Water Utility Science
26 courses · Santiago Canyon College · 2025-2026 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026
WATR 048 Wastewater Operator Exam Review
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 9 contact hours total
- Advisory
- WATR 111 (Wastewater Treatment)
This course provides a comprehensive review of topics from multiple courses in the Water Utility Science program in order to prepare students for the California State Water Resources Control Board, Wastewater Treatment Operator examinations.
WATR 054 Advanced Treatment Exam Preparation
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 9 contact hours total
This course provides a comprehensive review of topics from multiple courses in the Water Utility Science program in order to prepare students for the California State Water Resources Control Board, Water Treatment Operator T3 and T4 examinations.
WATR 056 Treatment Exam Preparation
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 9 contact hours total
This course provides a comprehensive review of topics from multiple courses in the Water Utility Science program in order to prepare students for the California State Water Resources Control Board, Water Treatment Operator T1 and T2 examinations.
WATR 057 Water Distribution Test Preparation
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 9 contact hours total
This course provides a comprehensive review of topics from multiple courses in the Water Utility Science program in order to prepare students for the California State Water Resources Control Board, Water Distribution Operator D1 and D2 examinations.
WATR 136 Introduction to Water Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
An overview of Water Science topics including water sources and supply, water quality and regulations, water transmission and distribution, and treatment of water and wastewater. Discussions will include applicable science and math principles, current events, and Water careers. Optional field trips may be offered. Former Title: WATR020 Introduction to Water Science (Fall 2023)
WATR 137 Water Mathematics and Hydraulics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Practical application of mathematics to perform unit conversions and to calculate areas, volumes, flow rates, pressures, velocities, chemical dosages, and related hydraulic calculations used in water system operations. Former Title: WATR 050 Water Mathematics and Hydraulics (Fall 2023)
WATR 138 Water Conservation Practitioner
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Theoretical and practical training in applied water use efficiency. Includes residential, commercial, and landscape customers, water uses, budgets, demand management, water audits, best management practices, rate structures, program design and management. Preparation for American Water Works Association (AWWA) Grade 1 and 2 Water Conservation Practitioner certification. Optional field trips may be offered. Former Title: WATR 052, Water Conservation Practitioner (Fall 2023)
WATR 139 Water Reclamation and Reuse
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Fundamentals of reclaimed water, includes case studies and history of reclaimed water development. Planning, design and construction of reclaimed distribution systems. Problems regarding marketing, legislation and regulations for reclaimed water. Includes microbiology and health/safety issues. Optional field trips may be offered. Former Title: WATR 085, Water Reclamation and Reuse (Fall 2023)
WATR 140 Water Utility Maintenance and Construction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Overview of procedures, equipment, tools, and terminology used in water utility maintenance and construction. Topics include related math calculations and atlas map reading. This course is intended for individuals with minimal field experience who are seeking a career in the Water Industry. Field trips may be required. Former Title: WATR 060 Water Utility Maintenance and Construction (Fall 2023)
WATR 141 Water Distribution
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- WATR 137 (Water Mathematics and Hydraulics) or current certification by the California State Water Resources Control Board as a Water Treatment, Water Distribution, or Wastewater Operator
- Transfers to
- CSU
Presents basic concepts of drinking water distribution, including water sources, water quality, and distribution system components. Water mathematics topics addressed include volume, flow rate, velocity, and chemical feeding calculations. Assists in the preparation for the California State Water Resources Control Board level D1 and D2 Water Distribution Operator certification exams. Optional field trips may be offered. Former Title: WATR 061, Water Distribution (Fall 2023)
WATR 143 Electrical Wiring and Controls for Operators
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Theoretical and practical skills needed to perform preventive maintenance and minor repair of basic electrical wiring and control systems used in water and wastewater facilities. Optional field trips may be offered. Former Title: WATR 063, Electrical Wiring and Controls for Operators (Fall 2023)
WATR 144 Pumps and Pumping
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Basic pump theory, operation, and repair. Assists operators and technicians in the design, selection, installation and maintenance of various dynamic and positive displacement pumps. Topics include pumps and pump components, hydraulics, and pumping system efficiencies. Optional field trips may be offered. Former title: WATR 064, Pumps and Pumping (Fall 2023)
WATR 145 Backflow Prevention Devices
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 72 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Theory, testing, and maintenance of backflow prevention devices in water systems. Prepares the journeyman plumber, plant maintenance operator, and water utility operator to become a certified tester in Orange County. Also prepares the student for the American Water Works Backflow Prevention certification exam. Former Title: WATR065 Backflow Prevention Devices (Fall 2023)
WATR 146 Water Treatment Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- WATR 137 (Water Mathematics and Hydraulics) or possession of current certification by the State Water Resources Control Board as a Water Treatment, Water Distribution, or Wastewater Treatment Operator.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Presents the basic operating principles and techniques of the conventional surface water treatment process of coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration, plus those of common disinfection processes. Assists in preparation for Grade T1 and T2 Water Treatment Operator certification examination given by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water Programs. Optional field trips may be offered. Former Title: WATR 071, Water Treatment Fundamentals (Fall 2023)
WATR 148 Water Quality
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Examines basic principles of chemistry and microbiology and applies them to drinking water quality and related state and federal regulations. Optional field trips may be offered. Former Title: WATR 073 Water Quality (Fall 2023)
WATR 149 Water Quality Laboratory Analysis
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 72 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will present the theory and science behind common analytical methods used in drinking water and wastewater laboratories. Pertinent principles of chemistry and biology will be explored in lecture, and actual procedures will be demonstrated and conducted in the laboratory. No previous study in laboratory sciences is required. Field trips may be required. Former Title: WATR 074 Water Quality Laboratory Analysis (Fall 2023)
WATR 150 Introduction to Wastewater Treatment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an overview of the basic principles of wastewater treatment, including wastewater characteristics, collection systems, preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment, wastewater recycling, and residual handling. It is intended both for students preparing to become certified wastewater treatment operators and students interested in discovering how the environmental impacts of human activities are minimized through modern wastewater treatment technologies. Field trips may be required. Former Title: WATR 080 Introduction to Wastewater Treatment (Fall 2023)
WATR 151 Wastewater Treatment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- WATR 137 (Water Mathematics and Hydraulics) or possession of valid certification from the State Water Resources Control Board as a Water Treatment, Water Distribution, or Wastewater Treatment Operator
- Transfers to
- CSU
Presents the basic operating principles and techniques of conventional wastewater treatment, including preliminary, primary, and secondary treatment processes, as well as wastewater quality assessment, wastewater collection, and wastewater disposal. Successful completion provides students with 48 Certification for Wastewater Professionals (CWEA) contact hours and 8 State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) educational points. Prepares students for SWRCB Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator exam-Grades 1 and 2. Optional field trips may be offered. Former Title: WATR 081 Wastewater Treatment (Fall 2023)
WATR 153 Collection Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Sewer construction, inspection and testing, cleaning methods, safety, elementary hydraulics, pipeline repair, equipment maintenance, communications, and record keeping. Successful completion provides students with 48 CWEA contact hours and 4 SWRCB educational points. Preparation for CWEA Wastewater Collection System exam all Grades. Optional field trips may be offered. Former Title: WATR 083 Collection Systems (Fall 2023)
WATR 155 California Water Resources
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A detailed examination of the supply and demand of water in California. Topics addressed include California's geography and climate, State history and the effects of population growth, water rights, water quality, water uses, the hydrologic cycle, groundwater, and surface water resources. Also addressed are the major water projects in the State and the government agencies responsible for these projects, including projects and agencies that provide water to Orange County. Optional field trips may be required. Former Title: WATR 107 California Water Resources (Fall 2023)
WATR 156 Water Utility Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- BUS 222 (Business Writing) Previous or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores various supervision and management issues of particular relevance to the Water Utility Industry, including water quality regulations, other water industry regulations, employee safety programs, facilities security, emergency response, governing body interactions, and public relations. Field trips may be required. Former Title: WATR 092 Water Utility Management (Fall 2023)
WATR 199 Work Experience Education
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 216 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of 6 units in the Water and Wastewater Technology Program
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students majoring in Water Utility Science. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of six Water and Wastewater Technology Program units. Job site experience will train the student in additional job skills to enhance academic learning from the classroom to the workplace. Students can earn 0.5-4 units, where 54 work hours equals one unit of course credit. Units may be awarded in increments of 0.5 units. Per Title 5, student repetition is allowed. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience education by repeating the course up to three times. It may be either paid or unpaid. Open Entry/Open Exit
WATR 242 Advanced Water Distribution
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- WATR 141 (Water Distribution)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Presents advanced concepts of drinking water distribution, including water quality regulations, distribution system components, maps and records, and supervisory and management topics. Advanced water mathematics topics addressed include applied systems and pump hydraulics. Assists in the preparation for the California State Water Resources Control Board level D2, D3, and D4 Water Distribution Operator certification exams. Optional field trips may be offered. Former Title: WATR 062, Advanced Water Distribution (Fall 2023)
WATR 247 Advanced Water Treatment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- WATR 146 (Water Treatment Fundamentals)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Examines advanced topics in conventional drinking water treatment processes and disinfection, as well as non-conventional treatment processes. Assists in preparation for Grade T2 and T3 Water Treatment Operator certification examination given by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water Programs. Optional field trips may be offered. Former Title: WATR 072, Advanced Water Treatment (Fall 2023)
WATR 252 Advanced Wastewater Treatment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- WATR 151 (Wastewater Treatment)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Presents advanced operating principles and techniques of conventional wastewater treatment. Also presents operating principles and techniques of advanced processes including activated sludge, disinfection, tertiary treatment and sludge handling. Successful completion provides student with 48 Certification for Wastewater Professionals (CWEA) contact hours and 8 State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) educational points. Prepares student for SWRCB Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator exam-Grades 1 through 5. Optional field trips may be offered. Former Title: WATR 082, Advanced Wastewater Treatment (Fall 2023)
WATR 254 Advanced Water Treatment Operations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Any one of the following will satisfy the prerequisite for WATR254: 1) Proof of a passing grade for the SWRCB T2 Water Treatment certification exam 2) Possession of a valid SWRCB T2 (or Higher) Water Treatment certification 3) Proof of a passing grade for the SWRCB Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment certification exam 4) Possession of a valid SWRCB Grade 2 (or higher) Wastewater Treatment certification
- Transfers to
- CSU
The advanced water treatment operations course presents the basic operating principles of advanced treatment processes used for potable water reuse. Processes such as membranes, ozone, biological activated carbon or biofiltration, and advanced oxidation are evaluated and discussed. Assists in preparation for the Advanced Water Treatment Operator (AWTO) certification examination given by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the California Water Environment Association (CWEA). Optional field trips may be offered.