The Water & Wastewater Technician program is a two-year, full-time Ontario College Diploma designed to train you for careers in municipal water systems, wastewater treatment, and environmental monitoring. You will learn how to test water quality, operate treatment plants, manage distribution networks, and follow environmental regulations. The program combines classroom theory with hands-on lab work and site visits to local facilities.
Career outcomes
- Water distribution operator
- Wastewater treatment plant operator
- Environmental field technician
- Water resources analyst
- Utility maintenance technician
- Environmental compliance assistant
Admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 or older by the start of classes).
- Grade 12 English (C or U), minimum 60 per cent.
- International applicants must provide an accepted English proficiency test or equivalent academic background.
Tuition
Domestic tuition is $3,940 per year for the 2026–27 academic year. Ancillary fees are $1,125 per year, separate from tuition.
Courses
- COMM 1150 Public Speaking and Presentation
- ENVR 1130 Water Chemistry Fundamentals
- ENVR 1250 Wastewater Treatment Processes
- ENVR 1690 Hydrology and Water Resources
- ENVR 1800 Air Quality Monitoring
- GNED 1690 Scientific Method and Laboratory Safety
- GNED 2330 Project Management Fundamentals
- MATH 1950 Business Mathematics
- WATR 1770 Water Distribution Systems
- WATR 2190 Advanced Water Treatment Processes
- WATR 2320 Wastewater Collection Systems
- WATR 2830 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations
- WATR 2900 Water Resources Planning
What you will learn
In the Water & Wastewater Technician program, you will study how communities keep their water clean and safe. You will learn the science behind water treatment, wastewater processing, and environmental monitoring. Classes cover water chemistry, hydrology, air quality, and laboratory safety. You will also take courses in project management, business mathematics, and public speaking to prepare you for real-world workplace communication. Most of your learning happens in the lab and in the field. You will practice testing water samples, operating treatment equipment, and reading technical diagrams. By the end of the program, you will know how to run a water distribution network, manage a wastewater treatment plant, and follow environmental regulations.
How the program runs
This is a full-time program that runs over four terms, or two academic years. You can start in September or January. All classes and labs take place at the Benchlands Campus. You will spend time in classrooms, computer labs, and the college's water treatment labs. You will also go on site visits to local water and wastewater facilities to see how the systems work in practice. The schedule is designed to build your skills step by step. Term one focuses on science fundamentals and lab safety. Term two moves into water systems and chemistry. Term three covers wastewater collection and treatment. Term four wraps up with advanced treatment processes, water resources planning, and a capstone project where you solve a real problem for a community partner.
Admission
To join this program, you need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or an equivalent qualification. If you are 19 years old or older by the start of classes, you may qualify as a mature student. While math is not a strict requirement for this program, having Grade 12 English at a minimum of 60 per cent will help you succeed in technical writing and reporting. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through an accepted language test or equivalent academic background. All domestic applicants apply through the provincial college application service. International applicants use the college's own application form.
Tuition and fees
Domestic tuition is $3,940 per year for the 2026–27 academic year. Ancillary fees are $1,125 per year, separate from tuition. You can pay your fees in full before the term starts, or you can set up a monthly payment plan through Student Financial Aid. International students pay $18,900 per year. You can find a full breakdown of fees on the Tuition & Fees page.
After you graduate
Graduates of this program are ready to work in municipal water departments, regional conservation authorities, private environmental consulting firms, and industrial water treatment plants. You will qualify for entry-level operator positions in water and wastewater facilities. Many employers also value the project management and communication skills you will gain, which can lead to supervisory roles as you gain experience. The college's Co-op & Career Services office can help you find a work placement during your final term and connect you with job postings after graduation.
How to apply
Domestic applicants apply through the provincial college application service. You will need to upload your transcripts and any supporting documents to your student portal once you receive your application number. International applicants apply directly on the college website using the international application form. Applications for the fall term are reviewed on a rolling basis, and space is available until the program reaches capacity. Visit the How to apply page for step-by-step instructions, required documents, and important dates.