Water Resource Science
Please Notice: This Program is being phased out effective Spring 2023**
**Students currently in this program will be able to complete their coursework until Summer 2026. If a student is not planning to complete by that time, they are encouraged to reach out to their advisor to review other major options. |
About the Program
Northwest Vista College provides state of the art equipment and instruction for a program in Water Resource Science (previously Advanced Water Treatment). The program centers on project-based learning in which students are introduced to the public health aspects of potable water supply, operation of wells, process control procedures, techniques and equipment, advanced water mathematics, water treatment systems, water treatment plant equipment, water analysis pretreatment membranes, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and other high purity technologies. The program includes hands-on experience in the most current treatment methods and results in a certificate or degree in Water Resource Science.
What will I learn?Graduates of the Water Resource Science program have the knowledge to effectively and safely operate and maintain water treatment plants, to monitor, troubleshoot, and chemically clean equipment that that is essential to manufacturing. The program centers on project-based learning in which students are introduced to the public health aspects of potable water supply, operation of wells, process control procedures, chlorination systems, water softening, treatment plant safety procedures, laboratory procedures, techniques and equipment, advanced water mathematics, water treatment systems, water treatment plant equipment, water analysis, pretreatment membranes, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and other high purity technologies. Training prepares students to be employed as entry-level technicians in a variety of water treatment settings, including: municipal drinking water plants, water recycling plants, semiconductor industry, food and dairy industry, petrochemical industry, electric power generation industry, industrial wastewater plants, manufacturing facilities, and government agencies. |
What can I do with this course of study?Training prepares students to be employed as entry-level technicians in a variety of water treatment settings, including: municipal drinking water plants, water recycling plants, semiconductor industry, food and dairy industry, petrochemical industry, electric power generation industry, industrial wastewater plants, manufacturing facilities, and government agencies. |
What is special about this program?
Graduates of the Water Resource Science Program have the knowledge to operate, monitor, troubleshoot and chemically clean equipment that is essential to manufacturing. Training prepares students to be employed as entry-level technicians in a variety of water treatment settings.
The San Antonio Metropolitan area's population and water needs are expected to double in the next few decades, according to the San Antonio Water System. This increased demand in addition to cyclical drought conditions and growing concerns about the purity and security of our water supply is changing the way businesses and governmental agencies approach water use and treatment.
Occupational profiles indicate a 19% growth for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and Systems Operators by 2022 in the Alamo Region. Estimated average hourly wage is *$17.23 in the Alamo Region. (Source: SOCRATES-Occupational Profiles-Alamo Region) *Note: Variations should be expected.
This program includes a Baccalaureate transfer degree to Texas A&M San Antonio (TAMUSA). All credits (100%) taken at Northwest Vista College will transfer to TAMUSA. Once you complete your 4-year degree, you can also complete a Master’s Degree in Water Resource Science. The links to these agreements are provided below:
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Water Treatment Plant Operators treat water using chemicals and filtration to make water safe to drink.
Water Distribution System Operators transport water in distribution pipes and from storage tanks to homes and businesses for drinking and for fighting fires. They keep the distribution pipes clean and under pressure to deliver safe water for drinking.
Wastewater Collection System Operators collect wastewater from homes and businesses and convey the water to a wastewater treatment plant. They keep the collection systems pipes and pumps clean and free from blockages to prevent raw sewage spills and overflows into the environment.
Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Plant Operators treat wastewater using chemicals, physical, and biological means, and reclaim the water for reuse to protect the environment
Training prepares students to be employed as entry-level technicians in a variety of water treatment settings, including: municipal drinking water plants, water recycling plants, semiconductor industry, food and dairy industry, petrochemical industry, electric power generation industry, industrial waste water plants, manufacturing facilities, and government agencies.
Job Outlook
Graduates of the Water Resource Science Program have the knowledge to operate, monitor, troubleshoot and chemically clean equipment that is essential to manufacturing. Training prepares students to be employed as entry-level technicians in a variety of water treatment settings.
The San Antonio Metropolitan area's population and water needs are expected to double in the next few decades, according to the San Antonio Water System. This increased demand in addition to cyclical drought conditions and growing concerns about the purity and security of our water supply is changing the way businesses and governmental agencies approach water use and treatment.
Occupational profiles indicate a 19% growth for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and Systems Operators by 2022 in the Alamo Region. Estimated average hourly wage is *$17.23 in the Alamo Region. (Source: SOCRATES-Occupational Profiles-Alamo Region) *Note: Variations should be expected.
Careers Available:
The following titles are examples of careers associated with this program but not limited to:
- Water Treatment Plant Operator
- Water Distribution System Operator
- Wastewater Collection System Operator
- Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Plant Operator
Alamo Colleges Ready to Work ProgramConnecting you with training programs at the Alamo Colleges – and beyond. One or more of these programs are approved Ready to Work programs. Find out if you’re eligible to receive free tuition and job placement services that will enable you to secure an in-demand career. Don’t wait; apply today! |
The Alamo Colleges District is a proud partner of the City of San Antonio’s Ready to Work Program. |
Available Courses:
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EPCT 1327 EPCT 2315 EPCT 2303 EPCT 2314 EPCT 1343 EPCT 2342 EPCT 2306 EPCT 2335 SPCH 1321 BIOL 1306 or 1308 or 2306 |
EPCT 1328 CHEM 1305 EPCT 2312 ENGL 1301 EPCT 1347 EPCT 1370 EPCT 2341 ECON 2301 Language, Philosophy & Culture (40) Core Mathematics (20) Core |
Useful Links
Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority
Texas Water Utilities Association
Summary Report for: Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
About the Program Coordinator: Dr. Howard Marquise
Teaching Philosophy
I feel that education is a tool that can be used to change one’s social status. It is my belief that everyone can be taught. Of course the person has to have the desire and willingness to learn. Yes, certain individuals may have more intelligence, or have a higher IQ and be more suited to certain occupations than others, but everyone can improve their life dramatically through education. Obtaining an education and attending school is much more than learning facts and solving problems. It is learning how to reason and my goal as an educator is to shape the way my students will think in the future. The philosophy that I believe is the most critical to my success as an educator and more importantly to my student’s achievement is to show them I care for them.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Higher Education
University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, 2015
Master of Education, Adult Education
University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas
Graduated distinguished student GPA 4.0, May 2010
Masters of Science, Chemistry
University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
Completed six hours graduate study, 2001
Microsoft Certified System Engineer
New Horizons Computer Training Center, San Antonio, Texas
Completed training courses, 1997
Masters of Science, Analytical Chemistry
University of Houston, Houston, Texas
Completed twelve hours graduate study, 1988
Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
University of Houston, Houston, Texas, 1987
Labs
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Faculty and Staff
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Contact Us |
Dr. Howard Marquise Location: Phone: |
Emily Coppin Location: Phone: |
Adrienne Partida Phone: |
Teresa Dimas Location: Phone: |