Water treatment
Our qualifications in water treatment cover the monitoring, treatment and supply of drinking water, from the source to the tap. Towns and cities all over New Zealand obtain their water from streams and rivers or underground aquifers. Most of this water needs to be purified and disinfected to make it safe to drink and to reduce its corrosive effect on pipes and taps.
Our Level 4 National Certificate in Water Treatment gives you the knowledge and experience to progress to the National Diploma in Drinking-Water (Level 5).
National Certificate in Water Treatment (Level 4)
Who should enrol?
This qualification is aimed at contractors or people working under supervision with local Government or industrial water supply systems who seek to further their knowledge and skills and enhance their career opportunities.
It recognises the expertise required to work as a site operator at water treatment plants. This qualification includes both compulsory and elective sections.
What does it cover?
Core skills and knowledge include workplace health and safety, knowledge of legislation and agencies relevant to drinking-water supply and basic, relevant maths and science theory.
Specialist water treatment knowledge and skills include operation of water treatment plants, water sources and pre-treatment, fundamental treatment processes, process control and monitoring, coagulation and flocculation, separation and filtration, alkalinity and pH control, taste and odour control theory, sampling theory and practice, waste management of water treatment by-products and drinking water legislation and standards.
How long will it take?
This qualification takes two years to complete and includes 20 days of theory training in the classroom.
National Diploma in Drinking-Water (Level 5) – with strands in Drinking-Water assessment and Water Treatment
Who should enrol?
This diploma is the highest nationally recognised qualification available for people working with local Government or industrial water supply systems. It is aimed at those who are currently in, or progressing towards, a sole charge, supervisory or managerial role in water treatment. Changing drinking water standards, new legislation and a competitive business environment mean that qualified water treatment managers and supervisors are in demand.
What does it cover?
Drinking-Water Assessment Strand
This strand recognises the industry-specific knowledge and skills essential for competence as a Ministry of Health approved drinking-water assessor. It is also ideal for engineers and industry supply personnel who seek to increase their knowledge of water treatment issues.
Water Treatment Strand
This strand is for water treatment plant supervisors and managers. It includes elective sections designed to recognise site-specific knowledge and skills required by individuals at the plant or plants they operate.
Core skills and knowledge include workplace health and safety, impacts of hygiene on public health, communication and management skills, quality management and legal obligations.
Specialist water treatment knowledge and skills include water catchment characteristics, managing critical points in the water treatment process, public risk health management plans, preventative maintenance, process control and plant optimisation, coagulation, flocculation, management of reticulation systems and corrosion control.
How long will it take?
This qualification takes two years to complete and includes 20 days of theory training in the classroom.