Water Environment Technologies

Degrees and Certificates

Why Choose This Program

Water Environment Technology grads are in high demand across the country.

Clean, safe water is important to the health and wellbeing of communities and the environment. Water Environment students will learn a variety of chemical, biological, physical, and mechanical water and wastewater treatment processes and techniques.

Students will learn the processes of getting water from its source, treatment, distribution, collection, and treatment again on its way back to the source. Students learn to identify, troubleshoot, and solve problems they might see in the treatment process.

Graduates play many roles in operations of water and wastewater treatment facilities, sewer, collection systems, and water distribution systems. There are also many career choices outside of city or county water and wastewater treatment facilities, including agricultural, paper, beverage, ethanol, and manufacturing industries as examples.

Placement rate from self-reported data of employment in field of study up to one year post graduation.

100
%
2021 Placement
$
29
Central MN Median Wage

Wage data is from Minnesota Dept. of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

From Degree to Career

When you choose the Water Environment Technology program at SCTCC, you’ll gain skills that will directly transfer to the workplace. There are employers across the country that are ready to hire water professionals, including St. Cloud Hospital, City of Bloomington, Cold Spring Brewing Company, and more.

Quick Glance

  • Water and wastewater treatment process control 
  • Mechanical aptitude in a variety of areas 
  • Laboratory skills utilized in water treatment 
  • Basic electricity & controls logic 
  • Math (process control, chemical dosing, process design) 
  • Computer (SCADA, word, excel, PowerPoint) 
  • Communication (oral, written, electronic) 
  • Use of hand and power tools 
  • Process and Equipment Troubleshooting & problem solving 
  • Equipment operation 
  • Preventative maintenance and repair 
  • Regulations and Regulatory Compliance 
  • Safety 
  • Utility administration and planning 
  • Customer Service
  • Operations of water & wastewater treatment facilities
  • Sewer collection system operations
  • Water distribution system operations
  • Laboratory Analysis (Quality Control & Quality Assurance)
  • Treatment plant residuals (solids handling)
  • Supervisor of plant operations or public works
  • Maintenance of utility systems
  • Water meter reading, troubleshooting, and repair
  • Electronic systems repair & maintenance
  • Regulatory enforcement
  • Inspections of water and wastewater systems
  • Training & Education
  • Sales of industry related equipment and services

Potential Employers

Government agencies:

  • Municipal (local)
  • Water Management Districts
  • County
  • State
  • Federal
  • Tribal

Private organizations:

  • Industries with a manufacturing process that requires the business to operate its own water and wastewater treatment systems.
  • Contract Operations Companies – Operation and maintenance of municipal and industrial water and wastewater systems.
  • Equipment and Service Vendors – Suppliers of equipment and services utilized by the water and wastewater industry.
  • St. Cloud Hospital
  • City of Bloomington 
  • Cold Spring Brewing Company
  • City of Brainerd 
  • City of Buffalo
  • St. Cloud Technical & Community College
  • City of Minneapolis 
  • MET Council 

Water Licensure - Upon completion of the WETT program, students qualify to sit for their Class “D” Water License proctored by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).   

Wastewater Licensure - Upon completion of the WETT program, students qualify to sit for their Class “D” Wastewater License proctored by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).   

Employment at a qualified Water or Wastewater facility allows a licensed operator to advance their licenses to higher levels.  SCTCC graduates with a four-year degree in the Sciences (e.g. Engineering, Biology, Chemistry) may qualify to be able to advance their water and wastewater licensure even faster! 

The Water Environment Technologies program is accredited by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, (651) 296-6300. Students who successfully pass the state exams receive Class D Water and Wastewater certificates, which are required to operate water and wastewater treatment facilities for both public and private entities. 

Student and instructor working in the lab
Students and instructor working at a table with water in tubes
Student working in the classroom
Students and instructor looking at large equipment
Student and instructor doing experiment

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Are you ready to learn more about the Water Environment Technology program and being a student at SCTCC? Contact our instructors directly or join us for a Construction Info Session to meet with instructors and Admissions representatives to get started.

Connect with the SCTCC Admissions team:

  • Call us at 320-308-5089
  • Email us at enroll@sctcc.edu
  • On campus Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Meet the Admissions Staff.


water equipment

Water Environment Technology Lab 360 Tour

Paying for College

Students choose SCTCC for a lot of reasons, but saving money is one reason we hear from almost every student at SCTCC. We’ve got a breakdown of the costs for the program, along with information on financial aid and scholarships.

 In addition to tuition and fees, students can expect to pay $1590 on books, supplies, and materials.

The following scholarships are available specifically for WETT students:

  • GNP
  • John Seivert Memorial
  • Suburban Utilities

Apply just once and students are considered for all eligible scholarships.

SCTCC Scholarships

Current Students

Current Water Environment Technology students - this is your place for information.

Gregg Kropp
gregg.kropp@sctcc.edu  
Phone: (320) 308-5952
Fax: (320) 308-5985 

WAMM (SCTCC student water club) 

Water Environment Federation (WEF) Professional Organization 

American Water Works Association (AWWA) 

Minnesota Wastewater Operators Association (MWOA) 

Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) 

SCTCC Student Clubs

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