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Water Utility Science

​​​​​​​​​​Liquid Assets: Water and Wastewater Technology​ @ SCC

Opportunities are flowing, in Orange County and beyond, for driven professionals in the water and wastewater industry. For those bearing a hands-on career education from Santiago Canyon College, it's the perfect time to dive in.

Water professionals are in demand in virtually every city, county, and state. The expanding population and aging infrastructure place increased urgency on municipal water and wastewater concerns. Meanwhile, technological advancements in this field have opened doors to bold new prospects in the areas of analysis, treatment, and testing. 

Water Utility Science students at SCC learn from industry-trained faculty, using the latest, workforce-relevant facilities and equipment. Coursework encompasses the history, technology, and practical application of treatment techniques, leading to 12 distinct degrees and certifications. SCC students also receive custom online test preparation, covering five career-focused state licensing exams.

Program grads go on to stable careers with local water districts and regional utilities, including the Irvine Ranch Water District, the City of Tustin, Mesa Consolidated Water District, and more.

The SCC's Water Utility Science Internship Academy provides access to paid and unpaid work-study opportunities with local utilities. Often, these full-credit “auditions" lead to full-time employment with the host company.

When you're ready to go with the flow, Santiago Canyon's Water Utility Science is your most fluid path to a rewarding career! 

If you have questions or if you'd like more information about any of the Business and Career and Technical Education programs, feel free call or email. You can also use our form to Contact Us.


 

FAQs

​Yes! ​​​​​​​Santiago Canyon College’s tuition rates are affordable and competitive, providing one of Orange County’s best higher education values. Click Here to learn more about the cost of attending SCC.​

​​​​​​Your Career Education degree or certificate opens doors to bigger paychecks, broader opportunities, and more!

  • Meter Reader, Utilities - $51,410
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator - $68,800
  • Water/Wastewater Engineer - $102,110
  • Soil and Water Conservationist - $73,700
  • Hydrologist - $101,230

​​Santiago Canyon College’s Water Utility Science department offers three degrees and nine certificates in this Future BUILT field.

  • Associate in Science (A.S.): Water Distribution
  • Associate in Science (A.S.): Water Treatment
  • Associate in Science (A.S.): Wastewater/Environmental Sanitation
  • Certificate of Achievement (CoA): Water Distribution
  • Certificate of Achievement (CoA): Water Treatment
  • Certificate of Achievement (CoA): Wastewater/Environmental Sanitation
  • Certificate of Proficiency (CoP): Water Distribution
  • Certificate of Proficiency (CoP): Water Treatment
  • Certificate of Proficiency (CoP): Wastewater Treatment
  • Certificate of Proficiency (CoP): Water Conservation
  • Certificate of Proficiency (CoP): Water Equipment Operation and Maintenance
  • Certificate of Proficiency (CoP): Water Utility Management

Click Here to browse SCC’s online catalog.

​Dennis Jeffry
Department Chair
(714)​ 628-5907

Shabbir Basrai
Wastewater Treatment    
Advanced Wastewater Treatment

Dennis Cafferty
Advanced Water Distribution

Rachel Davis
Water Conservation Practitioner

Michael Molinari
Electrical Wiring & Controls for Operators
Water Math & Hydraulics

Amy Omae
Water Reclamation and Reuse

David Rodriguez
Water Math & Hydraulics
Collection Systems
Pumps and Pumping
Water Utility Maintenance & Construction

​​​​​​​Student Support Starts Here!

At Santiago Canyon College, your success is important to us. Click the links below to take advantage of these free student support services, and more!​

Hawk’s Nest Food Pantry

​​If you're interested in seeing more about the Water Utility Science program, including course offerings, certificate requirements and more, Click Here.


Average Salary In This Field

$51,410 -
$102,110

Per Year

Potential Careers

Meter Reader
Water/Wastewater Engineer
Soil & Water Conservationist
Hydrologist

Department Contact

Department Chair

dennis_jeffry@sccollege.edu

Phone: (714) 628-5907

Interested in Water Utility Science Careers?

Get Started Today!

Student Testimonials

Student Testimonial