Water & Wastewater

wastewater treatment facility

"It has been estimated that almost 50% of today's water and wastewater operators will retire within the next five to seven years. They'll need to be replaced." - The American Water Works Association 

Water and Wastewater operators serve their neighbors by protecting public health. They are the first line of defense against waterborne diseases, and our guardians of water quality.  SUNY Ulster’s training programs satisfy the necessary requirements dictated by the NYS Department of Health for Grades A, B, C, and D Water Treatment Plant Operators, as well as the education needed to work in a Wastewater Treatment facility as an approved training provider by the Department of Environmental Conservation. SUNY Ulster also provides continuing education training for certified Water/Wastewater operators. Water courses are approved by the NY State Department of Health for pre-certification training. Under Part 5 of the NY Sanitary Code, all NY State Grades A, B, C, and D Water Treatment Plant Operators are required to complete an approved training program as a prerequisite to becoming certified.

Course Offerings

Activated Sludge

Required for candidates applying for certification for an activated sludge or “A” facility. Developed to instruct how to efficiently operate the activated sludge portion of a wastewater treatment plant. Control strategies and application of laboratory data are presented. Safety and regulatory recordkeeping are emphasized.

Register PSP 1503 CRN 60014 M/W 5/12-6/16 6-9:15pm $645 Remote

No class on 5/26

Basic Wastewater Operations

Designed to train operators in the practical aspects of operating and maintaining wastewater treatment plants, emphasizing the use of safe practices and procedures. Information presented includes the role and responsibilities of a treatment plant operator, an explanation of why wastes must be treated, and detailed descriptions of the equipment and processes used in a wastewater treatment plant. Textbooks Operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants Vol 1 & 2 are included with this class. 

Register PSP 1502 CRN 60013 T/R 3/4-5/22 6-9:15pm $1050 Remote

Basic Wastewater Operation Lab

Designed to give students an introduction to wastewater laboratory including chemical nomenclature; laboratory safety; description of glassware, chemicals, lab equipment, and instrumentation; quality assurance, flow measurement and sampling.

Register PSP 1501 CRN 30011 M/W 1/13-2/24 6-9:15pm $645 Remote

No class on 1/20 & 2/17

Grade A Water Treatment

Topics in this course include operator qualifications and responsibilities, water quality control, co­agulation, sedimentation, filtration, pH and alkalinity adjustment, iron and manganese removal, water softening and chlorination, bacteriological laboratory techniques, emergency planning, safety, hydraulics and pumps, process calculations and distribution system operation and maintenance. Textbooks are included with the course. This course will require an in-person practical lab. NOTE: There is a $200 non-refundable fee for all course enrollments.

Email us at cereg@sunyulster.edu to be added to the waitlist.

Grade B Water Treatment

This course is designed for operators of plants providing treatment for disinfection by chlorina­tion, iron and manganese removal, corrosion control, emergency planning, safety, hydraulics and pumps, and process calculations are covered. Textbooks are included with the course. This course will require an in-person practical lab. NOTE: There is a $200 non-refundable fee for all course enrollments.

Email us at cereg@sunyulster.edu to be added to the waitlist.

Grade D Water Operator

This course of study is designed for operators of distribution systems serving greater than 1,000 people. Topics include pressure zones, booster stations, storage tanks, fire protection and disinfection. Textbook is included with registration.

Register PSP 1508 CRN 30013 T/R 4/1-4/29 6-9:15pm $725 Remote

Grade 3 Technical Module

This course meets NYS Department of Environmental Conservation requirements for those persons desiring Grade 3 or higher certification that have previously completed NYSDEC approved Supervision course. It is designed to help operators improve technical skills. Technical module topics include Odor Control and Nutrient Removal, Toxics, and multi-media.

PSP 1512 - Email us at cereg@sunyulster.edu to be added to the waitlist.

Grade 3 Supervision and Technical Operations

This 30 hour course meets NYS Department of Environmental Conservation requirements for those persons desiring Grade 3 or higher certification. The course is designed to help operators improve supervision skills and management skills. This course includes problem solving and decision making skills, communication and training skills, planning and organizational skills as well as health and safety issues and requirements.

This course includes the textbook, Manage for Success.

PSP 1006 - Email us at cereg@sunyulster.edu to be added to the waitlist.

Grade 4 Management

To prepare Operators seeking their Grade 4A License to manage capital projects from concept to completion including grant writing, energy efficiency, adherence to regulations, community relations, budgets and contract management.

This course includes the textbook, Manage for Success: Effective Utility Leadership Practices 1st Edition.

Register PSP 1005 CRN 30012 M/W 1/13-2/3 6-9:15pm $499 Remote

No class on 1/20