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Water Technology

The Water Technology Program at Mt. San Antonio College is an accredited and comprehensive water education program and is fully recognized by the State of California 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 SWRCB 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 offered through this program satisfy the educational requirements of the SWRCB for both specialized training and continuing education training. Depending on the level of certification being sought, students may take one or all of the courses offered through this program. The courses are typically offered during Fall and Spring semesters and periodically during Summer and Winter inter-sessions.

These courses fall under the Communication, Critical Thinking, Information Technology Literacy, and Personal, Social, Civic, and Environmental Responsibility Institutional Level Outcomes (ILOs).

Course Information

  • 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.

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

    • Show an understanding of fundamental concepts of water treatment and distribution.
    • Apply knowledge to ensure safe and potable water supply.
    • Apply knowledge and tools acquired in course to prepare for the California State Water Treatment & Distribution Certification exams.
  • Water Treatment

    This intermediate level course prepares students for journeyman level plant operations in the field of water treatment. The 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. The course covers the Expected Range of Knowledge (ERK) required to pass the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) examination at Water Treatment Operator I, II, and III (T1, T2, T3) level. Successful completion of this course fulfills the requirements for specialized training covering fundamentals of water supply principles required to apply for SWRCB Water Treatment Operator III (T3) and Water Distribution Operator III (D3) certification examinations.

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

    • Pass the State of California Water Treatment Operator license exam at the T1 or T2 level.
    • Identify causes of drinking water contaminations and their effect on the quality of water.
    • Outline major provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act and its significant amendments.
    • Calculate volume, chemical feed and dosage, detention time, and other common water quality related calculations.
  • 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 the successful completion of this course, students 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 Distribution:  Water Hydraulics and Water Management

    This course will cover advanced water distribution systems operation, administration, safety and maintenance, including water supplies, principles of hydraulics, and water utility management.  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.  The course will also provide a more in depth over view of cross-connection control - Title 17.  This course prepares the student for the 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. It is recommended that students complete the Introduction to Water Resources and Water Distribution course prior, but it is not required.

    Upon successful completion of the class, students will be able to: 

    • Apply intermediate through advanced mathematic principles used in the water industry.
    • Learn hydraulic principles related to water transmission and storage.
    • Identify materials and advanced methods used in water distribution and storage systems.
    • Take and pass the California State Water Resource Control Board Distribution Certification exams for grades D1-D4 licenses (CSDDWR Distribution Systems Operator Exams).
    • Employ practical skills needed to seek employment or advancement in the water industry.
  • 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 the successful completion of this course, students 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. 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.

    Upon the successful completion of this course, students 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.
  • 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. 

    NOTE: Students are required to bring a calculator to class.

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

    • Demonstrate a strong understanding of the California Department of Public Health (CA-DPH) regulations and water treatment principles.
    • Effectively prepare for the CA-DPH Water Treatment Operator T1 & T2 certification examinations.
    • Enhance pass rates and contribute to improved public water system operation.

    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.

SCWUA Scholarship

The Southern California Water Utility Association (SCWUA) Scholarship supports the future of the water industry by investing in students who are passionate about water resource management, environmental sustainability, and water infrastructure. Through this scholarship, SCWUA recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to preserving and improving water systems for future generations. By fostering education and innovation, we aim to empower the next generation of water professionals who will play a vital role in ensuring clean, sustainable water for all.

  • Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
    • Currently enrolled in the Mt. SAC School of Continuing Education (SCE) Water Technology (WT) Program.
    • Completed at least 2 WT courses in the past 2 years or completed 1 WT course and are currently enrolled in another WT course.
    • Submit a 500–750 word essay on your interest in the water industry, career goals, and any leadership, volunteer, or extracurricular experience.
    • Interview a water industry professional and complete two reflection prompts, 200-300 words each.
  • Key Dates
    • Open Date: August 1, 2026
    • Close Date: September 30, 2026 by 11:59 PM
    • Recipients Notified: November 2026
    • Award Luncheon: November 19, 2026

    We encourage all Water Technology students who meet the eligibility requirements to apply today! Don’t miss this chance to support your education and grow in a field that truly makes a difference.

    APPLY NOW

  • Contact Information

    If you have any questions, please contact us:

    📞 (909) 274-4220
    ✉️ commedreg@mtsac.edu

Student Resources

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