Water Quality Management

Keeping our natural resources clean is a vital task and you can make a career out of it with our Water Quality Management program! 

What is Water Quality management? Water Quality Management refers to the operations and maintenance of the systems we use to clean and treat our water in order to take care of our water resources.

At Emily Griffith, our part-time program will give you hands-on experience in water industry operations, including how to keep water clean and the processes for treating water for repeated use. You will also learn about public health and environmental issues here in Colorado, and participate in technical tours of major water treatment facilities. 

Latest technology: Learn in our on-site pilot scale treatment system with industry standard equipment. 

Convenient classes: Take classes two nights a week and complete career-relevant projects at home with our part-time, hybrid option.

High-demand career: Enjoy an 88 percent job placement rate in the Water Quality Management field with your Emily Griffith WQM certificate.

Want more information? Get the Water Quality Management Program Flyer and the Water Quality Management Program Checklist.

What Can I Do with an Emily Griffith Water Quality Management Certificate?

Graduates from Emily Griffith’s Water Quality Management program use their certificate to up their technology game at their current jobs or to work in jobs such as the following:

  • Water Treatment Plant Operator
  • Water Distribution System Operator
  • Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator
  • Water Quality Lab Analyst 
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Water Utilities Technician

Other potential career paths include jobs in environmental science/agriculture, natural disaster/emergency response, utilities and engineering.

Skilled Trades
$5,067
Approximate cost. Additional material and book fees may apply
10 Months
Full-time program length
4/28/2020
Next Start Date
Apply to Emily Griffith Technical College

Course Information

Required Courses

Course Code Course Title Credits
WQM 100 Introduction to Water Quality 3
WQM 101 Introduction to Water Distribution 3
WQM 102 Introduction to Wastewater Collecti on 3
WQM 103 Introduction to Water Treatment on 3
WQM 104 Intro to Wastewater Treatment 3
WQM 105 Specific Calcs-Water Qual Mgmt 4
WQM 119 Basic Water Quality Analyses 4
WQM 216 Bio/Bacteriological Water Qual Anal 4
WQM 100 Introduction to Water Quality

Introduces environmental concepts utilized in the water industry. The course covers how the subjects of geology, chemistry, biology, and physics influence the water industry, the hydrologic cycle on a global scale, and how to monitor and maintain water quality.

Start Date: 08/24/2020
Instructor: Matt McFadden
WQM 101 Introduction to Water Distribution

Learn a basic overview of water distribution systems and operations. It is a hands-on interactive experience and will prepare the students for entry level work for a water utility. Students will enjoy hands-on training and be exposed to industry experts both in the classroom and in the field. Key topics include Regulations and Water; Distribution System Components; Basic Hydraulics, Operations and Maintenance; Maps, Quarter Section Books, SCADA Systems, Web Resources; Water Quality Regulations, Disinfection, Monitoring and Records; Distribution System Water Maintenance, Flushing Programs, Safety; Public Health, Cross-Connection Control & Backflow Prevention; Operation & Maintenance of Meters &Pumps; and Electrical Applications.

Start Date: 09/16/2020
Instructor: Matt McFadden
WQM 102 Introduction to Wastewater Collecti on

Learn the purpose, components and design of collection systems. Topics include safety procedures, inspection and testing, pieline cleaning and maintenance, underground repair, lift stations and sewer rehabilitation. Learn entry level skills necessary for wastewater collection systems and operations. This course is designed to train operators in the practical aspects of operating and maintaining wastewater collection systems with emphasis on safety practices and procedures. Students will learn the major components of collection systems and the different wastewater collection methods, regulations and policies. Science topics such as water sampling equipment and procedures will be discussed. Methods for operating and maintaining equipment necessary to perform surface and subsurface inspection of interceptor sewers and pipelines will be reviewed. Students will identify the proper safety procedures for underground repair and maintenance, construction, inspection and testing of sewers, inspection of manholes, and underground construction and repair.

Start Date: 10/08/2020
Instructor: Matt McFadden
WQM 103 Introduction to Water Treatment on

Learn entry level skills of basic water treatment plant operations used to prepare surface waters for potable use. This course stresses the knowledge and skills needed by conventional operators treating surface waters. Topics include startup and shut down procedures, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtering, corrosion control and taste and odor, associated calculations, laboratory tests and plant maintenance.

Start Date: 11/02/2020
Instructor: Matt McFadden
WQM 104 Intro to Wastewater Treatment

Learn entry level skills of basic wastewater treatment plant operations used to treat wastewaters for discharge into natural waters. This course stresses the knowledge and skills needed by conventional operators treating wastewaters. Topics include startup and shut down procedures, NPDES permits, natural cycles, pretreatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, collection systems, flow measuring, and disposing of solids, associated calculations, laboratory tests and plant maintenance.

Start Date: 12/03/2020
Instructor: Matt McFadden
WQM 104 Intro to Wastewater Treatment

Learn entry level skills of basic wastewater treatment plant operations used to treat wastewaters for discharge into natural waters. This course stresses the knowledge and skills needed by conventional operators treating wastewaters. Topics include startup and shut down procedures, NPDES permits, natural cycles, pretreatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, collection systems, flow measuring, and disposing of solids, associated calculations, laboratory tests and plant maintenance.

Start Date: 08/17/2020
Instructor: Matt McFadden
WQM 105 Specific Calcs-Water Qual Mgmt

Provides an in-depth study of the calculations associated with water and wastewater treatment. Topics include dimensional analysis, manipulation of conversion factors, geometric figures, velocities, detention time, surface loading, filtration and backwash rates, porosity, weir overflow rates, efficiencies, weight of dry solids, sludge pumping, settleable solids, volatile solids, mean cell residence times, settleability, disinfection and chemical dosage as relating to trickling filters, ponds, RBC, and activated sludge.

Start Date: 09/14/2020
Instructor: Matt McFadden
WQM 119 Basic Water Quality Analyses

Introduces laboratory analyses done in the water industry. The course covers the functionality and use of analytical instruments for safely analyzing water samples for common parameters relevant to the water industry. Water chemistry topics are explored to explain the use and function of the instrumentation.

Start Date: 10/13/2020
Instructor: Matt McFadden
WQM 216 Bio/Bacteriological Water Qual Anal

Provides an in-depth study of microorganisms in the water industry. The course covers analysis of various water samples to identify different microorganisms and explore how these impact the water industry. Interpretation of mathematical formulas, instrumentation application, and proper lab protocols are covered.

Start Date: 11/17/2020
Instructor: Matt McFadden
EMILY’S STORIES


"Mr. G is excellent. One of the most patient teachers I've ever had," says Reuben. "He will sit and explain things to you; he knows how to translate the information."

Reuben Alcantar is a student in the Commercial/Residential HVAC & Refrigeration program. Rueben will complete his certificate this month and is already filing the paperwork to start his own HVAC business!

He decided to attend Emily Griffith after he was laid off from his job as a welder for Northwest Pipe Company when the company decided to close its Denver facility. He was eligible for a Trade Adjustment Assistance grant and after helping his neighbor with some HVAC work, decided he wanted to make it his new career. 

He chose Emily Griffith because we understood his specific needs, particularly regarding childcare for his 7-year-old daughter. He also appreciates the hands-on experience that he’s received. “Mr. G is excellent. One of the most patient teachers I’ve ever had,” says Reuben. “He will sit and explain things to you; he knows how to translate the information.”

Vince Guerrie, HVAC instructor, says of Rueben, “He’s a natural leader. He always steps up to help. He’s going to be very successful.” 

Rueben is looking forward to starting his own business and being his own boss. He hopes to be able to spend more time with his family but he says he will miss coming to Emily Griffith every day. 

Congratulations Reuben! 

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