Students may start any semester
Program Entry Requirements
- Be a registered apprentice in the DOL-approved Des Moines Water Works Apprenticeship Program.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a Water Treatment Apprenticeship Certificate, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A grade of 2.0 (C) or better is required in all WAT courses required for this certificate. Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 26
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Costs | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | | Books (approximate) | 200 | 200 | 100 | Approximate total for program:$6,090** **Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost. What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Operate facilities to remove contaminants to produce safe drinking water, thereby protecting public health from waterborne diseases and other health concerns.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot water treatment processes.
- Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment, controls, computerized systems, and laboratory equipment.
- Collect and analyze water samples, interpret results, and adjust processes to achieve maximum performance.
- Be eligible to take your Iowa DNR Grade 1 Water Treatment Certification Exam, have the knowledge to pass the exam, and become certified.
- Be eligible to take your Iowa DNR Grade 2 Water Treatment Certification Exam with the required operating experience, have the knowledge to pass the exam, and become certified.
- Make a difference every day.
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- A basic knowledge of the traditional sciences, including biology and chemistry.
- A good knowledge of math and algebra.
- A willingness to work indoors and outdoors.
- A desire to protect public health and the environment.
- Technical abilities and technological skills.
- Good public relations skills.
- A willingness to do a variety of tasks that contribute to producing safe drinking water for consumers.
What Else Should I Consider about this Certificate?
- Water and wastewater Environmental Technology is a high-growth industry that is very stable and challenging. There are a wide variety of career opportunities and specialties.
- If you are a person who is passionate about serving your community, improving public health and the environment, able to work with minimal supervision and reliable and accurate in your work ethic, Water Environmental Technology may be the field for you.
- Average starting salary $28,000-$60,000 (depending on area of interest and level of education), with opportunities to make a much higher income as you advance to higher levels of certification.
- This certificate is a customized component for registered apprentices employed by Des Moines Water Works and may serve as a model for other employers.
Program Competencies
- Demonstrate knowledge of the duties of an operator of Water Environmental Technology Facilities
- Explain the operations, maintenance, and administration of Water Environmental Technology Facilities
- Perform monitoring, sampling, and laboratory analyses for regulatory compliance and process control of Water Environmental Technology Facilities
- Obtain the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Grade 1 Operator Certification
- Obtain the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Grade 2 Operator Certification
Competencies revised date
AY2026 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
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