51±¬ÁÏ

51±¬ÁÏ is one of the few institutions in the nation where students can earn an associate of applied science in environmental water technology, a one-year certificate in environmental technology and Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The department currently offers eight areas of concentration:

• Water Plant Operation
• Advanced Water Plant Operations
• Water Distribution System Operation
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation
• Wastewater Collection System Operation
• Utilities Maintenance
• Utilities Management
• Advance Wastewater

Students who complete the associate of applied science in environmental water technology degree, and are employed by a water or wastewater purveyor, qualify to take the Kansas State Operator Class 1 certification test from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. For more information about operator certification and examination qualifications, please visit

The Course for the Training of Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers is designed to train the attendees in the intricacies of field testing the pressure type vacuum breakers, the double-check valve assemblies, and the reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies. The course is comprised of a series of lectures followed by guided exercises in a wet lab area where “hands-on” experience provides the understanding of the field testing methods. CCCBP Defined, CCCBP Causes, Case Histories, Degrees of Hazard, Potential Danger Areas, Types of Backflow Prevention Devices, Device Troubleshooting, Device Applications, Federal & State Regulations and Statutes, Hands-on Practice and Testing on Various Devices.

If you would like to enroll in one of the workshops listed, please contact Buddy Jo Tanck at 913 294 4178 ext. 6002. This is not an enrollment but will secure a place for you in the workshop. You will be notified that the information has been received and accepted in the workshop. Most workshops now have a limited number of spaces available, so it is important to submit the information as early as possible. You will need to know the date and the location of the workshop on the enrollment page.

Call 51±¬ÁÏ, 913.294.4178 ext. 6002 or email Buddy Jo Tanck @buddyt@fortscott.edu to enroll.

If you would like to enroll in one of the workshops listed, please contact Buddy Jo Tanck @ buddyt@fortscott.edu. This is not an enrollment but will secure a place for you in the workshop. You will be notified that the information has been received and accepted in the workshop. Most workshops now have a limited number of spaces available, so it is important to submit the information as early as possible. You will need to know the date and the location of the workshop on the enrollment page.

One time grant funding is available from EPA, KDHE offers small public water supply systems – serving a population of less than 3,300 – assistance to train and certify back up operators.

For more information on KBOP (Kansas Backup Operators Program) please contact Vickie Wessel 785 296 2976 or Teresa Schuyler 785-296-5511.

Fall 2025 Classes

08/18/2025 to 12/11/2025
ALL COURSES ARE ONLINE

Water Plant Operation (Water Treatment Plant Operator WTPO)

EWT 1013 | Operation & Maintenance of Water Treatment Plants | 3hrs

EWT 1022 | Hydraulics WTPO | 2hrs

EWT 1032 | Laboratory Methods for WTPO | 2hrs

EWT 1046 | Occupational Experience for WTPO | 6hrs

Wastewater Collection System Operation & Maintenance

EWT 1413 | Wastewater Collection System Operation & Maintenance | 3hrs

EWT 1422 | Hydraulics of Collection Systems | 2hrs

EWT 1432 | Collection System Administration | 2hrs

EWT 1446 | Occupational Experience for Wastewater Collection System Operations | 6hrs

Utilities Maintenance

EWT 2053 | Pumping and Pumping Systems | 3hrs

EWT 2062 | General Maintenance Process | 2hrs

EWT 2072 | General Maintenance Theory | 2hrs

EWT 1046 | Occupational Experience for Maintenance Personnel | 6hrs

 is interactive online tool that reviews cost and earnings data from real graduates for each undergraduate degree program offered at a public college or university in Kansas.

This section is designed so that the Water and Wastewater Operators of the State of Kansas can access regulations relating to Water and Wastewater field.

Technical Services

Operator Certification

• Nomination Form
• Past Award Winners

We believe that what we do in the water and wastewater industries and the environmental sciences makes a difference and truly matters to our customers and also to our very own families and ourselves. We believe that we are only stewards of the land, air, and water for a short time, and that we should do whatever we can to leave it better than we received it. We know the importance of delivering good education to the operators of our water and wastewater industry. We are committed to this endeavor.

We all know the difficulties faced by the economy and the water and wastewater industries, however, through shared communication and servant leadership, we can carry on with the good influence of education and training for our operators and the entire field.

• Students will demonstrate the knowledge of fundamental aspects of drinking water distribution, drinking water treatment, wastewater collection and wastewater treatments, utilities management and utilities maintenance.
• Students will apply math and hydraulic skills to general public work activities, water, and wastewater plant operation, management skills, collection systems and water distribution operations.
• Students will follow safe work practices.
• Students will be able to conduct routine operations and maintenance of equipment used in water treatment plant.
• Students will demonstrate understanding of state and federal regulations for water and wastewater plant operations.

The Water Quality Protection Demonstration Project for Public Educational Entities is designed to provide demonstrative efforts to assist public education institutions in developing and implementing strategies for mitigating stormwater as it passes through their property. Codes and standards are living documents, born of the efforts of responsible parties who wish to improve the quality of life within their communities, taking life experiences and learning from them. The final result of this grant is intended to produce workable solutions to natural quality impacts. 51±¬ÁÏ is the perfect format to perform both requirements of the grant: identifying and demonstrating workable solutions for stormwater management. The college looks forward to cataloging outcomes of the effort and developing the thought process to assist public entities facing similar stormwater management and quality challenges.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

If you would like to enroll in one of the workshops listed, please fill out the Information Request Form. This is not an enrollment but will secure a place for you in the workshop. You will be notified that the information has been received and accepted in the workshop. Most workshops now have a limited number of spaces available, so it is important to submit the information as early as possible. You will need to know the date and the location of the workshop on the enrollment page.

All workshops listed are 2 day workshops except Small Water Systems and Small Wastewater Systems. Cost of 2 day workshop is $140.00 for 10 CEU’s and 1 college credit. If you only attend 1 day of a 2 day workshop the cost is still $140.00, 5 CEU’s and no college credit.

Contact Buddy Jo Tanck at 913 294 4178 ext. 6002 for more information.

Summer 2025 Schedule

• • June 9-13 | MTWRF – 8:30AM – 4:30PM

    C&C BACKFLOW PREVENTION – EWT1262-460

    Riley County Public Works

    6215 Tuttle Creek Blvd, Manhattan, KS 66503

  • June 12-13 | RF – 8:30AM – 4:30PM

    CROSS CONNECTIONS CONTROL – EWT1261-460

    Riley County Public Works

    6215 Tuttle Creek Blvd, Manhattan, KS 66503

  • July 21-25 | MTWRF – 8:30AM – 4:30PM

    C&C BACKFLOW PREVENTION – EWT1262-462
    Dodge City

  • July 24-25 | RF – 8:30AM – 4:30PM

    CROSS CONNECTIONS CONTROL – EWT1261-462
    Dodge City