A new, modernized water technology classroom is in final planning stages for the Santiago Canyon College campus that will feature state-of-the-art equipment to help train students for well-paying careers in water districts throughout Orange County and beyond.
The workings of water systems are largely hidden from public view, yet the everyday functioning of water taps, toilets, fire hydrants and irrigation systems depend on fully operating equipment and skilled workers to maintain them. Jobs in this area are in high demand. “Our need for water is not going away, and these are six-figure-salary jobs with pensions,” said Jason Parks, SCC’s vice president of academic affairs.
The new lab will enhance SCC’s substantial Water and Wastewater Technology program. “Water technology is one of the most popular programs in the division of business and career education,” said Denise Foley, dean of the division. “It’s one of the few and largest programs in the state that teaches water operations in treatment and distribution.”
Students completing classes offered by the department are prepared to take and pass state certification exams, which can lead directly to employment with regional utilities and water districts such as the Orange County Water District.
An already-existing space on the campus will be converted into the new lab and will include equipment for backflow prevention assembly — a system of valves and relief valves that prevent contamination of drinking water.
“With different varieties of backflow assembly devices in this classroom, students will be able to identify them, manually test them and troubleshoot them,” said Hisham Elmishad, who is a registered environmental health specialist and water quality supervisor at Orange County Health Care Agency, Environmental Health. The new lab will also accommodate more students.
Once certified as backflow prevention assembly testers, students in SCC’s “Water 145” class may go on to work as journeyman plumbers, plant maintenance operators and water utility operators at various water districts or even open their own backflow assembly testing businesses, Elmishad said.
Classes in this program are taught by faculty who are industry professionals and cover water distribution, water reuse and water reclamation, as well as practical application of treatment techniques. Currently, one of the lab classes takes place outdoors on the campus, which means equipment needs to be set up ahead of time and then removed and stored afterward.
The new space will be designed to fulfill the needs of the class with no need to spend time setting it up. “Water technology classes are wet, with water spraying everywhere,” Foley said. “The new lab will be set up so that water will not cause damage and will drain appropriately.” Because it will be fully outfitted with necessary equipment, including sinks and running water, valuable classroom time will be saved.
Although students do not need a degree to enter this field, certification from the California State Water Resources Control Board is required, and SCC fully prepares students for those certification exams, Parks said. A job developer also helps position students for internships that are available with local water districts and utilities by reviewing their resumes, practicing interviewing skills and providing guidance in filling out applications.
Federal funding will pay for part of the cost of the new lab.
“Water security is fundamental to Southern California’s future and directly tied to affordability and quality of life for families across our region,” said Rep. Young Kim (CA-40). “That’s why I was proud to secure $1 million in federal funding to support Santiago Canyon College’s new water science and career training lab. This investment will modernize facilities, align training with real workforce needs and prepare Orange County students for good-paying jobs in critical fields like water management and biotechnology.”
Looking ahead, Santiago Canyon College has applied to the state to offer a bachelor’s degree in applied water and wastewater technology, Foley said. This degree would allow water industry professionals to move up to supervisory or leadership roles. “The water agencies are asking for this. It would be great for the students and great for the industry,” she said.