Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations

Credential:: certificate
Program length:: 1 year
Campus:: Main
International applicants:: Accepted PGWP eligible
Faculty:: MacPhail School of Energy
CAJG Eligible

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These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

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Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

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You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

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Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

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SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

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These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

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Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Overview

Reusing treated wastewater has become a sustainable option for minimizing water scarcity problems. Learn the skills needed for a rewarding municipal and industrial water/wastewater system career.

You'll develop working knowledge and skills related to treatment technologies and water/wastewater systems operations, including laboratory analytics.

Through in-class learning and recognized work experience, you'll be prepared to write industry-required certification exams including the 4th class power engineering and water/wastewater treatment.

Once you graduate, you'll possess the following skills:

can 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.

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.

The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.

There may also be opportunities to further your education by transferring to another institution once you graduate.

Learn more about program and institution transfer options.

You'll participate in a four-month practicum during your final semester of the program. Your practicum will take place at a company or organization involved in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment systems.

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations certificate requires 33 credits (12 courses) to complete.

The program spans one year, with three semesters.

View classes by semester

Suggested schedule of study

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name	Credit
COMM-249	Technical Communications	1.5
COMP-261	Applied Digital Technologies	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

Course	Credits
This course explores and develops skills for public speaking and technical presentations. Students will focus on technical writing for reports. Students will also develop resume styles to assist them in their job searches.	1.5
This applied computer course provides students with critical electronic communications, data and file management skills, along with a strong focus on using common productivity applications to format, calculate, analyze, visualize, and present or report data and information. Equivalents: COMP 264	1.5
This course will prepare you to write the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) Fourth Class Power Engineer’s Certificate of Competency Part A exam. This course includes power theory instruction in the Power Engineering Profession, Communications, Sketching and Drawing, Materials and Welding, Piping and Valves, Applied Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Basic Electricity, Boiler Systems Basic Controls and Instrumentation, Low and High Pressure Boiler Design, Construction, and Operations, Boilers Feedwater Systems and Fittings, and Systems Parts and Operations. Power theory classroom instruction will be coordinated with associated power lab application towards achievement of the Certificate of Competency. Corequsites: PWEN 262	3
This course will prepare you to write the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) 4th Class Power Engineer’s Certificate of Competency (Part A) exam. It includes the topics of Materials and Welding, Piping and Valves, Basic Electricity and Generators, Thermodynamics, Basic Control and Instrumentation, External and Internal Water Treatment, Boiler Feedwater Systems and Fittings, High Pressure and Low-Pressure Boiler Design and Operations, Steam Turbines, and Fittings, Parts and Operation. Your time in power lab will be spent applying principles learned in power theory instruction. Corequsites: PWEN 251	3
This course will prepare you to write the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) 4th Class Power Engineer’s Certificate of Competency (Part B exam). It includes the topics of Prime Movers, Engines, Air and Process Gas Compressors, Gas and Steam Turbines, Lubrication Systems, Pumps, Power Boilers, Heating Boilers and Associated Equipment, and Refrigeration, Heating. And Air-Conditioning Operations and Systems. Your time in power lab will be spent applying principles learned in power theory instruction. Pre-requisites: PWEN 251 PWEN 262 Corequsites: PWEN 274	3
This course will prepare you to write the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) 4th Class Power Engineer’s Certificate of Competency (Part B exam). This course continues power theory instruction in the Power Engineering Profession. As well, it includes power theory instruction in Lubrication, Pumps and Compressors, Power Boilers, Heating Boilers, Boiler Plant Operation and Management, Boiler Safety Devices, Prime Movers, Engines, Gas and Steam Turbines, Refrigeration, Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC), Building Environmental Systems, and a general review of Industrial Plant Operations. Power theory classroom instruction will be coordinated with associated power lab application towards achievement of the Certificate of Competency. Pre-requisites: PWEN 251 PWEN 262 Corequsites: PWEN 273	3
In this course, you will learn about the reporting requirements in the water and wastewater industry. You will prepare simulated reports for federal, provincial and local governments, as well as First Nations regulatory agencies. You will address safety in the workplace by learning to conduct health, safety and environmental reviews of the safety standards, practices and certificates that are required in the industry. You will also explore risk assessments in water and wastewater facilities.	3
Using laboratory procedures, you will explore the fundamentals of process control and regulatory testing. You will get hands on experience in the water and wastewater labs conducting testing as per the American Water and Wastewater Association (AWWA) standards and methods. You will also receive the framework for troubleshooting operational upsets and ways to optimize the water and wastewater process. Pre-requisites: WATR 220	3
This course explores wastewater treatment and collection systems. You will gain an understanding of operator responsibilities and wastewater treatment operation management, starting with a wastewater source and ending with a receiving water body. Through theory and labs, you will learn how to operate a variety of wastewater treatment and collection systems. Pre-requisites: WATR 220 RREG 202	3
This course examines water treatment and distribution systems. You will learn about the management of these operations from the source to the tap. Through theory and labs, you will gain the knowledge and skills to operate a wide variety of water treatment and distribution systems. Pre-requisites: WATR 220	3
This course provides an overview of treatment processes in municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, focusing on the operation of industrial wastewater treatment equipment. You will examine the processes of industrial wastewater generation, preliminary treatment, physical-chemical treatment, filtration and membrane separation, softening and organic matter removal, as well as explore the role of a water operator in plant operation and maintenance. You will review the water and wastewater treatment process, identify key treatment equipment, explain the working mechanisms of the equipment, safely perform maintenance on the equipment, collect representative samples, perform laboratory testing, and interpret and apply analysis data in the process operation.	3
You will be able to apply the skills learned in class through a four-month work practicum with a company or organization involved in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment systems. This will provide you with an opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge and practical skills in on-site settings. Learners will be supervised and evaluated by industry partner staff Pre-requisites: Completion of 30 credits	3

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.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit.

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

Available Open Studies courses

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 OR 50% in 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.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade

English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Sep 03, 2024

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Open: Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Costs

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.

Domestic students

Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2.5*	$18,876	$1,873	$20,749
Total cost:				$20,749

_{*.5 indicates a combination of full-time semester(s) and part-time semester(s) in the same academic year. In many cases, students are completing a practicum during their part-time semester. Part-time students are those taking less than nine (9) course credits in a semester.}

Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2.5*	$25,883.55	$1,873	$27,756.55
Total cost:				$27,756.55

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.

Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.

2023/24 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Fees	< 9 credits per semester	> 9 credits per semester
SAIT fees
Campus athletic and recreation	$51.50	$103
Student support fee	$52.75	$105.50
Student technology fee	$52.75	$105.50
UPass*	N/A	$160
Total	$157	$474
Saitsa fees
Student association fee**	$16.23/credit	$146
Health plan***	N/A	$86 ($172 annually)
Dental plan***	N/A	$79 ($158 annually)
Total	$311 maximum	$476

_{*The City of Calgary has increased their UPass fee from $160 to $165 effective for Winter 2024. This increase was not reflected in the above-quoted tuition and fee amounts at the time of publishing.}

_{**Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.}

_{***Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.}

_{****Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.}

What your SAIT fees pay for

Student support fee: supports student services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including services such as Career Advancement Services, and Student Development and Counselling.

Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance the student experience.

Campus recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, student events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of student engagement initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.

Upass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Ineligible students are not required to pay this fee. Learn more about eligibility requirements.

Lab and materials fees: ensures SAIT labs and living classrooms have the required equipment and materials to support the necessary training for students.

Laundry fee: covers the cost of laundering the required uniforms. Applicable only to certain programs and apprenticeships.

Saitsa fees: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of a variety of student services, activities, and programming.

Health and dental fees: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt out. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits.

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

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. We recommend you add the macphail.students@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

What sets SAIT apart
An introduction to the program and area of study
Admission requirements
Future career paths
Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:

MacPhail School of Energy

Phone: 403.284.8451
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone: 403.284.8852
Email: international@sait.ca

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Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations

On this page:

Overview