Water Technology

The Water Technology Program is an accredited and comprehensive water education program offering courses in water treatment, water distribution and cross-connection control. The program is fully recognized by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Program courses provide the training required for employment at a municipal water district, private water utility, or city water department. Upon completion of the program, students will have gained the knowledge necessary to successfully pass the State of California Department of Public Health (CDHP) Water Treatment Operator Certification exams (T1-T3), Water Distribution Operator Certification exams (D1-D3), and Cross-Connection Control Certified Specialist and Tester exams offered by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and various County Health Departments. The 40-hour courses satisfy the educational requirements of the CDHP for both specialized training and continuing education training. Additionally, 8-hour exam review courses are offered several weeks prior to the CDHP and AWWA certification exams.

Introduction to Water Systems

This is an entry level course that introduces water sources, the hydrological cycle, pre-treatment plant processes, safety, disinfection, corrosion, bacteriology and public health aspects of potable water, water distribution systems, wells, valves and pumps.  This course prepares students for the Grade I and II California State Water Treatment & Distribution Certification exams.

Water Treatment

This course emphasizes the public health aspects of potable water supply, operation of wells, process control procedures, chlorination systems, water softening, treatment plant safety procedures, laboratory procedures, techniques and equipment, advanced water mathematics and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Title 22 water quality regulations and standards.  This course prepares students for the Grade II and Grade III California State Water Treatment Operator Certification Examinations.

Introduction to Water Resources and Water Distribution

This course is designed for participants looking to enter the water distribution workforce as well as for experienced water distribution systems operators.   This course prepares the student for the D1 - D3 Water Distribution Operator's examinations administered by the State Water Resources Control Board.  Topics covered in this class include: arithmetic, water production, types of reservoirs, service lines, pumps, installation and repair of water distribution facilities, water chemistry, and an introduction to water treatment. This course qualifies for up to 45 contact hours / CEU’s.
 
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Take the California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Certification exams for the Grade D1 through Grade D3 licenses.
• Learn basic through advanced math skills used in the water industry.
• Learn hydraulic principals related to water transmission and storage.
• Learn practical skills needed to seek employment or advancement in the water industry.
• Identify and understand materials and methods used in water distribution and storage systems.

Water Distributions:  Water Hydraulics and Water Management

A course which covers water supplies, principles of hydraulics, and management of a water utility.  The course will focus on understanding pressure, head, friction loss, forces, water velocity, and size capacity relationship of distribution systems.  Also covered are pump characteristics, sizing of pumps, water chemistry, introduction to water treatment, arithmetic, and administrative functions behind the distribution system.  This course prepares the student for te D1-D4 Water Distribution Operator's examinations administered by the State Water Resources Control Board.  This course qualifies for up to 45 contact hours/CEU's.

Cross-Connection Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester

This course is designed to teach the student the theory behind backflow preventer design and operation and proficiency in testing backflow prevention assemblies, including "troubleshooting" and diagnosis of problems.  Its primary purpose is to prepare the student to take the American Water Works Association, California/Nevada Section, written and practical exams, the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) written and practical exams and various county certification exams.  Definitions, the laws governing testers, types of backflow prevention assemblies and their application, degree of hazard, hydraulics and installation requirements will be covered.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the sections of the California Administrative Code and State Plumbing Code and local ordinances or local operating rules which apply to the annual testing of backflow prevention devices.
• Demonstrate the ability to correctly field test the Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer, Double Check Valve Assembly, Pressure Vacuum Breaker and the Spill Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker in order to obtain required certifications from local water utilities, local county health departments and certification agencies such as the California Section of the American Water Works Association or the American Backflow Prevention Association.  Student will also be able to identify the proper installation of Air Gaps.
• Demonstrate the ability to correctly diagnose problems with the backflow preventers during the annual test and be able to state the correct repair procedure for the backflow preventer.
• Identify and compare the degree of hazard of cross-connections in order to determine the appropriate backflow prevention device to be installed in order to protect public health.

Cross Connection Control Program Specialist

This course is designed to teach the student how to organize and manage a cross connection control program as required by Title 17 of California Administrative Code. 

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the sections of the California Administrative Code and State Plumbing Code and local ordinances or local operating rules which apply to cross-connection control and recycled water in order to effectively enforce the regulations.
• Identify and compare the degree of hazard of cross connections in order to determine the appropriate backflow prevention device to be installed in order to protect public health.
• Learn the necessary skills needed to enforce cross-connection control regulations such as inspections, plan checks, enforcement actions, the sending of annual test notices requiring testing of backflow prevention devices, and reports and retention of testing and repair records.
• Perform a cross-connection survey of a facility, identify the cross-connections found and communicate the type of required backflow prevention device that shall be installed based upon the degree of hazard.
• Perform a shut-down test on facilities where both domestic water and recycled water are in use to ensure that the two systems are not cross-connected.
• Qualify to sit for the state required Cross-Connection Specialist Exam as administered by either the California/Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association or the American Backflow Prevention Association.

There is demand for this course as those in the water industry seek to improve their ability for advancement by becoming certified as Backflow Prevention Device Testers and Cross-Connection Specialists.

T1-T2 Water Treatment Operator Exam Review

The State of California Department of Public Health (CA-DPH) is the agency responsible for regulating all public water systems that operate within the State of California, and is responsible for issuing water treatment operator certifications to individuals involved in treating and delivering potable water to the public.
 
Twice per year, approximately 2,500 individuals state-wide take the various levels of water treatment operator certification examinations.  On average, less than 50% pass the examination.  This exam review course is designed to assist students in preparing for the State of California Department of Public Health (CA-DPH) Water Treatment Operator T1 & T2 certification examinations.
 
Students are required to bring a calculator to class.
 
Note:  To register for the State of California T1 certification examination, you must be a high school graduate or hold a GED.  To register for the State of California T2 certification examination, you must first complete one 36 contact hour (3-unit) course of specialized training covering the fundamentals of drinking water treatment.