Due to the new EPA regulations, within the next decade numerous communities will be constructing and operating new drinking water facilities in Massachusetts. Personnel in charge of these facilities will need to be certified. The Certificate Program in Water Treatment provides the most effective way to prepare for the water treatment certification exams.

Courses in this program are intended to provide students with the technical knowledge to operate and maintain physical/chemical water treatment facilities and water distribution systems.

The Certificate in Water Treatment is for individuals seeking to enter the field of water treatment and for those currently working in the area of water treatment and distribution. Many of the courses in this certificate program can be applied towards the B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering Technology: Environmental Option.

Required Courses: (7)
15.131 Environmental Chemistry I
15.132 Environmental Chemistry II
15.272 Water Supply & Treatment Operations I
15.274 Water Works Operations Lab I
15.355 Water Distribution Systems
15.372 Water Supply and Treatment Operations II
15.152 Water Biology

Course Descriptions

15.131 Environmental Chemistry I
Basic chemistry theory, including chemical reactions and equations, are the focus of this course. An introduction to the structure of water and its characteristics, its impurities, and the chemical treatment schemes that have been devised to deal with each will also be addressed.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3
Special Notes: SL

15.132 Environmental Chemistry II
Serves as a continuation of 15.131. This course covers specific water and wastewater treatment practices, such as chlorination, coagulation, filtration and absorption. A focus on the analytical techniques for the particular parameters of interest will also be addressed. Wet chemistry, as well as instrument methods, are discussed and demonstrated during lab sessions. These sessions will complement the lecture material.
Prerequisite: 15.131.
Credits: 3
Special Notes: SL

15.272 Water Supply and Treatment Operations I
This course provides exposure to a wide variety of water treatment methods, including those associated with drinking water and the processing of water needs of such industries as electronics, medical, pharmaceutical and food processing. Treatment methods include coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, chlorine disinfection, membrane separation, including reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, etc. Concepts are stressed and design problems are discussed.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

15.274 Water Works Operations Lab
This course introduces the student to the fundamental laboratory equipment and apparatus used in a water treatment facility. The following chemical test will be performed: odor, color, turbidity. jar tests, pH, chlorine residuals, acidity, alkalinity, hardness, chlorine, iron, manganese, phosphate, aluminum, nitrates, heavy metals, and organics. Microscopic analysis and coliform test will also be conducted to prepare the operator for a thorough understanding of the water treatment process.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 1

15.355 Water Distribution Systems
This course exposes the student to a broad spectrum of topics within the public water works profession with the exception of water treatment and pumps. All aspects of the water works industry are covered including: governmental regulation of the industry (SDWA), pipe installation and pipe maintenance, ground and surface water supply sources, their characteristics and maintenance, backflow prevention, certain management topics, public and media relations, theory of water rate development, public utility regulation theory. Particular emphasis is placed on hydraulic, sizing water mains, simple computer analysis, skeletonizing distribution systems, equivalent pipes, hydraulic grade line.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

15.372 Water Supply and Treatment Operations II
Serves as a continuation of 15.272, covering the following topics: corrosion control, oxidation, and aeration, use of ozone, chlorine dioxide and potassium permanganate, iron and manganese, carbon softening, instrumentation and control, system contamination and control, reverse osmosis, ultra filtration, electrodialysis, distillation and UV, and energy management.
Prerequisite: 15.272.
Credits: 3

15.152 Water Biology
Bio(life)-logy(study of) in water environments will be explored starting from the simple cell to multi-cellular organisms. With a review of the chemistry of water and an understanding of the importance of water in living systems, a better understanding of the interrelationship of both biology and chemistry will be attained. Demonstrations and individual presentations as well as lab-work will enhance the understanding of this topic. Problem-solving of a specific work-related situation will be assigned and the student will trouble-shoot, explore, and attempt to solve his/her biology problem.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

Certificate Requirements

Students enrolled in UMass Lowell certificate programs must complete the indicated series of certificate program courses, generally consisting of both required courses and electives. Students may complete the certificate programs at their own pace, enrolling in one or two courses per semester (which is the average recommended course load). Students should anticipate at least two hours of preparation for every hour of classroom instruction and they are required to maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better to receive the certificate.

Courses held on campus typically meet one night per week, three hours each night, for 14 weeks during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters (Summer courses are also offered over two 6-week condensed sessions). Call for a course bulletin or check our website course listings for specific course scheduling information.

Application into the Program
Those who wish to enroll in a certificate program should submit a completed application form and arrange to have their official high school transcript or GED sent to Continuing Studies and Corporate Education. Applications, transcripts, and other correspondence should be sent to: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Admissions/Continuing Studies and Corporate Education, Dugan Hall, Room 110, 883 Broadway Street, Lowell, MA 01854-5104. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and there is no fee to apply. Upon acceptance, notification will be sent to students.

Registering for Courses
Continuing Studies and Corporate Education offers courses during the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Information about current course offerings, schedules, and registration procedures is published regularly on our website at http://continuinged.uml.edu. If you would like to receive a printed Course Bulletin, please contact our Faculty and Student Support Center at (978) 934-2474.

You may take courses without being officially enrolled in a certificate or degree program, but you must meet the particular course prerequisites. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Class size is limited. We recommend that you register early to reserve your place in class.

Transfer Policy
With the program coordinator's approval, one course may be transferred from another accredited institution to satisfy certificate program requirements. The course should be equivalent to UMass Lowell instruction, applicable to the intended program, and the student must have received a grade equivalent to a C- (1.70 on a 4.00 scale) or better.

Academic Advising
Program coordinators and general Faculty and Student Support Specialists are available by appointment to help students determine appropriate course loads, discuss admission requirements, and review the transferability of courses. To schedule an appointment with a program coordinator or Faculty and Student Support Specialist, please call Continuing Studies and Corporate Education at (978) 934-2480 or (978) 934-2474. General walk-in advising is available Monday through Thursday from 8:30am-8:00pm and Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm at the Continuing Studies Faculty and Student Support Center located in Southwick Hall, Room 202 on UMass Lowell North. For online advising, email our Faculty and Student Support Specialists at Continuing_Education@uml.edu.

Awarding of Certificates
Upon successful completion of the certificate program, students must submit a completed Certificate Petition Form to Continuing Studies and Corporate Education. Upon verification, students will be mailed their certificates. Receipt of the certificate will be noted formally on the student's transcript with an award date of October, February, or June.

Tuition
Please refer to our website course listings or our current printed course bulletin for the latest information on tuition and fees.

For More Information
For additional information on any of our programs, call Continuing Studies and Corporate Education at (978) 934-2480 or email Continuing_Education@uml.edu.

For information on Financial Aid, call the University's Financial Aid Office at (978) 934-4220.