Water Quality Management Pathway
The mission of the Water Quality Management Technology program is to prepare students for successful employment in the diverse water industry by providing a hands-on, active and applied curriculum created with industry partners.
Water Quality Management Pathway Courses
Environmental Systems: Water
Environmental Systems is a lab-based course that explores the relationship between natural resources, biogeochemical cycles, ecology and human activities. This course allows students to engage in a deep study of a particular resource or system. Students will draw upon their backgrounds in chemistry, biology and earth systems to understand the integrated and complex manner in which environmental interactions occur. Students will also demonstrate a variety of science and engineering practices and laboratory analysis skills as they plan and conduct investigations, analyze data and communicate results.
Note: This is a concurrent enrollment course for Red Rocks Community College. Students will earn credit for the WQM100 and WQM119 courses for a total of 7 credits. Students can earn the Laboratory Analysis Certificate from Red Rocks with the successful completion of this course and the Advanced Studies in Water Quality.
Advanced Studies in Water Quality
Advanced Studies in Water Quality is a lab-based course that explores the biochemistry of water quality throughout all phases of water and wastewater treatment. Students will apply an understanding of science and engineering practices along with biology and environmental systems to test, analyze, and treat water and wastewater. Advanced Water Quality topics may include an in-depth investigation of microorganisms, growth and tropic curves related to algae, the nitrogen cycle, and/or nitrification, and fecal coliform contamination as well as related human health concerns.
Note: This is a concurrent enrollment course for Red Rocks Community College. Students will earn credit for WQM216 and WQM175, for a total of 5 credits. Students can earn the Laboratory Analysis Certificate from Red Rocks with the successful completion of this course and Environmental Systems: Water.
Water Quality Management
WQM 1024 – Provides an overview of the water treatment process. The course covers the official need-to-know criteria prepared by the Association of Board Certifications as a preparation for the Colorado State Water Operators D-level water treatment exam.
WQM 1025 – Provides an overview of the wastewater treatment process. This course covers the official need-to-know criteria prepared by the Association of Board Certifications as a preparation for the Colorado State Water Operators D-level wastewater treatment exam.
Working With Industry Partners
Students in this pathway have an opportunity to work with industry partners Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, Denver Water, Metro Water Renewal, Arvada Water, North Table Mountain Water, the City of Westminster, Trout Unlimited, River Watch, Consolidated Water and others. Students who complete the three-year pathway will earn their Class D certifications as water and wastewater operators.