Water and Wastewater Technology

Program Overview

Thompson Rivers University's Water and Wastewater Technology program equips students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in all aspects of the water industry. With a focus on hands-on training at a state-of-the-art facility, the program aligns with industry standards and prepares graduates for high-demand careers in water treatment, distribution, and wastewater management. Graduates may opt for a certificate after one year or a diploma after two years, with pathways for further education or industry certification.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Water and Wastewater Technology program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is a diploma or certificate program designed to prepare students for careers in the water and wastewater industry.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to:

• Operate and maintain water and wastewater treatment, distribution, collection, and disposal facilities.
• Monitor water quality to protect public health and the environment.
• Apply knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, mathematics, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and treatment technologies.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot basic to advanced water and wastewater systems and processes.

Program Description:

The program provides comprehensive education and training in all water industry sectors:

• Water treatment
• Distribution
• Wastewater treatment
• Source protection
• Industrial wastewater and collection processes
Students will gain knowledge of:
• Primary to advanced municipal and industrial processes in the treatment of water and wastewater operations.
• Source water quality sampling, laboratory analysis, regulatory reporting, data management, and source protection.
• Troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation materials, equipment, infrastructure, and facilities needed to operate water, wastewater, distribution, and collection systems.
• Operating and maintaining primary to advanced mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems used in moving and treating water and wastewater.
• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting process equipment involved in the treatment, distribution, and collection of water and wastewater.
• Managing and leading in regulatory, safety, and environmental concerns within the industry.
• Managing people, utility assets, and finances.
• Performing security, safety, and administrative procedures.

What makes TRU's program unique:

• Programming is designed to get students job-ready, and TRU graduates are in high demand with employers.
• Courses are responsive to current industry demand and aligned with the American Water and Wastewater Association and Canadian provincial equivalents’ competency and certification standards.
• Students study at the Kamloops Centre for Water Quality, a state-of-the-art facility that uses innovative technology to provide drinking water for the city, and where they will experience and observe direct operations and maintenance throughout their program.
• A multidisciplinary applied focus provides comprehensive education and training in all water industry sectors.

Careers:

Graduates of the Water and Wastewater Technology program work in:

• Small to large municipal water treatment and distribution facilities
• Primary, secondary, and advanced wastewater treatment and collection facilities
• Source water quality protection and monitoring
• Industrial water and wastewater treatment

Other:

• Students have the option to graduate after the first year and receive a certificate, or continue through the second year for their diploma.
• After completing the diploma, students can apply their courses towards a TRU Bachelor of Technology, Bachelor of Technology: Trades and Technology Leadership, or Bachelor of General Studies.
• Operators currently working in the water and wastewater treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection, and small water and wastewater systems fields may take courses on a continuous basis to meet the mandatory Continuing Education Units (CEUs) defined by the Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP), or for their own general interest.
• Indigenous Services Canada has funded courses for BC Indigenous water and wastewater operators.