
Program Highlights
Pipes. Storage. Microbes. Runoff. Stream protection. Treatment. Erosion. There’s a lot more to Water Engineering Technology than you think.

OC's Water Engineering Technology Diploma is a Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) nationally accredited program at the technologist level.
Tuition and Fees
2020-21: $11,995.15 (Total for the two year program)
- Fees include all mandatory fees: Activity fee, Health & Dental, Student Association fee, Education Technology fee, Development fee.
- All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.
- International students will pay International tuition fees
Program Details
This Program is a unique blend of traditional chemical and civil engineering technology combined with innovative water-focused environmental studies. The goals of the program are to educate, train and equip students so they are able to play a leading role in the water industry - both in Canada and internationally - to monitor, assess and protect both public health and water in the environment.
All students complete a common first year curriculum during which they receive a strong foundation of hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, water and wastewater treatment, along with water-focused biology and chemistry. During the second year students can choose between two options: Environmental Monitoring (EM) and Water and Wastewater Technology (WWT).
- The EM option focuses on natural waters with training provided in surface and groundwater hydrology, limnology, statistics and freshwater biology.
- The WWT option focuses on domestic water treatment, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, hydraulics, and industrial computer control.
Both options also provide further training in water microbiology along with environmental and analytical chemistry. All students are expected to complete a capstone technology project where emphasis will be on application of theoretical and practical experience gained in the program.
Graduates will receive a diploma in Water Engineering Technology in one of the options listed above.
On graduation, there will be a wide choice of career opportunities which include: laboratory technologist, provincial or federal monitoring technologist, municipal water quality technologist, environmental engineering technologist and water or wastewater treatment plant operator.
The Program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) and is recognized by both the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia and the College of Applied Biology of British Columbia. Graduates are eligible for registration as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT) and/or a Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech) after two years of related work experience.
Graduates are also eligible to write certification exams administered by the Environmental Operators Certificate Program (EOCP) of B.C. Based on the practical hands on experience obtained in the WET Program, graduates are awarded six months credit towards the required work experience necessary to be eligible to write one of the EOCP Level l Examinations.
After graduating with a Diploma in Water Engineering Technology, students who wish to obtain a Bachelor Degree can continue with their education. Please refer to the Water Engineering Technology department website for a complete list of the universities and their degree programs.
Water Engineering Technology has two primary fields of specialty:
- Environmental monitoring focuses on natural waters, including training in surface and groundwater flows, freshwater biology and statistics. Okanagan Lake provides the perfect outdoor laboratory for applied field work.
- Water and wastewater treatment focuses on the processes involved in providing a safe drinking water supply and reliable wastewater management, including municipal and industrial treatment, hydraulic systems and industrial computer controls.
Graduates are qualified to become Operators under the Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP). With the right post-graduation work experience, graduates can also register as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT) and/or a Registered Biology Technologist (RBTech).
Employment that graduates often seek:
- Water or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
- Federal/Provincial Water Monitoring Technologist
- Water, Fuels and Environmental Technician (see Canadian Forces)
- Water Quality Technologist
- Environmental Engineering Technologist
- Laboratory Technologist
Learn more about careers in water engineering through the American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation.
Admission Requirements
B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.
Math requirement:
A minimum of 60% in any of:
- Pre-calculus Grade 12
- Principles of Mathematics 12
- Applications of Mathematics 12
- Adult Basic Education MATH 012
- Okanagan College MATH 120
Or a minimum of 67% in any of:
- Pre-calculus Grade 11
- Principles of Mathematics 11
- Adult Basic Education MATH 011
Or a minimum of 85% in an Okanagan College Mathematics 11 Proficiency Test
Chemistry 11 with a grade of 67% or better.
The Water Engineering Technology program stresses the use of computers in solving engineering problems. It is recommended that students entering the program have a working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and presentation tools software. An introductory course in computers or computer experience is strongly recommended.
Mature Students: Applicants who do not have secondary school graduation may apply as a mature student provided they are at least 19 years of age and have not attended secondary school on a full-time basis for a year or more. Mature students must complete specific entrance requirements that apply to regular applicants.
Program Outline
Successful completion of the prescribed courses as listed in the program outline with a minimum graduating grade average of 60%.
Additional Information
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