Water Environmental Technology

Why Choose Water Environmental Technology at PPCC?

Water is an essential nutrient for sustaining all life. The quality of our nation's water systems is a concern for current and future generations. Water and wastewater technicians inspect, sample, test and monitor groundwater and surface water sources for harmful contaminants. PPCC Water Environmental Technology students learn about this important field and how to apply the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

What do PPCC Water Environmental Technology students study?

Water Environmental Technology instructors teach an in-depth understanding of the distribution, collection and treatment of water and wastewater.

You will learn:

The science and math of water treatment
The wastewater collection systems
The importance of safety and security systems
The water cycle for human use and consumption

Water Environmental Technology incorporates classroom, field experiences, and group projects to help students prepare for work in water and wastewater treatment facilities.

Career and Technical Education(CTE) Notice of Non-Discrimination

What you will be able to do upon completion of this program:

Perform mathematical calculations specific to the water quality industry.
Explain the importance of safety practices in the water and wastewater industry
Describe the fundamental business practices utilized in managing water or wastewater utilities
Discuss drinking water regulatory requirements and their implementation.
Define specific terms associated with water quality management
Prepare, analyze, interpret and report results of water sample testing
Apply principles of hydraulics and equipment maintenance to wastewater management practices.
Effectively communicate current events and advances in the water quality industry.
Define and describe the types, functions, layout of and equipment used in water management facilities (water distribution, water collection, wastewater treatment)

Classes You Might Take

WQM 105 Specific Calculations for Water Quality Management

Provides an in-depth study of the calculations associated with water and wastewater treatment. Topics include dimensional analysis, manipulation of conversion factors, geometric figures, velocities, detention time, surface loading, filtration and backwash rates, porosity, weir overflow rates, efficiencies, weight of dry solids, sludge pumping, settleable solids, volatile solids, mean cell residence times, settleability, disinfection and chemical dosage as relating to trickling filters, ponds, RBC, and activated sludge.

WQM 116 Conventional Surface Water Treatment

Covers coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtering, corrosion and taste and odors. Topics for each process include descriptions, operating procedures, associated calculations, start-up and shut down procedures, laboratory tests, troubleshooting, maintenance, safety and records.

WQM 200 Hydraulics for Water Quality Management

Introduces the mathematical principles of density, specific gravity, pressures, horsepower and energy costs, velocities, weirs, parshall flumes, venturi meters, California Pipe method, flows from open end pipes, settling velocities and classification of flows.

WQM 212 Drinking Water Regulations

Provides the knowledge and skills to establish a compliance program for a water treatment facility using ground water, surface water, or ground water influenced by surface water sources. The student will learn all regulatory requirements for microbiological and chemical contamination (organic, inorganic, and radio) for monitoring and reporting operations.