Advance your career with the UW–Madison’s Drinking Water Systems Certificate. Develop comprehensive expertise in drinking water systems and apply best practices to enhance your organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. Our course formats provide ultimate flexibility for working professionals.
Learning Outcomes:
- Build Expertise in Core Principles — Understand fundamental drinking water treatment processes and technologies.
- Implement Industry Best Practices — Apply practical strategies in water systems design, management, and operations.
- Achieve Career Objectives —Integrate innovative technologies to enhance your organization’s water management practices.
- Strengthen Collaborative Skills — Communicate effectively across engineering, regulatory, operational, and financial disciplines.
Courses (click for available dates)
Required Curriculum (All of the following): |
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Essentials of Drinking Water Treatment |
Essentials of Hydraulics for Civil and Environmental Professionals |
Water Storage Tanks: Operation, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation |
Elective Courses (Select two): |
Asset Management Practices – A Practical Approach |
Corrosion Control and Water Quality Improvement in Drinking Water Distribution SystemsAvailable online anytime – $695.00
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Instrumentation and Control for Water and Wastewater ProcessesAvailable online anytime – $395.00
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Who Is This Certificate For?
Ideal for engineers, operators, managers, consultants, municipal staff, regulators, federal and military personnel, manufacturers, and others involved in drinking water treatment and water-related organizations.
Certificate Requirements
To earn this certificate, complete the following:
3 required courses
2 elective courses
Two check-in meetings with the Program Director, including one at completion of all courses.
Time & Cost
Time to completion: 2-3 years, based on individual schedule and course availability.
Cost: Courses are priced as marked. 10% discount for certificate participants.
Commit to Your Career
Take the next step toward enhancing your expertise and career opportunities. There is no cost or commitment to enroll in the certificate—by signing up you will receive discounts on individual courses and periodic program updates.
Program Director
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?
A: No, you may complete them in any order.
Q: Can I sign up for the certificate if I’ve already taken some of the required or elective courses?
A: Yes! You can sign up anytime. Any eligible courses you have already taken can be applied toward the certificate.
Q: Is the certificate recognized for CEUs?
A: CEUs are awarded for each course completed. Note that some requirements can vary by state—check your state’s requirements to verify that you are eligible to claim the hours.
Q: How does this certificate differ from other water-related certifications?
A: Unlike certifications focused solely on operations, this certificate offers a broader perspective that includes engineering, management, asset planning, and regulatory alignment.
Q: What topics are covered?
A: The certificate includes hands-on courses in drinking water purification and treatment, water quality management, corrosion control, and asset management for water utilities.
Q: Is this certificate recognized by industry or government agencies?
A: This certificate is granted from University of Wisconsin-Madison and is therefore recognized broadly, but it is not a licensure program. It supports continuing education for professionals working in public water systems and drinking water safety compliance roles.
Q: Do I need a background in engineering to enroll?
A: No. The program is designed for a wide range of professionals, including those in utility operations and facilities management, not just engineers. It’s an accessible entry point for anyone pursuing drinking water skills. However, participants will typically benefit most when they have some experience in the field or when they are actively applying it in their work.
Q: Do I need to travel to Wisconsin to take courses?
A: No. All of the courses have an online option. Our HyFlex format allows for in-person attendance but is also streamed online (therefore it is both in-person and online at the same time). For more information, see the individual web pages for each course.
Q: What’s the difference between this and a full online degree?
A: This certificate is not part of a degree and is shorter-term. It is part of what are called “non-credit” courses. It’s ideal for professionals who need focused training classes without committing to a full degree program.
Q: Are the courses 100% online?
A: The courses vary in format. Formats include: Live Online, Self-Paced Online (Anytime/Anywhere with recorded content), and HyFlex which allows for in-person attendance but is also streamed online (therefore it is both in-person and online at the same time). For more information, see the individual web pages for each course.
Q: Are there group discounts or employer-billing options for organizations sending multiple staff?
A: Yes—organizations that enroll large groups can receive custom discounts. Please reach out to the Program Director for more information.
Still Have Questions?
Contact Adib Amini for more details or to request information about this Drinking Water Certificate or upcoming sessions.
Sign up for the Drinking Water Systems Certificate
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