College of the Redwoods
WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNOLOGY
1. Statement of Program Goals and Objectives
The proposed Associate of Science degree and certificate in Water and Wastewater Technology supports the mission of the CCC by advancing the state’s interest in developing a skilled workforce and an educated citizenry, and by forging partnerships with the local business community while ensuring accountability and serving as conscientious stewards of the public trust.
The goal of the Water and Wastewater AS degree and certificate is to offer a career-focused education in the high market demand technical fields of water distribution and treatment systems and wastewater treatment and collection systems. Students completing the program will be prepared for entry level work in the industry and preparation for state certification. Additionally, the program will provide incumbent worker training needed for skill upgrade and certification requirements. Students completing the certificate can expect to acquire competencies as follows:
• General Education outcomes:
- The ability to think, read, and communicate critically.
- An Awareness of the relationship of humanity to its natural, scientific, aesthetic, ethical, cultural, historical, political, and technical environment.
- An understanding of the connections and relationships between and among academic disciplines
- Competency in locating, evaluating, and using information resources
- The ability to solve problems through research, analysis, and communication.
• WAT program level outcomes:
- Prepared to pass water and wastewater certification examinations
- Attain general water and wastewater system process control knowledge
- An understanding of maintenance and repair procedures of basic water and wastewater mechanical and electrical systems
- The ability to perform basic scientific and analytical duties to support the proper operation of water and wastewater systems.
- An awareness of State and Federal regulations that drive the water and wastewater industry, and the role of the water or wastewater technician in protecting public health and the environment.
The AS degree and certificate will prepare students for the following occupations:
DOT Codes and Definition (Dictionary of Occupational Titles)
Definition: Operate and control pollution treatment equipment to clean, purify, and neutralize water for human consumption. Operate and control equipment to remove harmful domestic and industrial pollution from wastewater in sewage treatment plants.
955382010 Clarifying-Plant Operator
955362010 Wastewater-Treatment-Plant Operator
954382010 Pump-Station Operator, Waterworks

954382014 Water-Treatment-Plant Operator
955382014 Waste-Treatment Operator
SOC code (Standard Occupational Classification)
51-8031
19-4091
Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators
Environmental Science and Protection Technician
2. Catalog Description
The Water and Wastewater Technology Associate of Science degree and certificate is designed to provide students with educational opportunities relating to careers in Water Treatment, Water Distribution, and Wastewater Treatment. Water and wastewater technicians operate and maintain municipal drinking water treatment and distribution systems and wastewater treatment and collection systems. Students in this program learn the basic principles and practices of water and wastewater system operation, and the analytical and scientific methods of process control methodologies. This program is designed for students interested in a career working with water, pumps, mechanical equipment, laboratory testing, mathematics, and have an interest in serving the public and working in a municipal environment.
3. Program Requirements
Units
GE
BIOL 1
BUS 10
Area C
General Biology (Area A)
Introduction to Business (Area B)
Any Course in approved list
Area D1 Any Course in approved list
Area D2 Any Course in approved list
Area D3 Any Course in approved list
3
3
19
3
3
4
3
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
WAT 10 Introduction to Water and Wastewater Technology
WAT 180 Analytical Methods for Water and Wastewater Systems
WAT 30 Operation of Drinking Water Treatment Systems
WAT 31 Operation of Water Distribution Systems
WAT 50 Operation of Wastewater Treatment Systems
WAT 51 Operation & Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems
WAT 12 Water/Wastewater Science
WAT 25 Applied Fluid Mechanics for the Municipal Industry
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
Semester 4 WAT 20 Mechanical & Electrical Systems for the Water and Wastewater Industry 3
21
ADDITIONAL COURSES: Minimum 17 units from the following:
BIOL 2 Microbiology
BT 90 Introduction to Microsoft Excel
4
1

BT 92 Introduction to Microsoft Word
BUS 68 Introduction to the Principles of Management
CHEM 1A General Chemistry
CIS 100 Basic Computer Skills
CT 25
CT 72
OSHA 30-hr Construction Safety
Electrical Codes
ENGR 1 Introduction to Engineering
ENGR 23 Engineering Graphics
ENVSC 10 Introduction to Environmental Science
ENVSC 11 Environmental Ethics
FNR 67
HE 7
Introduction to GIS
First Aid/CPR/AED
IT 46
IT 25
GS 41
ELECTIVES
TOTAL
Computers in Industrial Management
Occupational Safety and Health Management
Service learning and Field Experience
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
WAT 10 Introduction to Water and Wastewater Technology
WAT 180 Analytical Methods for Water and Wastewater Systems
WAT 30 Operation of Drinking Water Treatment Systems
WAT 31 Operation of Water Distribution Systems
WAT 50 Operation of Wastewater Treatment Systems
WAT 51 Operation & Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems
WAT 25 Applied Fluid Mechanics for the Municipal Industry
WAT 12 Water/Wastewater Science
WAT 20 Mechanical & Electrical Systems for the Water and Wastewater Industry
ADDITIONAL COURSES: Minimum 6 units from the following:
BIOL 1
BIOL 2
General Biology
Microbiology
BT 90
BT 92
Introduction to Microsoft Excel
Introduction to Microsoft Word
BUS 68 Introduction to the Principles of Management
CHEM 1A General Chemistry
CIS 100
CT 25
CT 72
ENGR 1
Basic Computer Skills
OSHA 30-hr Construction Safety
Electrical Codes
Introduction to Engineering
ENGR 23 Engineering Graphics
Units
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
21
3
5
3
1.5
1
1
4
4
2
2
3
3
3
2 to 6
1
2
3
3
1.5
2
2
3
5
3
1
3
60

ENVSC 10 Introduction to Environmental Science
ENVSC 11 Environmental Ethics
FNR 67
HE 7
Introduction to GIS
First Aid/CPR/AED
IT 46
IT 25
GS 41
Computers in Industrial Management
Occupational Safety and Health Management
Service learning and Field Experience
3
3
2 to 6
1
2
3
3
TOTAL
4. Background and Rationale
27
In 2008 the Economic Development Division of Humboldt County (EDDHC) conducted a hearing inviting local employers to address the shortage of qualified workers and to discuss new job creation. The hearing prompted the
EDDHC to partner with the College of the Redwoods to pursue a grant through the Department of Labor (DOL). The grant was intended to be used to assist the College in funding new career technical education (CTE) programs used to assist local displaced workers in retraining for the job market.
The water and wastewater operations field has been identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California
Employment Development Department – Labor Market Information Division, and California Water Environment
Association as a career field with current need and growth potential. A portion of the DOL grant funding was used to investigate the feasibility and secure a consultant to help establish the CTE program in the field of water and wastewater treatment. Winzler and Kelly was selected as the primary consultant based on their experience with both broad based and localized water and wastewater systems and staff specialized in water and wastewater operations.
Additional consulting was provided by a representative from Cuyamaca College who had played a key role in organizing the water and wastewater operations program at Cuyamaca College and College of the Canyons. A committee was formed from local water and wastewater professionals and public meetings were held to determine the training needs and outcomes desired by local industry.
Two new water and wastewater courses were created in the Business and Technology Department and offered in fall semester of 2009. The courses were created using the program consultants and college faculty, and were based on successful courses modeled after those offered at Cuyamaca College. The courses showed full enrollment and produced a high rate of retention. Since inception, five additional water and wastewater courses have been offered in the program, including internship opportunities. Based on recommendations of the advisory committee, two new courses have been approved and complete the nine technical courses of the AS and certificate programs.
Two locally approved certificates have been offered (less than 18 units) during the 2010-2011 academic year and at least 7 students have been hired by local municipalities in the greater Humboldt Bay area. No data is available for students that may have found work in the field outside of the immediate area. Both employer and student demand continues and CCCCO approval for approved degrees and certificates is being sought based on local needs.
5. Enrollment and completer projections.
Enrollment estimates are based on past and current course enrollments. Past enrollment statistics from the overall section report* taken from the college IR website indicate an unduplicated head count enrollment of 200 students since the Fall of

2009. Based on current and projected enrollment, it is expected to have at least 8 graduates per year once the program is fully established. The regional demand is estimated at 12 completers per year in the college service area.
Of the total annual number of existing and previous attendees, as many as 50% are assumed to be existing professionals utilizing the water/wastewater courses to increase their professional knowledge and are not necessarily attempting to attain a certificate or degree. Like many other programs, there are a number of students that drop out of the program for various reason.
Estimated Number of Sections of Core Courses Offered
Annually*
17
Existing Annual Enrollment (unduplicated)* 100
Anticipated Number of Program Completers after the End of the Second Year
8
Anticipated Number of Program Completers after the End of the Fifth Year
* Taken from the 2011-2013 TLU estimates, See Attachment D.
**Based on an average of past unduplicated enrollments since Fall 2009
12
6. Place of Program in Curriculum/Similar Programs
The Water and Wastewater Technology Program will be housed the Business and Technology Division at College of the
Redwoods. This program will help to fill both the local and regional need for water and wastewater operations technical education and training as identified by California Water Environment Association (CWEA), the Redwood Water Resources
Network (RWRN), and the County of Humboldt. Based on local, statewide, and national trends, careers in the water and wastewater industry are estimated to grow at between 18-20% in the next seven years (See Section 8). The California
Community Colleges Economic Workforce Development conducted a survey in 2009 of six bay area counties and reported a
45% increase in water/wastewater jobs in the next 5-years due to attrition and the creation of new jobs (See Attachment
A).
The proposed program adds an entirely new dimension to the college’s technical offerings and helps to satisfy the local, regional, and statewide need for a technical education in this field. There are currently no other similar technical programs being offered at College of the Redwoods that can fill the current need for this program or are related to the program.
There are also no other A.S. degrees offered in water/wastewater in Northern California (north of the San Francisco bay area).
The curriculum includes a number of restricted program elective courses that are utilized from other programs such as math, construction, engineering, business, biology, industrial technology, and chemistry. The water/wastewater courses currently share classroom and lab space effectively with other technical programs. Lab space, and some equipment, is currently being shared with the Agriculture program. It is anticipated that at least one of the new program courses will share space in the Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology lab. There is also a commitment from the local municipal industry to make facilities available for onsite labs and instruction.
Due to the highly specialized course material, there are currently no other existing 2-year programs offered at the college where students could make a transition from this program into another program. Students could (and currently do) move from the water/wastewater courses into engineering and environmental science fields. These educational transitions build on knowledge from the water/wastewater program and encourage students toward 4-year university degrees such as the
Environmental Resources Engineering program at neighboring Humboldt State University.
Since inception, the water and wastewater operations course offerings have introduced a new enrollment market. It is anticipated that the influx of new and returning students will be sustained and potentially increased if students have the

ability to obtain a program certificate or an A.S. degree. This proposed program is unrelated to any existing plans to scale back or terminate any other technical or academic program.
7. Similar Programs at other Colleges in Service Areas
There are no similar programs currently offered in the North Coast or within commuting distance of the College of the
Redwoods service area.
8. Labor Market Information
&
Analysis (CTE only)
The following information is derived from the California Employment Development Department, (Eureka office) for the areas of Humboldt, Del Norte, Lake and Mendocino Counties (current as of 3-21-2011). This data is described by the local
EDD office as “very conservative”. In addition, references to http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov
for Statewide areas
(obtained on 3-31-2011) and http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes518031.htm
for National areas (obtained on 3-31-2011) are included; all of which serve as a description of the type of work, wages, and job availability that students of this
program can expect. (
Because occupational skill in water and wastewater technology is highly portable and geographical transferable, statewide and national data is provided along with local occupational projections. California Water and Wastewater (State issued) licenses have excellent reciprocity throughout the continental United States, with few exceptions or additional requirements. Statewide and nationwide mobility is common in the industry, and this industry allows completers a range in flexibility in geographical locations preferred by the completer rather than having to move where a factory or particular company is located. Federal regulation to ensure clean water for a growing population will increase employment in water and wastewater treatment. Water and wastewater treatment are the only segment of the utilities industry experiencing employment growth. In addition to protecting water supplies from environmental contaminants, water utilities now employ security procedures to protect water from deliberate contamination.
Job description for: Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators
“Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or liquid waste”
Area
Estimated Year
– Projected Year
Employment Est.
Year
Employment
Projected Year
% Increase New Jobs
Average
Annual
Openings*
Humboldt,
Mendocino, Del
Norte, Lake
Counties
2006-2016
*Includes new jobs and replacement jobs
220
260
18.2%
40
8

Local Occupational Wages for Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators
Area Year
Median Annual
Income
Median Hourly
Income
Humboldt,
Mendocino, Del Norte
& Lake Counties
2006 $47,965 $23.06
th
th
There are several fields related to Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators where no occupational data exists. This program will additionally prepare students for local, statewide, and national entry level positions as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
It is estimated that there will be at least the same, if not more jobs available in these fields than with the Water and Liquid
Waste Plant and Systems Operators. A very conservative estimate would be at least an additional 4.2 annual openings in the immediate area of Humboldt County for these positions. This does not take into consideration other annual openings elsewhere in the college service area. These 4.2 annual openings in addition to the 8 annual openings from the LMI data are the basis for the estimate of 12 annual openings in the CR service area. These related fields provide a similar rate of compensation as compared with Water and liquid Waste Plant and Systems Operators.
Net Job Market
Earning Potential
• Given the above data, there are enough openings locally to permit placement of the anticipated graduates in both the direct field of Water and
Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operator and Related Fields.
• All local, statewide, and national trends indicate a steady job market growth rate.
• Based on a recent local survey of Humboldt municipalities (see attachment B) show that that 55
% of responders indicated an average initial salary of at least $14.42 per hour and 33.3% of the responders indicated an initial salary of over $16.83

Program Credibility/Career Potential
Emerging Occupations per hour.
• For Technicians with 5 years of experience, 55% of responders indicated a salary of at least $19.92-
$24.04 per hour and 18.2% of responders indicated over $24.04 per hour
• For mid-level management positions (5-10 years of experience), 55.5.2% of responders reported a salary of at least $28.85 per hour, with 44.4% of responders indicating a salary of over $33.65 per hour.
• Industry trends show a steady increase in overall salary and compensation
• Benefits are exceptional as would be expected from a public agency including: health care, public retirement (PERS) vacation, sick leave, education, and other miscellaneous benefits.
• Advanced degrees are not needed in this occupation
• This program is taught by industry professionals that work or have worked in the industry
• Students are required to study trade journals and periodicals and are encouraged to join industry groups such as California Water Environment
Association and American Water Works Association to keep current in a technology sector that is rapidly changing.
• This program is devised to provide a solid background of basic physics, chemistry, biology as applied directly to the role of these principles in industry
• The rigor of the program ensures that completers will have a superior knowledge of the industry subject matter that will allow them to be very competitive with non-completers in the industry
• This program will allow completers from other careers to utilize existing skill sets to complement their new skills learned in the program
• Existing professionals in the water and wastewater field will be able to use this program to upgrade their existing skills and accelerate their careers
• The area of process automation or Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems manipulation, testing for trace chemicals, data interpretation, use of new process technology, performing energy efficiency analysis, and working with new process instrumentation provide growth in this program area. These areas along with others are skills emerging in this industry that will likely be required of employees in the future.
• A survey of local municipalities, 70% of responders indicated that an AS degree in the Water and

Competitive Fields
Career Technical Education Skills
Wastewater field would be advantageous to students entering the field and 70% of responders indicated having a college issued certificate would be advantageous for students entering the field.
• 80% of responders form the survey indicated that computer skills are important to the industry and
100% of responders indicated that data interpretation skills are important to the industry.
• N/A
• This program is designed for students with no previous skills or background in the water and wastewater industry that qualifies students, upon completion to enter the work force.
• This program is designed to enhance skills for students that currently work in the water and wastewater industry
Small Business or Cottage Industries
• This program is designed for students that are employed in other or related industries that are looking to change careers, and utilizes existing skill sets as a foundation.
• This industry is primarily centered around public agencies, such as Special Districts, Cities, and
Counties, State, and Federal agencies. While there are a number of private “contract operators”, consultants and trainers in the industry, the majority of jobs are in the public sector.
9. Employer Survey (CTE only)
Two industry surveys of local industry representatives were conducted. One survey was conducted when the program was forming to assess program needs and another when the college began to pursue Chancellor’s Office approval of the program. Since the nature of the water and wastewater treatment industry is primarily limited to local municipalities and special districts, an industry advisory committee was formed as a representative body of six separate local municipal agencies out of more than 200 agencies in the college’s local service area.
The advisory committee was surveyed in the areas of program needs, employment, and salary expectations. The industry representatives validated the employment projections from the EDD/LMI data source and concluded that the proposed program will result in an adequate labor force with viable employment opportunities locally, statewide, and nationally. The representative survey data illustrate the following:
• At least one new water/wastewater related job is expected to be created at three of the committee agencies in the next five years
• At one advisory agency, two new water/wastewater related jobs are expected to be created in the next five years
• Two agencies stated that there is expected to be at least two water/wastewater openings at each agency in the next five years due to attrition.
• Four agencies stated that there is expected to be at least three water/wastewater openings at each agency in the next five years due to attrition.
Survey data from the six representative Humboldt Bay area agencies shows that at their agencies there are expected to be
21 positions available in the next 5 years due to growth and attrition. With more than 200 similar agencies in the college’s

service area, the EDD data can be considered conservative for our region. The survey does not take into account potential new jobs from growth and attrition from any other local County or regional agencies within the college service area. See
Attachment B.
10. Explanation of Employer Relationship (CTE only)
The College of the Redwoods Water and Wastewater Technology program has had an excellent professional relationship with the community. Besides the part time faculty members who work in the local industry, there has been willing participation from the advisory committee, County Office of Economic Development, the local Workforce Development
Board, and the Employment Development Department. The advisory committee members have been effective in helping shape the program and establishing the course and program outcomes.
11. List of members of Advisory Committee.
The advisory committee members were selected to represent a sample of the local water and wastewater municipalities that would hire prospective graduates of the program. The committee members have practical knowledge in the field of water and wastewater systems and bring their area of expertise to the committee.
Industry Representation
Barry Van Sickle, Operations Manager
Water and Wastewater Technology Faculty, Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District
Dan Duncan, Water Supervisor, City of Eureka
Steve Brown, Professor, Engineering and Drafting, College of the Redwoods
Bill Bitner, Engineering Technician, Humboldt Community Services District
Hank Bernard, Facility Manager, City of Fortuna
Steve Paine, General Manager, Willow Creek Community Services District
Michael Hanson, Laboratory Supervisor, City of Eureka
Clay Yerby, Water and Wastewater Technology Faculty/ Retired Wastewater Supervisor, City of Eureka
CR Staff
Michael Fritschi, Water and Wastewater Technology Faculty
Clay Yerby, Water and Wastewater Technology Faculty
Barry Van Sickle, Water and Wastewater Technology Faculty
Mike Peterson, Dean, Business and Technology
Roxanne Metz, Director of Special Projects
Steve Brown, Professor, Engineering and Drafting
12. Recommendations of Advisory Committee
The advisory committee thoroughly reviewed the proposed content and scope of the program. Course objectives and content were discussed to ensure that students receive the adequate training/instruction to meet industry needs.
See Attachment C: Minutes of key meetings.
13. Display of Proposed Sequence
Students will be able to complete the AS degree program in two years by taking the following suggested sequence of courses:

Fall Semester
WAT10 (3)
WAT180 (3)
Restricted elective (6)
General Ed (3)
Spring Semester
WAT30 (2)
WAT31 (2)
WAT50 (2)
WAT51 (2)
Restricted elective (4)
General Ed (3)
Fall Semester
WAT12 (2)
WAT25 (2)
Restricted elective (5)
General Ed (6)
Spring Semester
WAT20 (3)
Restricted elective (3)
Unrestricted elective (3)
General Ed (6)
TOTAL: 60 units
Students will be able to complete the certificate degree program on a part-time basis in less than two years by taking the following suggested sequence of courses:
Fall Semester
WAT10 (3)
WAT180 (3)
Restricted elective (3)
Spring Semester
WAT30 (2)
WAT31 (2)
WAT50 (2)
WAT51 (2)
WAT25 (2)
Fall Semester
WAT12 (2)
WAT20 (3)
Restricted elective (3)
TOTAL: 27 units
Attachment D: Outlines of Record for Required Courses

15. Library and/ or Learning Resources Plan
The Learning Resources Center (library) will have a copy of all the books that are used to teach the different courses for the programs. The textbooks will be purchased using the current department of labor grant (DOL) that is currently providing development funding to the water/wastewater courses. Additionally, local professionals have agreed to donate trade journals to the library. These books and journals serve as a reference to students. The Learning Resources center also has extensive access to online databases for use by students.
16. Facilities and Equipment Plan
There are no costs to the general fund expected for any new facilities or equipment for this program. Currently the Water and Wastewater Technology courses are being conducted in several different buildings that serve as a classrooms and lab facilities. These facilities are shared with other programs and the addition of the water courses has not caused scheduling issues with other programs. They are adequately equipped with video and power equipment to properly train students with hands on projects as recommended by the advisory committee.
The DOL grant has purchased laboratory equipment for water courses that is currently being housed by and shared with the Agriculture program in room AT108. Some equipment is not available due to the size and cost of maintaining various types of industry specific treatment equipment. Local municipalities have committed to making some parts and equipment available for laboratory and instruction. Additionally, the existing college water system and wastewater treatment facility could be utilized as an demonstration site.
17. Financial Support Plan
The Water and Wastewater Technology program has had financial support from a DOL grant – funding for startup costs, instruction, and consulting services was covered by the grant. In the future, district and CTEA funds will be used to support the program in the same way as other CTE programs at the college. Additional grant funds will be sought after the DOL grant becomes exhausted. There is a high likelihood of obtaining additional grant funding based on the historical enrollment performance, sustainability, and growth potential of the proposed program.
For the foreseeable future, there will be no costs to the general fund above the ordinary cost of instruction that is recovered through apportionment. Additionally, over 90% of the courses needed to complete the proposed A.S. program already exist in the college catalog, showing a very low initial cost and to the College.
Since the Fall of 2009, the water/wastewater courses have generated 34 FTES ($155,210 in revenue if the college were not at CAP) with 74 TLUs (approximately $1,000 per TLU for associate faculty). Efficiency rates are expected to increase as the courses (and proposed program) becomes more sophisticated with program planning and course scheduling.
There are no special equipment or facilities needs that will require assistance from the general fund (See Section 16). Local municipalities have made commitments to supply various types of donated equipment.
18. Faculty Qualifications and Availability
The college upholds the minimum faculty qualifications under Title 5 and requires a minimum of an AS Degree with six years of experience or a BS/BA with two years of relevant experience. Given the specialized nature of the industry a

limited, but adequate, supply of professionals meets the qualifications to teach as adjunct faculty.
Over the last two years, the water/wastewater courses have been supported solely by a pool of associate faculty. The existing instructional load of 74 TLU’s could support a full time faculty position, but due to unmet faculty needs throughout the district and diminishing budgets, the college is not likely to hire a full-time faculty member at this time. As the program matures, it will continue to adapt to meet both industry and student needs. As deemed necessary in the future, the college may be in the position to fund a full-time faculty position.
19. Based on model curriculum (if applicable) Does not apply.
20. Licensing or Accreditation Standards
The program is not subject to licensing or accreditation requirements. However, the program will qualify the students to seek State certification and licensing in:
• Water Treatment Operation – California Department of Public Health
• Water Distribution System Operation – California Department of Public Health
• Wastewater Treatment Operation – State Water Resources Control Board
• Collection System Maintenance – California Water Environment Association
• Laboratory Analysts – California Water Environment Association
• Pre-Treatment Inspector California Water Environment Association
A majority of these licenses and certifications are legal requirements for operation of water and wastewater systems.
21. Students Selection and Fees
Fall/Spring/Winter/Summer
Enrollment Fees* $36.00 per unit
Foreign and Non-Resident Tuition* $229.00 per unit
Student Health Fee $12.00 per Term
Annual Parking Fee $50.00
*Fees are subject to change without advance notice by the State of California. No restriction for enrollment in courses.