2019 2020 Academic Catalog - 96

Water and Environmental Technology (WET)
WET 106 (3 credits)
Wastewater Collection

This course provides students with an introduction to the
practical aspects of operating and maintaining wastewater
collection systems with a focus on the knowledge and skills
operators need to identify collection system problems and
select appropriate methods to solve them. Students learn the
components and typical layouts of collection systems and are
introduced to safety procedures for construction, inspection,
and testing of sewers and the inspection of manholes and
underground construction and repair. Students learn the
basics of closed-circuit television inspections, clearing
stoppages, cleaning sewers, and controlling roots, grease,
odors, and corrosion in collection systems, and learn to solve
arithmetic problems relating to the operation and maintenance
of wastewater collection systems.

WET 111 (2 credits)
Drinking Water Distribution

Students learn about the practical aspects of operating and
maintaining water distribution systems, emphasizing safe
practices and procedures, including the role and duties
of water distribution system operators, procedures for
operating and maintaining clear wells and storage tanks,
and components and characteristics of distribution system
facilities. The course covers the basics of operating and
maintaining distribution systems, maintaining water quality
in the system, disinfecting new and repaired facilities as well
as water delivered to consumers. Techniques for recognizing
hazards and developing safe procedures and programs is
also taught.

WET 116 (4 Credits)
Water Resources

Introducing students to topics such as the properties of
water, water resources management, sources of water,
management of storm water, and water quantity and quality
requirements, this course provides an understanding of the
characteristics of surface water and groundwater sources
and examines the impact of urbanization on runoff. Students
discuss the relationship between the hydrological cycle and
the treatment of water and wastewater and gain hands-on
experience through laboratory exercises, case studies, and
field trips, as appropriate.

WET 121 (2 credits)
Safety, Health, and Security

An introduction to safety, health, and security procedures
to address the hazards and risks associated with operating
and maintaining water and wastewater systems. Students
learn about industry-accepted safety practices to provide
the workforce with a safe working environment. Students
learn to identify and predict hazards in the work environment
and learn proper use of personal protective equipment. The
biological and chemical hazards associated with operating
treatment facilities is also covered. Students are introduced to
safety and emergency preparedness and the importance of
coordinating activities with other agencies.
96  Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

WET 156 (4 credits)
Drinking Water I

An introduction to the equipment and processes used in the
treatment of drinking water, the course introduces students
to different sources of water, reservoir management, and
intake structures. Students learn how to safely operate and
maintain coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration,
and disinfection processes. Topics such as the control of
tastes and odors in drinking water, the Lead and Copper Rule,
and solving arithmetic problems related to water treatment
plant operations are also covered. Students are introduced to
daily operating procedures, regulation of flows, chemical use
and handling, records and reports, plant maintenance, safety
and security, emergency conditions and procedures, handling
complaints, and energy conservation.

WET 161 (4 credits)
Wastewater I

The course serves as an introduction to the equipment and
processes used in the treatment of wastewater. Students
are introduced to the different components of wastewater
treatment facilities, including racks and screens, grit removal,
sedimentation and floatation, trickling filters, rotating biological
contactors, activated sludge, wastewater stabilization ponds,
and disinfection. Topics such as why we treat wastewater, the
duties of a wastewater treatment plant operator, and NPDES
permits are also introduced.

Prerequisite: WET 106

WET 166 (2 credits)
Administration/Rules and Regulations

Covering the major areas of responsibility of a utility
manager, the course also includes the legal requirements
of federal legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), the importance of developing policies and
procedures for dealing with harassment, grievances,
and violence in the workplace. Students also discuss the
financial management of a utility, including assessing the
financial strength and stability of the utility, budgeting, and
funding capital improvements. Finally, the course introduces
students to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection regulations governing water and wastewater
treatment facilities.

WET 206 (5 credits)
Wastewater II

Building upon the topics covered in WET 161, the course
covers conventional activated sludge processes, sludge
digestion and basic solids handling, effluent disposal,
plant safety and good housekeeping, plant and equipment
maintenance, laboratory procedures and chemistry, use of
computers for plant operation and maintenance, analysis
and presentation of data, and records and report writing.
Operators also learn to analyze and solve operational
problems and to perform mathematical calculations relating
to wastewater treatment process control. A laboratory
component allows students to gain hands-on experience.

Prerequisite: WET 161
2019 2020 Academic Catalog

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2019 2020 Academic Catalog
