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This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus. Learn more
Overview
The reuse of treated wastewater has become a sustainable option for minimizing water scarcity problems. Learn the skills needed for a rewarding career in municipal and industrial water/wastewater systems.
Graduates will develop a working knowledge and skills related to treatment technologies and water/wastewater systems operations including related laboratory analytics. Through in-class learning and recognized work experience they will be prepared to write industry required certification exams including the 4th class power engineering and water/wastewater treatment.
Graduates of the program will possess the following proficiencies:
- perform water analysis tasks to support plant water quality targets
- analyze current and past data to support plant performance decisions
- apply knowledge of water/wastewater system processes including pressure vessels and power generating equipment to achieve performance requirements
- perform basic preventative maintenance tasks
- apply fundamental knowledge of chemistry and biology to maintain process performance
- operate according to all applicable regulatory guidelines
- collaborate with stakeholders to achieve optimum process performance
- control water/wastewater collection and distribution systems
- run high-pressure boiler and steam systems
Is this the right fit for me?
Students with higher grades usually experience more success in SAIT programs.
An interest in science and mathematics would be an asset. Specific interest in chemistry and biology is desirable.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations certificate.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities:
- as a junior water/wastewater operator
- in sales positions at water treatment and processing companies
- in a 4th Class Power Engineer position at municipal, industrial, equipment manufacturing facilities
- in entry-level positions at any steam generation facility, power generation facility, water recycling company, environmental consulting company or at emerging water technology systems companies.
Related careers include:
- environmental technician
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $20,084
Year 1 (International): $24,381
Year 1: TBA
Year 1 (International): $24,222 (+fees TBD)
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020 and are accepted until the program start date.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations
The Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations program gives graduates the opportunity for expanded growth through their career by combining both water and wastewater treatment operations with power engineering.
Admission requirements
Admission and selection
- Fall 2020 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020 until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1, OR 50% in English Language Arts 30-2
- At least 50% in Math 30-1, OR Pure Math 30, OR 60% in Math 30-2
- At least 50% in Chemistry 30
- At least 50% in Biology 20.
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Courses
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Program outline
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 249 | Technical Communications | 1.5 |
| COMP 261 | Microsoft Office: An Introduction | 1.5 |
| PWEN 251 | Power Qualifications Theory I | 3.0 |
| PWEN 262 | Power Qualifications Lab I | 3.0 |
| RREG 202 | Regulatory, Health, Safety and Environment | 3.0 |
| WATR 220 | Industrial Water and Wastewater Process and Operations | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PWEN 273 | Power Qualification Lab II | 3.0 |
| PWEN 274 | Power Qualifications Theory II | 3.0 |
| WATR 200 | Bio-Chemical Processes for Water and Wastewater | 3.0 |
| WATR 201 | Wastewater Treatment and Collection Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| WATR 202 | Water Treatment and Distribution Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total | 30.0 | |
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT 202 | Practicum | 3.0 |
| Program Total | 33.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,862 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $20,084 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,069 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $24,381 |
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 domestic tuition and fees.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program totals.
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24,222 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 4, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
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.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices, MATH 123: Mathematics Refresher and SAFE 160: Safety Orientation.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
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 required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8543
Email: MacPhail.students@sait.ca
Academic chair
Mitch McNeil, Academic Chair
Email: mitch.mcneil@sait.ca