Water and Wastewater Programs at Ontario Colleges

Water and Wastewater Courses

Water and wastewater programs provide students with a detailed understanding of water treatment and management processes as well as the chemistry and ecological components of water and wastewater. Courses will cover the operations of various types of water treatment facilities and the equipment used within them to treat and manage water.

Another big component of water program curriculums is health and safety. Students will learn techniques in preventing water-borne illnesses, look at managing dangerous contaminants such as those found in industrial waste and runoff, and examine the environmental repercussions and laws surrounding water and waste water management.

To complement their theoretical knowledge, students will also have plenty of hands-on training in labs and in the field. Skills learned will include water sample collection, lab testing and analysis, water treatment methods and more.

General Water and Wastewater Program Requirements

Ontario college water and wastewater programs typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which includes a grade 12 English credit. Senior level math and science credits are also often required, but specific requirements will vary by program.

Water and Wastewater Jobs and Salaries

Career options for water and wastewater program graduates span a number of industries, including government and public inspection agencies, mining and industrial sectors, water treatment facilities and more. Possible roles include (but aren’t limited to):

• Water Quality Technician
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Operators
• Water Compliance Officers
• Water Analysts

Salaries in the industry will vary depending on the exact position, but the average starting salary of graduates is $34,000, increasing with experience.

Ontario Colleges Offering Water and Wastewater Programs

Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of water and wastewater programs at Ontario colleges. Less