Water Programs – Wastewater & Drinking Water

Program Description

Beginning Wastewater Treatment Class 3 and 4

Instructor: Lisa Perry
Virtual Class ID: 1436
This class will be delivered virtually via Zoom.

This course will help prepare you for the Class 3 and Class 4 wastewater operators’ state exam and IL EPA certification. Applicants must meet specific experience, education, and examination requirements in order to qualify for certification. You will earn three months of on-the-job credit by completing this class and gain confidence in your abilities as you take this first step in moving up in this vital water field.

Topics include:

  • Introduction to wastewater
  • Collection systems
  • Lift stations
  • Flow measurement
  • Stabilization ponds
  • Sampling and laws governing treatment plants
  • Chlorination

Tuition: $480
Textbook and shipping: $115
Class schedule: 11 Tuesdays, Sept. 12 – Nov. 21, 6-9 p.m.

Registration: Contact Julie Gelaude at 309-796-5715


Beginning Drinking Water Class C and D

Instructors: Jason Upton and Bob Bohannon
Virtual Class ID: 1434
This class will be delivered virtually via Zoom.

If you are beginning a career in the water field, this class will prepare you for certification testing as a Class C and D Public Water Supply Operator.  This class will also serve as continuing education credits for Class A and B certificate holders.

Topics include:

  • Well and distribution system operation and maintenance
  • Basic water flow hydraulics
  • Chemical dosage mathematics
  • Environmental Protection Agency laws
  • Chlorination and fluoridation

Following class, students are responsible for scheduling their own exam for the Drinking Water Operator Certificate through the Illinois EPA.

Tuition: $575 (includes textbook and shipping)
Class schedule: 11 Mondays, Sept. 11 – Nov. 27, 6-9 p.m.

Registration: Contact Julie Gelaude at 309-796-5715


Advanced Drinking Water Operations Class A and B

Instructors: Jason Upton and Bob Bohannon
Virtual Class ID: 1435
This class will be delivered virtually via Zoom.

This course covers a majority of the significant procedures and concepts related to the operation and maintenance of Illinois Class B and Class A public water supply operations, and will prepare students for the Class B and Class A water operators’ IL EPA exam and certification. Students must meet specific experience, education, and examination requirements in order to qualify for that certification.

Topics include:

  • Disinfection
  • Fluoridation
  • Distribution
  • Clarification
  • Lime-Soda Softening
  • Ion Exchange Softening
  • Filtration
  • Iron & Manganese Control

Tuition: $590 (includes textbook and shipping)
Class schedule: 13 Tuesdays, Sept. 12 – Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m.

Registration: Contact Julie Gelaude at 309-796-5715


Advanced Wastewater Class 1 and 2

Instructor: Lisa Perry
Virtual Class ID: 1437
This class will be delivered virtually via Zoom. 

This course covers a majority of the significant procedures and concepts related to the operation and maintenance of Illinois Class B and Class A public water supply operations and will prepare students for the Class B and Class A water operators’ IL EPA exam and certification. Students must meet specific experience, education, and examination requirements to qualify for that certification.

Topics include:

  • Activated Sludge
  • Chemical Addition
  • Digesters
  • Primary Treatment
  • Pumps and Pumping
  • Tertiary Treatment

Tuition: $480
Textbook and shipping: $115
Class schedule: 11 Thursdays, Sept. 7 – Nov. 16, 6-9 p.m.

Registration: Contact Julie Gelaude at 309-796-5715


Refund Policy for Water Program Classes: Full refund will be granted when a student withdraws at least four business days prior to class start date by calling 309-796-5715.