Home > Water Quality Management > Program Options

Program Options

Fall/Summer registration opens in March

Secure your spot in the classes you need for spring 2024 at Pikes Peak State College today, and take the next step towards achieving your academic and career goals!

Register Today

Water Environmental Technology Degree and Certificates

Pikes Peak State College offers a Water Environmental Technology degree, designed to prepare students for work in the water and wastewater treatment industry. The Associate of Applied Science degree prepares students for entry-level positions in the field, which also has opportunities for advancement.

Associate of Applied Science in Water Environmental Technology Degree

The curriculum includes science and math foundations, water and wastewater treatment techniques, field experiences and group projects. Local career opportunities in this ever-growing field will be available to the graduates of this program.

Certificate Programs

Full-Time 4 Semester Schedule - Water Environmental Technology AAS

  • Your personalized schedule will be best determined by meeting with an Academic Advisor
  • Math Requirements: Students should place into MAT 1140
  • English Requirements: Students should place into ENG 1020

  • MAT 1140 - Career Math (3)
  • WQM 1000 - Introduction to Water Quality (3)
  • WQM 1006 - Mechanical—Physical Treatment (3)
  • WQM 1009 - Water Distribution (3)
  • WQM 1015 - Water Sources & Supplies (3)

Total 15 Credits

  • WQM 1005 - Specific Calculations for Water Quality Management (4)
  • WQM 1016 - Conventional Surface Water Treatment (3)
  • WQM 1019 - Basic Water Quality Analysis (4)
  • WQM 1020 - Water Quality Equipment Maintenance (4)

Total 15 Credits

  • WQM 1018 -Wastewater Collection Systems (3)
  • WQM 1026 - Safety & Security Systems (3)
  • WQM 2000 - Hydraulics for Water Quality Management (4)
  • WQM 2012 - Drinking Water Regulations (4)
  • WQM 2016 - Biological & Bacteriological Water Quality Analysis (4)

Total 18 Credits

  • ENG 1020 - Technical Writing I CO1 (3)
  • ENV 1111 - Environmental Science with Lab SC1 (4)
  • COM 1250 - Interpersonal Communication (3)
  • WQM 2080 / WQM 2089 - Internship (3)/ Capstone (3)

Total 13 credits

Water Distribution & Treatment Certificate

  • This certificate can be completed in 1 Semester
  • This certificate is 17 Credit Hours

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.

Covers the purpose, selection and location of water storage facilities and the operation and maintenance of related equipment. Topics include storage facilities and capabilities, booster pumps, water mains and appurtenances, joints, pipe protection and installation, valves, fittings and hydrants. Water quality standards, contaminants and degradation inspection and monitoring, system troubleshooting, surveillance, cross connections, pressure main breaks, corrosion control, disinfection and emergency planning are also covered.

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

Provides a general understanding of mechanical and electrical equipment and its maintenance. Topics include safety procedures; correct use of power and hand tools; and preventive maintenance and repair maintenance of pumps, motors, chlorinators, motor control units, and other treatment plant equipment.

Provides a study of safety procedures performed in the water and wastewater industry. This course covers the importance of safety and how to implement safety practices in the workplace by studying OSHA guidelines, driving practices, confined spaces, and chemical handling.

 

Wastewater Collection & Treatment Certificate

  • This certificate can be completed in 1 Semester
  • This certificate is 17 Credit Hours

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.

Serves as a basic introduction into wastewater treatment. Topics include the technician and their responsibility, effects of waste discharges, natural cycles, solids in wastewater, NPDES permits, collection systems, pretreatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, advanced treatment, flow measuring, solids handling and disposal.

Covers the purpose, components and design of collection systems. Topics include safety procedures, inspection and testing, pipeline cleaning and maintenance, underground repair, lift stations and sewer rehabilitation.

Provides a general understanding of mechanical and electrical equipment and its maintenance. Topics include safety procedures; correct use of power and hand tools; and preventive maintenance and repair maintenance of pumps, motors, chlorinators, motor control units, and other treatment plant equipment.

Provides a study of safety procedures performed in the water and wastewater industry. This course covers the importance of safety and how to implement safety practices in the workplace by studying OSHA guidelines, driving practices, confined spaces, and chemical handling.