs in the operation of pumps and motors. Administrative emphasis includes implementation of maintenance programs including scheduling and recordkeeping.
WTE 197 Water Technology Education Topics
- Units
- 0.5-4
- Hours
- 0.50-4.00 hours lecture, 1.50-12.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Topics in Water Technology Education. See Class schedule for specific topic offered. Course title will designate subject covered. (Formerly WTE/WWT 97)
WTE 263 Advanced Plant Operations: Wastewater Treatment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- WTE 153
- Transfers to
- CSU
A wastewater treatment and disposal course with an emphasis on control of these processes. Topics covered include: the activated sludge secondary treatment process and its variations; sludge digestion, treatment and disposal; safety and housekeeping; maintenance and an overview of effluent disposal, tertiary treatment and reclamation. Emphasis is also given to the role of the operator and provides preparation for solving process control calculations and problems typical of those found in Operator Certification examinations.
WTE 272 Water Distribution II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- WTE 152
- Transfers to
- CSU
Intermediate and advanced instruction in the field of water distribution, types of reservoirs, water lines, pumps, valves, and related appurtenances. Studies design, proper operation, and facilities repair of a public water system. Provides instruction in methods of record keeping and administrative responsibilities related to water systems. This course prepares students for the State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator certification exams at levels D-3 and D-4 and the "American Water Works Association" certification exams for Grades II, III, and IV.
WTE 274 Advanced Plant Operations: Water Treatment and Reclamation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- WTE 154
- Transfers to
- CSU
Advanced water quality control and treatment based on state regulations, EPA regulations, advanced mathematics and chemistry. Emphasis is given to recognizing, interpreting, and applying the Surface Water Treatment Rule, Total Coliform Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Disinfection/Disinfection by Product Rule and Title 22 requirements for recycled water. This course will be helpful to those preparing for Grade III and IV drinking water examinations.