Surface Water Operator

Program Description

Surface Water Operators work in water treatment plants. They maintain and operate facilities to make sure water meets public health standards.

Surface water operators:

• Protect & pretreat source waters
• Operate equipment to purify & clarify water
• Monitor chemical feed & the effectiveness of treatment
• Observe & record operating conditions, meters & gauges
• Make process control decisions

Our program is intended for:

• Entry-level employees
• Experienced operators who:
  • Want to enhance their knowledge & skills
  • Seek training hours toward license renewal

Water and Wastewater Licensed Operators perform a vital role in maintaining the quality of both the human population and the natural environment.

Our Water/Wastewater Treatment Program is designed to teach you the technical knowledge to competently perform in the water and wastewater utility industry.

Credentials in Detail

After completing this program, you will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to apply and test for the appropriate TCEQ licensing exam provided all other TCEQ requirements are met.

See TCEQ registration information for licensing.

Licensing Notice: Texas House Bill 1508

This program prepares you for an occupational license. However, you may not be eligible for licensing if you have a prior criminal history.

For more details, see Texas House Bill 1508 Licensing Requirements

Course List

• Surface Water Operator

Spring 2025 Class Schedule

All courses are approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and are taught on TCC Northwest Campus.

20-hour Courses: $215

Basic Water Works Operations

• Dates: February 3–5

Water Utility Safety

• Dates: February 10–12

Water Utility Calculations

• Dates: March 10–12

Water Distribution

• Dates: March 24–26

24-hour Courses

Surface Water Production I

• Dates: April 2–4
• Tuition: $225

Water Laboratory

Includes student hands-on component

• Dates: April 23–25
• Tuition: $280

Ready to take your exams?

The Northwest Campus Professional Certification Testing Center offers TCEQ computer-based test (CBT) exams. For a complete list of TCEQ exams or to schedule an appointment to test, email ProfessionalTesting@tccd.edu.

Apply & Register for Classes

1. Apply to TCC
   • See Continuing Education Student: Getting Started at TCC
2. Find Upcoming Classes & Register
   • See How do I search/register for continuing education classes?

Are you a current operator?

Current operators may take individual courses as in-service training or on-site at a facility.