Pipes. Storage. Microbes. Runoff. Stream protection. Treatment. Erosion. There’s a lot more to Water Engineering Technology than you think.

OC's Water Engineering Technology Diploma is a Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) nationally accredited program at the technologist level.

This program is a unique blend of traditional chemical and civil engineering technology combined with innovative water-focused environmental studies. The goals of the program are to educate, train and equip students to work in the water industry where they are able to monitor and protect both public health and the natural environment.

The program includes courses in hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, water/wastewater treatment, operations and maintenance along with water-focused biology and chemistry. During the second year students can choose between two options: Environmental Monitoring (EM) and Water and Wastewater Technology (WWT).

The EM option has option specific courses in groundwater hydrology, limnology, and freshwater biology.
The WWT option has option specific courses in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, distribution and collection systems, and industrial computer controls.
All students are expected to complete a capstone technology project where emphasis will be on application of theoretical and practical experience gained in the program.

Graduates will receive a diploma in Water Engineering Technology in one of the options listed above.
On graduation, there will be a wide choice of career opportunities which include: laboratory technologist, provincial or federal monitoring technologist, municipal water quality technologist, environmental engineering technologist and water or wastewater treatment plant operator.

The Program is nationally accredited by the Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) and is recognized by both the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia and the College of Applied Biology of British Columbia. Graduates are eligible for registration as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT) and/or a Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech) after two years of related work experience.
Graduates are also eligible to write certification exams administered by the Environmental Operators Certificate Program (EOCP) of B.C. Based on the practical hands on experience obtained in the WET Program, graduates are awarded six months credit towards the required work experience necessary to be eligible to write one of the EOCP Level l Examinations.

After graduating with a Diploma in Water Engineering Technology, students who wish to obtain a Bachelor Degree can continue with their education. Please refer to the Water Engineering Technology department website for a complete list of the universities and their degree programs.

Water Engineering Technology has two primary fields of specialty:

Environmental monitoring focuses on natural waters, including training in surface and groundwater flows, freshwater biology and statistics. Okanagan Lake provides the perfect outdoor laboratory for applied field work.
Water and wastewater treatment focuses on the processes involved in providing a safe drinking water supply and reliable wastewater management, including municipal and industrial treatment, hydraulic systems and industrial computer controls.
Graduates are qualified to become Operators under the Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP). With the right post-graduation work experience, graduates can also register as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT) and/or a Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech).

Employment that graduates often seek:

Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Federal/Provincial Water Monitoring Technologist
Water, Fuels and Environmental Technician (see Canadian Forces)
Water Quality Technologist
Environmental Engineering Technologist
Laboratory Technologist
Learn more about careers in water engineering through the American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation.