Water/Wastewater Treatment Certificate
Certificate | SC Program: CL.3420
This program is designed to provide entry-level training and upgrading for California water and wastewater public and private agency operators. A student seeking introduction into either water or wastewater fields would benefit by taking the entire course offerings. It is strongly recommended that students complete MATH 101-Basic Algebra and CHEM 2A-Introduction to Chemistry before completing the requirements of the program.
This certificate is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of the listed requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this certificate.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student should be able to:
- Assess existing methods in water and wastewater treatment technology.
- Analyze treatment plant’s relationship and responsibility to the community.
- Evaluate the processes of coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and distribution in water treatment.
- Evaluate the processes of primary sedimentation, oxidation, disinfection, and disposal in wastewater treatment.



Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Note: The start dates for this certificate rotate between spring and fall each year. Please see a counselor for the next start date.
Fall Semester
8 Units TotalThis course is designed to provide the student with a general background in the design, operation, and maintenance of wastewater (sewage) treatment plants and to prepare the student and experienced operator for the State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification examinations (Grades I-II). This course is directed primarily toward entry-level operators, industrial waste inspectors, lab technicians, maintenance personnel, and related occupations. It explains how and why the treatment of wastewater protects the environment and allows for beneficial reuse. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
This course is designed to provide the student with a general background in the design, operation, and maintenance of drinking water treatment plants and small drinking water systems, and to prepare students and the experienced operator for the State Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification examination (Treatment Grades 1-2 and Distribution Grades 1-2). This course is directed primarily toward entry-level operators, industrial waste inspectors, lab technicians, maintenance personnel, and related occupations. It explains how and why the treatment of drinking water protects the environment and human health. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Spring Semester
8 Units TotalThis course will provide the student with a general background in advanced wastewater treatment processes, and prepare the operator for advanced certification examinations at the Grades II and III level. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
This course covers water supply and treatment, the historical development of water quality control practices, water sources, public health aspects of water supply and regulations, advanced methods and processes related to chemical and physical treatment, evaluation of the various specialized treatment processes, instrumentation and control, and utility management. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Summer Semester
2 Units TotalThis course provides the student with a general background in the design, operation, and maintenance of water distribution systems and water storage facilities. It prepares the experienced operator for the State Distribution Operator Certification Examination at the Grade 2 level. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
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