Continuing EducationCourses for Operators
XWTP 0010 Water Supply Hydrology
This course represents the first portion of XWTP 1700 Water Sources. The course is designed to teach the student basic water supply hydrology and explain how water moves and changes as it moves across the surface and through the subsurface of the earth. In addition, key water quality terminology as well as general volume and flow topics will be discussed.
XWTP 0020 Ground and Surface Sources
This course represents the second portion of XWTP 1700 Water Sources. The course is designed to give the student an understanding of how raw source water is supplied to domestic drinking water systems. Identifying systems, operation and maintenance procedures for both ground and surface sources are covered.
XWTP 0030 Water Supply Protection
This course represents the third portion of XWTP 1700 Water Sources. The course is designed to give the student an understanding of what environmental factors influence source waters, what pre-planning can be done to provide alternatives sources should the usual supply become unusable and what efforts can be made to protect source waters for future generations.
XWTP 0050 Small Water System Operations
The main objective of the course is to ensure a safe and reliable water supply as it applies to small systems. A "Small System" is defined as any water system being used for consumption or food preparation, serving up to 500 persons during any 24 hour period. The course will focus on the required principles of small water systems from an operational and maintenance perspective. Strong emphasis on safety and regulatory requirements as well as an introduction to the applied sciences and trades will ensure an operator can function effectively and confidently. This course is approved as appropriate training by the Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP) for the education requirement when applying to write the Small Water System Certification Exam.
XWTP 0060 Basic Principles of Sedimentation and Filtration
This course provides an introduction to the basic principles of pre-filtration sedimentation methods including clarification and sedimentation basin operation. Also covered are the different types of water filtration system components, configuration and operation used in water treatment.
XWTP 0070 Basic Principles of Disinfection and Water Storage
Students will become familiar with the different types of disinfection techniques used in water treatment. Topics will also include disinfection by products and future technologies. The basic principles of water distribution, storage and sampling are also covered.
XWTP 0090 Applied Operation Math
The intent of this course is to enhance the basic math skills of operators so they can work confidently in their day-to-day activities. The course will review basic arithmetic problems and lead to applied functions such as volume measurement, conversions, flow rates, and dosage calculations.
XWTP 0100 Basic Hydraulics
The course introduces the students to the basic concepts of density and specific gravity, water pressure, piezometric surface and hydraulic grade line. Calculation of head loss, as well as pumping and flow rate problems will also be covered.
XWTP 0110 Basic Water Chemistry
The course introduces the essential principles of chemistry as it applies to the water industry. Some of the topics covered will be atomic structure, reading the periodic table, understanding chemical formulas and equations. Explanations of acids, bases and salts will also be provided.
XWTP 0130 Pipes, Valves and Fittings
This course is designed to introduce the basic mechanical components required in treatment processes. Topics will include: materials, fittings and support devices used in piping and tubing. Identifying and installing common valves will also be covered.
XWTP 0140 Basic Principles of Pumps
This course covers the principles, basic components, installation procedures and trouble shooting techniques for standard pump systems. The principles of selection criteria and water demand calculations are also covered.
XWTP 0150 Cross-Connection Control
This course is designed to provide operators, or those responsible for water supplies, the basic information pertaining to the dangers and control of cross-connections. The basic theories of back flow and back siphonage are covered as well as prevention means. Several case studies are used to provide real world examples of both cause and remedies associated with cross-connections.
XWTP 0170 Environmental Legislation
The course provides students with an understanding of the basic principles of law, with an emphasizes on Statutes, Environmental law and the legislative framework under which most water suppliers must legally operate. This section will also cover the concepts of due diligence, standards of care and liability while looking at torts and case law.
XWTP 0180 Occupational Health and Safety
This course covers the issues and responsibility of health and safety as it applies to operators in water and wastewater treatment operations. The general course topics involve occupational health safety regulations, construction/plant safety procedures and occupational hygiene.
XWTP 0190 Communications
The intent of this course is to introduce an operator to the practice of good community relations and the communication skills that are necessary to effectively provide timely, concise, and accurate information to the public and to the media. Some of the topics covered will be risk and media communications, interpersonal skills as it applies to oral and written communications, and correct system documentation.
XWTP 0200 Watersafe BC
If you operate or are the owner of a water system that serves up to 500 people over a 24-hour period, then you are a small water system operator and will benefit from taking this course. This includes small communities and strata properties, trailer parks, campgrounds and parks, hunting and fishing camps, service stations, temporary work facilities, improvement districts and ranches, water equipment vendors, joint water works, good-neighbour water systems, small irrigation districts and water hauled in tanker trucks.
This course will introduce you to the core concepts of small water systems, describe your responsibilities and show you how to keep water clean and safe, and prevent health problems related to water system operation and maintenance.
Key concepts:
British Columbia legislation related to drinking water and small water systems
Drinking water safety
Sources of water and water-source protection
Water treatment, distribution, storage and monitoring
Legal responsibilities related to supplying water
This course is available online and in print format on a continuous intake, and a TRU WaterSafe Certificate will be awarded on completion of a qualifying exam. Course length is 6 hours and awards 0.6 CEUs, and the cost is $185.
XWTP 0210 Electrical Principles
This course covers the very basic electrical principles as a starting point to understanding electrical systems. The theory of electricity, unit terminology, simple circuit characteristics, magnetism, capacitance, inductance, protection and control are introduced.
XWTP 0220 Testing Electrical Circuits and Safe Work Practices
This course introduces the various testing methods when analyzing circuits. The use of analog and digital testers, clamp-on ammeters and the use of megohmeters are studied. Electrical safety is also covered in this course to ensure operational staff are aware of the dangers around electrical equipment.
XWTP 0230 Basics of Electrical Motors and Motor Control
This course covers the principles of single and three phase motors. It introduces the operating principles, constructional features and basic trouble shooting techniques. The course also introduces the basic principles of motor control. Motor starters, remote and local control techniques, circuit design and trouble shooting procedures are all covered from the viewpoint of an operator understanding plant process control systems.
XWTP 0250 Instrumentation Principles
This course represents the first portion of XWTP 182 Instrumentation I. The purpose of the course is to introduce the very basic principles of instrumentation. Topics are introduced from the perspective of operators with little or no background in the instrumentation trade. Circuit fundamentals, terminology, component identification and instrumentation drawings represent the main subjects covered.
XWTP 0260 Process Measurement
This course represents the second portion of XWTP 182 Instrumentation I. Being able to accurately and consistently measure the process variable is a crucial part of automatic control. The basic principles and operational considerations of commonly used process measurement devices are covered predominantly from an operator's perspective.
XWTP 0270 Final Control Elements
This course represents the third portion of XWTP 182 Instrumentation I. Final control elements represent the device or devices that ultimately control the process variable. Understanding the fundamentals of how these components work together as well as identifying the more common final control elements used in the water/wastewater industry is the main focus of the course.
XWTP 0290 Treatment Process Pathway
This course is designed to teach the student the process and direction of water movement through the treatment facility. Topics include hydraulic profile, overflow and spill protection, process and instrumentation drawing and formula calculation. Pump identification, selection and maintenance are also covered.
XWTP 0300 Major Process Equipment
This course covers different types of equipment used in the treatment of water, including mixing, flocculation, solids separation, filtration water conditioners, disinfection and various filter systems. Flow charts and the ability to analyze historical data are also covered.
XWTP 0310 Secondary Process Equipment
This course covers systems and the equipment used in secondary processes such as air handling, chemical feeding, and standby power systems. It also reviews management of wastewater and solids from the primary process trains and the building systems which support the treatment facilities.
XWTP 0330 Coagulation
This course provides an introduction to the basic theory of coagulation and flocculation used in the treatment of water. Topics include coagulant selection, dosing calculations, alkalinity/pH relationships and color removal. Mechanical and chemical troubleshooting and coagulant handling and safety are also covered.
XWTP 0340 pH Control and Water Softening
This course provides an introduction of the importance of pH control in water treatment. Topics include types of control systems, chemicals, basic calculations and corrosion control. The basic chemistry of water softening using both chemical and ion exchange techniques are also covered.
XWTP 0350 Oxidation Reactions
This course provides an introduction to the basic theory of oxidation reactions. Topics include: dosing system components, oxidation types and methodology. The importance of pre-oxidation and the removal of organics and metals using oxidation reactions are also included in this course.
XWTP 0450 Advanced Motor Control
This course provides an introduction to motor control mechanisms, commonly referred to as pilot devices, which are designed to operate independently of the operator. You will learn about controlling motors in a sequence, using time-delays and other control techniques that are common control mechanisms in water treatment plants. In addition, you will learn basic digital techniques and several numbering systems that are used to configure and program some microprocessor type systems.
XWTP 0460 Basic Electronic Devices and Speed Drives
This course provides an introduction to basic electronic devices and drives that are associated with operating a water treatment plant. Because processes are complex and run independently of operator input for the most part, it is necessary for the technician to be able to diagnose and maintain the electronics and drives that operate those processes. Topics include principles behind semiconductor materials, circuits, transistors, variable frequency drive (VFDs), frequency converters and AC Motors used with VFDs.
XWTP 0470 Basics of Programmable Logic Controllers
Since their introduction in the late 1960s, programmable controllers have revolutionized the automation and controls industry. From humble beginnings as mere relay replacements, programmable controllers have expanded from a mainly industrial and manufacturing base to a myriad of applications in water treatment processes. This course provides an introduction to the principles of programmable controllers, including applications, memory system addressing and programming techniques.
XWTP 0490 Introduction to Water Chemistry
The introduction to water chemistry course will introduce basic chemical concepts as it applies to the water industry. The subject matter is basically focused on water quality determination and appropriate water treatment, topics will also include ph and alkalinity determination, chemical equilibria, titration and manipulations of various chemical reaction equations related to water analysis and processes.
XWTP 0500 Inorganic Species in Water
This course is designed to introduce students to the issues and analysis of metals and non-metals (inorganic species) in water systems. Topics will include identification, and removal processes, oxidation and reduction, and environmental sources of metals and non-metals.
XWTP 0510 Organic Species in Water
Organic Species in water is designed to introduce students to the problems associated with organic compounds in water. Topics will include identification and the specific problems these compounds can cause. Various removal techniques such as aeration, adsorption/absorption, coagulation and flocculation will also be covered.
XWTP 0530 Advanced Coagulation and Emerging Technologies
This course deals with the more technical aspect of coagulation. Topics include the discussion of coagulation involving basicity, molecular weights, particle destablization, and zeta potential. Streaming current monitors, particle counters, and the emergence of technology and communications at a water treatment plant are covered in this course as well.
XWTP 0540 Dissolved Air Floatation and Jar Testing Procedures
This course explains in detail the Dissolved Air Floatation process (DAF). Different DAF strategies are discussed in this course along with typical operational guidelines. Topics also include jar testing of coagulants and polymers for coagulation. An operator will learn how to perform a jar test and also how to optimize a coagulant or polymer dose.
XWTP 0550 Clarifiers
XWTP 0550 describes the different types of clarification processes used in the water treatment field today. Topics include the hydraulics of clarification along with conventional and high-rate clarifiers. Ballasted flocculation or the Actiflo process, equipment and operation is also covered.
XWTP 0570 The History, Mechanims, and Classifications of Filters
There are many filtration processes available in the water treatment industry. Each process has its advantages and disadvantages depending on source water and finished water requirements. This course expands on the basic building blocks of filtration as taught in XWTP 0060 (Basic Principles of Sedimentation and Filtration). Topics will include filter design concepts, regulatory standards, filter mechanisms, filter classification and media selection techniques.
XWTP 0580 Slow and Rapid Sand Filtration
With proper pre-treatment of the water, slow and rapid sand filters are applicable for treatment of any surface supply. Such filters are effective even for highly polluted waters. Even relatively large variations in bacterial pollution loads can be handled in a well-designed and well-operated sand media water plant. This course covers in detail the process of slow and rapid sand filtration as introduced in XWTP 0060 (Basic Principles of Sedimentation and Filtration). Topics will include filter operation, performance optimization, maintenance and backwashing techniques.
XWTP 0590 Membrane and Alternative Filtration Techniques
There are many other filtration processes available in the water treatment apart from the conventional media processes. Alternative and membrane filtration techniques have recently become more widely used in the water treatment industry. Each of these processes has its advantages and disadvantages depending on source water and finished water requirements. This course covers alternative and membrane filtration as introduced in XWTP 0060 (Basic Principles of Sedimentation and Filtration). Topics include: pressure filtration, iron and manganese removal, activated carbon, diatomaceous earth, cartridge filters and membrane filtration.
XWTP 0610 Basic Principles of Disinfection
This course deals with the history of disinfection, chlorination chemistry and disinfection goals the student will be able to summarize the historical use of chlorine and other disinfectants for treating drinking water. Describe the basic properties of chlorine, and how it is manufactured and used. Explain the chemical reactions that occur when chlorine is used as a disinfectant in water. Describe the CT Concept and summarize regulatory requirements of disinfection and describe how to set disinfection design goals.
XWTP 0620 Standard Disinfection Practices
This course deals with chlorination, ozonation and UV disinfection. The student will be able to describe forms of chlorine used for disinfection: chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, chlorination. Explain ozone chemistry and properties. Explain how the UV disinfection process works. Describe the chlorination, ozonation and UV disinfection process and equipment, review benefits, misuse and safety plus review the legislation relating to chlorination, ozonation and UV disinfection.
XWTP 0630 Advanced Disinfection and Fluoridation Practices
This course deals Alternate Disinfection Practices, Fluoridation, and Monitoring Equipment. It describes alternate disinfectants: chlorine dioxide, MIOX, iodine, boiling. Describe fluoridation chemistry. Explain the history of fluoride use in potable water. Describe/operate/calibrate various equipment used to monitor the disinfection process – lab, on-line. Describe/operate/calibrate equipment used to monitor the fluoridation process. Describe the properties and use of each alternate disinfectant and fluoridation. Describe the process and equipment for each alternate disinfectant and fluoridation. Describe the benefits and issues associated alternate disinfectant and fluoridation and review O&M issues, safety and legislation.
WTP 0690 Introduction to Microbiology and Toxicology
The Introduction to Microbiology and Toxicology is designed to give students in the water industry a basic understanding of microbiology and toxicology as it applies to the water industry. Topics will include human body systems, cellular and genetic structures.
XWTP 0700 Microbiology
The purpose of this course is to expand on the microbiology basic principles covered in the XWTP 0690. Topics include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, algae and fungi. Sampling, detection and identification are also covered.
XWTP 0710 Toxicology
The purpose of this course is to expand on the toxicology basic principles covered in the XWTP 0690. Topics include defining of the various toxic containments found in water, toxicity testing procedures, and risk assessment.
XWTP 0780 Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers
The goals of this course are to expand on the main principles covered in the XWTP 0470. The course will focus on how Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s) handle typical process signals in both hardware and software terms. Topics will include advanced PLC instructions such as data manipulation PID and Math.
XWTP 0790 Industrial Communications and SCADA Systems
The Industrial Communications and SCADA Systems course will cover the communication technologies used in typical industrial control systems. Topics covered will start with basic principles such as serial vs. parallel communications and build up to Local Area Network (LAN) technologies such as Ethernet and DeviceNet. The principles of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are covered including control, data acquisition, logging, and trending. The fundamentals of Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems including both soft and hard HMI’s will also be reviewed.
XWTP 0810 People Management
This course covers the principles involved in the effective management of people. The course starts with a look at management skills as it applies to yourself as a supervisor, manager, or leader. Human resource management (HRM) policies and practices will be studied as it applies to water utility organizations.
XWTP 0820 Asset and Operations Management
This course focuses on the overall management of assets. Asset identification and maintenance will be reviewed as well as operation management as it applies to leading, planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling people and services at the plant with the goal of meeting the expectations of the customer. The importance of water conservation principles and practices will also be reviewed.
XWTP 0830 Financial Management
This course introduces the principles and practices of effective financial management as it applies to water utilities. Topics will include budget forecasting, planning and management, as well as financial statement analysis.
XWTP 0900 Small Wastewater Operation Systems
This Small Wastewater Operation Systems course will introduce Small Wastewater Systems Operators to the numerous tasks and knowledge necessary in day-to-day operation such as wastewater characteristics, regulations, chemistry, collection, treatment, and disposal.
XWTP 0910 Wastewater Characteristics & Sources
This course provides an introduction to wastewater characteristics. It focuses on both domestic and industrial sources as they relate to the way wastewater is treated and disposed of. Areas of study include basic descriptions of what wastewater is, why we have to treat wastewater, and the processes involved.
XWTP 0912 Industrial Wastewater Characteristics & Regulations
This course covers Industrial Wastewater pollution. It includes an introduction to industrial wastewater in Canada and treatment. Other topics include wastewater characteristics, regulation, legislation, and an overview of treatment processes for industrial effluents.
XWTP 0920 Wastewater Collection & Pumping Systems
This course will introduce different pump systems involved with wastewater collection. The students will learn the difference between a dry well and wet well and the related maintenance issues, control practices used in pump stations, and be able to describe wastewater collection system operations and maintenance required.
XWTP 0922 Groundwater Pumps
This course covers principles of pumps as they apply to groundwater treatment facilities. Various different types of pumps will be discussed as well as understanding how to read pump/performance curves. Other topics include pump maintenance and testing.
XWTP 0924 Water Distribution Systems
This course covers principles of piping, pumps, and valves as they apply to the support systems in water treatment facilities. Topics include water distribution piping networks, water storage, pumping stations, and system integrity.
XWTP 0930 Levels of Treatment in Wastewater
This course will illustrate what occurs once wastewater leaves the wastewater collection system and enters the treatment plant stage, as well as equipment and processes common in wastewater systems and the knowledge necessary in day-to-day operations. Levels and methods of wastewater treatment will be explained.
XWTP 0940 Methods of Wastewater Treatment
This course will cover levels and methods of wastewater treatment including understanding and comprehension of the primary treatment process, as well as physical-chemical treatment processes. Other topics will include maintenance and wastewater lagoon processes.
XWTP 0942 Energy Efficiency in Water & Wastewater Treatment Facilities
This course focuses on energy use and measures to improve the efficiency of larger-scale water supply and wastewater treatment utilities. Topics include energy conservation measures that are common to both water and wastewater treatment facilities; the supply side of the municipal water cycle including the extraction, treatment, and distribution of water; and the demand side issues of water-use efficiency and water conservation; and finally, explores energy conservation in wastewater treatment plants as well as co-generation possibilities with the facility for energy generation.
XWTP 0950 Laboratory Principles of Wastewater
This in-class course covers the importance of laboratory testing as well as the safety and hygiene precautions that must be taken when doing lab work. Topics will include why environmental monitoring is performed and sampling techniques with various parameters involved in the wastewater treatment process. The student will learn how to test and calculate laboratory parameters from wastewater data.
XWTP 0960 Secondary Wastewater Treatment
This course provides an in-depth look into wastewater treatment processes and components, focusing on secondary wastewater treatment. Areas of study include descriptions of treatment processes and components for secondary treatment. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to understand and explain secondary wastewater treatment.
XWTP 0970 Advanced Wastewater Treatment
This course provides an in-depth look into the wastewater treatment processes and components, focusing on advanced wastewater treatment. Areas of study include advanced treatment targets and processes. Students will also learn about operation and maintenance as well as emerging issues and technologies including energy recovery, greenhouse gases, climate change, and endocrine disrupting compounds.
XWTP 0980 Wastewater Residuals
This course provides an in-depth look into wastewater treatment processes and components. It focuses on wastewater sludge residual treatment management and disposal. Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to understand and explain wastewater residuals.
XWTP 0990 Industrial Wastewater Treatment
This course covers industrial wastewater treatment processes used by different industries. Topics cover the various industries and treatment processes for wastewater, as well as working examples of industrial wastewater treatment.
