Drinking Water and Wastewater Technology
Associate in Science Environmental Technology · Woodland Community College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This degree covers all aspects of drinking water treatment, drinking water distribution and wastewater treatment. Topics covered will include drinking water sources, water quality/contaminants, water sampling/testing, drinking water treatment techniques, drinking water regulations, record-keeping, safety, customer relations and local government basics. The degree also covers drinking water distribution system installation and maintenance of pipes, valves, meters, fire hydrants and storage tanks. Wastewater classes will cover wastewater collection, sampling/testing, pre-treatment, advanced treatment techniques, effluent disinfection, sludge/effluent disposal, regulations, laboratory procedure and administration. This degree is designed to prepare students to take mid-level operator certification exams through the state of California to become water and wastewater operators, which is the first step for working in the water/wastewater utility industry. The Associate in Science in Drinking Water and Wastewater Technology prepares students to become supervisors and managers at water districts and water treatment operating companies.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Determine the flow measurements, time and disinfection concentration math formulas necessary to treat and deliver safe drinking water and to treat and dispose of collected wastewater.
- Explain the purpose and intent of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act.
- Identify contaminants that may be in raw water sources, the methods needed to treat contaminated water for human consumption, and the methods of safe drinking water delivery to the public.
- Solve problems related to the need for collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater in accordance with state and federal law, in order to protect the public health.
Required Courses for Major
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 18 | |
| ENVTC-20 | Water Distribution System O&M | 3 |
| ENVTC-21 | Water Treatment Plant Operation | 3 |
| ENVTC-22 | Water Distribution Systems Level II | 3 |
| ENVTC-23 | Water Treatment Plant Operation Level II | 3 |
| ENVTC-24 | Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation Level I | 3 |
| ENVTC-25 | Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation Level II | 3 |
| Degree Electives (Select any 2 courses) | 6-7 | |
| BCA-15 | Business Computer Applications - Beginning | 3 |
| BIOL-15 | Bioscience | 4 |
| GNBUS-56 | Business Mathematics | 3 |
| PHIL-2 | Ethics | 3 |
| COMM-C1000 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| GNBUS-11 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| Total units | 24-25 | |
†To earn an Associate degree, students will complete at least 60 units of degree-applicable coursework, including required courses for the major (listed above), General Education, and Graduation Requirements.