PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog
Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations
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 Return to: Programs in the MacPhail School of Energy
The Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations program is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and practical skills required for a successful career in the water and wastewater industry.
This program, crafted by industry professionals, blends in-class theory with hands-on training to prepare you for the Alberta Water and Wastewater Operators (AWWOA) and Alberta Boiler and Safety Association (ABSA) Fourth-Class Power Engineering certifications.
As a student, you will:
- learn the science behind water and wastewater treatment, including water chemistry, microbiology and the physical treatment processes necessary to meet stringent environmental safety and public health standards
- complete extensive laboratory and fieldwork, allowing you to gain practical experience in the operation of treatment facilities, maintaining equipment and performing critical water quality tests
- learn how to troubleshoot and understand the regulatory and environmental issues related to water and wastewater management
- learn to operate and maintain boilers, steam systems, turbines, pumps, valves, plant water treatment systems, instrumentation and other plant equipment related to the water and wastewater domain.
The program often includes interaction with industry professionals and potential employers, offering networking opportunities and insights into current industry practices.
Water treatment and power engineering certifications
Water and wastewater treatment operators work in municipal water treatment facilities, industrial water and wastewater operations, equipment manufacturing, steam generation, power generation, water recycling, environmental consultancy, and companies specializing in emerging water technologies.
As a graduate, you can pursue various roles such as junior water/wastewater operator, fourth-class power engineer in municipal or industrial settings, or sales representative in water treatment technologies once fully certified.
Through in-class related lab experience and recognized work experience, you’ll be prepared to write industry-required ABSA certification exams for Fourth Class Power Engineering and AWWOA Small Systems plus Level 1 Water/Wastewater Treatment certification.
By the end of this one-year program, you’ll be well-equipped to start your water and wastewater treatment career.
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Traits, skills and aptitudes
Water and wastewater treatment operators tend to be objective, innovative, detail-oriented and methodical.
You need:
- a strong sense of workplace health and safety
- good hearing, eyesight and colour vision
- good health and stamina
- the ability to climb ladders, lift, bend and work in awkward positions
- manual dexterity
- mechanical interest and aptitude
- good math skills
- good speaking, reading and writing skills
- a careful and responsible approach to their work
- a strong work ethic.
You should enjoy using tools and instruments, studying test results and instrument readings, taking a systematic, step-by-step approach to collecting and analyzing samples, and providing reliable feedback to team members and leaders.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
You’ll participate in a four-month, 600-hour practicum during your final semester.
Your practicum will take place at a company or organization involved in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment systems.
Accreditations, designations or certifications
This program will prepare you to apply for the following certifications:
- Alberta Water and Wastewater Operators (AWWOA) Small Systems and Level 1
- Alberta Boiler and Safety Association (ABSA) Fourth Class Power Engineering level.
You must write the exams and complete the required plant-time hours to earn your certifications.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations certificate.
Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible
This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options).
International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Water and waste treatment plant operators (92101)
- Utilities managers (90011)
- Utility maintenance workers (74204)
- Public and environmental health and safety professionals (21120)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and
- at least 50% in Math 30-1 or 60% in Math 30-2, and
- at least 50% in Chemistry 30, and
- at least 50% in Biology 20.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Program outline
The Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations certificate requires 33 credits (12 courses) to complete.
The program spans one year, with three semesters.
Suggested schedule of study
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.
The courses below will require Power Engineering Fourth Class Textbook Set - Part A, Part B and Academic Supplements from PanGlobal.
- PWEN 251
- PWEN 262
- PWEN 273
PWEN 274 will require Power Engineering Fourth Class Textbook Set - Part B and Academic Supplements from PanGlobal.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you’ll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
You’ll need a lab coat and CSA-approved safety glasses (with UVEX and side shields) to enter the chemistry labs.
Energy program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our MacPhail School of Energy.
Phone: 403.284.8451
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca
Program outcomes
- Water analysis - perform water analysis tasks to support plant water quality targets.
- Data analysis - analyze current and past data to support plant performance decisions.
- Water and wastewater system processes - apply knowledge of water/wastewater system processes, including pressure vessels and power generating equipment, to achieve performance requirements.
- Preventative maintenance - perform basic preventative maintenance tasks.
- Chemistry and biology - apply a fundamental knowledge of chemistry and biology to maintain process performance.
- Regulations - operate according to all applicable regulatory guidelines.
- Process and performance - collaborate with stakeholders to achieve optimum process performance.
- Collection and distribution - control water/wastewater collection and distribution systems.
- Boiler and steam systems - run high-pressure boiler and steam systems.
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