Water Treatment and Distribution Program

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February 21, 2026 - June 20, 2026

Saturdays from 9am-12pm (online program)

$99 Registration

About the Water Industry

Did you know 80% of the jobs in the global workforce are dependent upon having access to an adequate supply of water and water-related services, including sanitation? So many of us could not do our jobs without water. If you are looking to start a new career and be classified as an essential worker where the median annual salary is $60,000-$70,000 a year, then the water distribution program is for you.

The Water Treatment and Distribution Program at Cañada College

The goal of the Cañada College's Water Treatment and Distribution System courses is to prepare students for the California Water Treatment (T2) and Distribution (D2) Operator Certification Exams. This not-for-credit online course, trains operators in the practical aspects of operating and maintaining water treatment and distribution systems, emphasizing safe practices and procedures. Successful completion of the course establishes eligibility to take the Water Distribution Grade 2 exam. After passing the exam, students will have the opportunity to apply for their certificate and license to become a California Grade 2 Water Treatment or Distribution Operator.

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Student Requirements

Students must be a resident of California

Students must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent

Students are required to have access to a computer with capabilities for Zoom sessions

Students must have a strong understanding of secondary level math and science concepts and at least a ninth grade reading level.

2 Required Textbooks
- (2018). Water Treatment Plant Operation Volume 1.New York: Pearson Education.
  
  (2018). Water Distribution System Operation and Maintenance, Seventh Edition. New York: Pearson Education

Possible Jobs after Completing Certificate

Water Treatment Operator I/II

Salary: $61,000-$74,000

Operating water treatment system equipment including automatic control devices and plant equipment; maintaining safe and reliable water supply to customers; servicing, repairing and calibrating plant equipment; operating without immediate or detailed supervision. Performs other duties as assigned

Water Distribution Operator I/II

Salary: $60,000-$72,000

Performs skilled maintenance, repair, and construction work on the potable water treatment and distribution system of the Water Utilities Services Division; operates maintenance and construction tools and equipment; performs a variety of maintenance tasks relative to water distribution and treatment.

Water Systems Assistant I/II

Salary: $61,000-$65,000

Entry-level position that assists in the day-to-day field operations of potable and recycled water systems in a training capacity. Duties include water meter reading, water sampling, maintaining group pump stations and reservoirs, and testing and replacement of water meters and valves in accordance with the regulations of the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) or successor agency.

About the Instructor

John Rowe (Adjunct Instructor)

Business, Design and Workforce - Menlo Park Center

rowej@smccd.edu

BLDG

More details »

Dr. John Rowe

Dr. Rowe is a certified water, water distribution, and wastewater treatment operator. He also has a PhD in Environmental Sustainability from Colorado. To date he has trained students for careers in Water Distribution System Operations, Water Treatment Plant Operations, and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations. He has trained more than a 1,000 operators in the water industry who are presently on the job. He is interested in Direct Potable Reuse Drinking Water Treatment, and has conducted several water industry seminars and workshops concerned with potable reuse treatment technologies. He is student friendly, and is closely involved with helping students become certified operators.

Helpful Links

Minimum qualifications to take the state exams

Related Links