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Department of Water Engineering Technology

Water Engineering Technology student works in the field

Experienced faculty teach students to monitor, assess and protect both public health and water in the environment. Students will learn about water quality, water testing, treatment, biology and chemistry, through classroom, laboratory and field learning. Water Engineering Technology students who participate in the Co-operative work semesters average $25 per hour. After graduation, 84% of graduates are employed in a water related field with an average wage of $32 per hour.

Program spotlight

Pipes. Storage. Microbes. Runoff. Stream protection. Treatment. Erosion. There’s a lot more to the Diploma in Water Engineering Technology than you think. 

Studying microplastics in fresh water

OC Water Engineering Technology students have teamed up with community partners to determine if there are microplastics in Okanagan Lake and municipal wastewater.

Joshua Sztanko, who hails originally from Niagara Falls, was one of the Ƶ students who worked on the project.

“Our work involved isolating, verifying and measuring microplastics from the samples provided,” explains Sztanko, who will graduate this year. “This was a phenomenal capstone project in that it offered a real-world learning opportunity with microplastics and the chance to contribute to a study that has an impact right here in the Okanagan where we live.”

Watch the trailer

Faculty

Sydney Acton

Chair - Water Engineering Technology, Professor - Chemistry
Office: C Building 290B
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 6430
Photo of Sydney Acton

I grew up in the Okanagan where I completed my BSc (Hons) in Chemistry at UBCO. During my undergraduate studies I also gained experience in the world of water working in a water conservation/public outreach role and as a lab technician at the Duteau Water Treatment Plant. I then pursued my MSc research under Dr. Keillor at the University of Ottawa, where I specialized in organic chemistry and chemical biology.  I discovered my passion for teaching early during my studies as a Chemistry Tutor and Teaching assistant and I am thrilled to have returned home to teach Chemistry at OC! I serve as a dual member of the Water Engineering Technology (WET) and Chemistry Departments and currently hold the position of Chair of the WET Department. I have been a professor at OC since 2019. Outside the classroom, you’ll likely find me enjoying the natural beauty of this region!

Credentials:
MSc, Chemistry, University of Ottawa
BSc (Hons), Chemistry, UBC Okanagan
P. Chem

Frank Carey

Professor and PLC Pundit, Water Engineering and Technology
Office: C Building 104
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4379
Frank Carey Headshot

Owen Lloyd

Mechanical Engineering Technology / Water Engineering Technology
Office: C Building 288A
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4557
Water Engineering - Owen Lloyd

Credentials:
RSE, General Machinist, BCIT
Technologist, CNC Programmer, BCIT
Journeymen Automotive Machinist, BCIT

Allison O'Neill

Professor and PAC Paragon, Water Engineering Technology
Office: C Building 163
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4633
Allison O'Neill Headshot

 

I am a professional engineer with more than 12 years of civil and environmental engineering experience. I have consulted on projects primarily located in British Columbia and Alberta with a focus on brownfield redevelopment. I have been with Ƶ Water Engineering Technology program since 2004. During my time with OC, I have taught a wide range of applied courses including hydrology, hydrogeology, municipal distribution and collection systems, surveying and environmental law. I am also a long-time member of the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council. I was elected to the EOCP Board of Directors in June 2018 and am currently the Board Treasurer.

Credentials:
MEd, Leadership and Administration, Gonzaga University
BASc, Civil Engineering, University of Calgary
P.Eng.

David Teasdale

Professor and Capstone Dude, Water Engineering Technology
Office: C Building 128
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 6376
Water Engineering - David Teasdale

 

My background includes more than 18 years of operational and management experience across several Class IV Water and Class IV Wastewater Treatment plants located in British Columbia and Alberta. I was the primary lead for the construction and management of the worlds largest and most state of the art Class IV enhanced membrane water treatment plants in North America from pre-design stage to completion. This 48-million dollar project presented extensive research opportunities working with various government agencies and organizations. I was also a key player in a 38-million dollar wastewater treatment plant expansion completed in 2014. My industry experience compounded with several technical and academic research projects provide students enrolled in the Water Engineering Technology Program a solid background for success after graduation.

Credentials:
BEnvSc
Level IV EOCP Certified

Rob Mellander

Laboratory Technician, Water Engineering Technology
Office: CA Building 101
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4493
Rob Mellander Headshot

I am very passionate about this industry having been a member of the board for AWWA, BCWWA, CWSA. I have been very fortunate to have fantastic leaders and mentors for my entire working career that has taken me all over the province working with many engineering companies, First Nations, Utility companies, Municipalities or Federal and Provincial Governments.  I have worked in local Government as a Level II WD & WWC operator and ending as a Manager of Public Works. I am registered with ASTTBC as a Technical Specialist - Certified Public Works Inspector 2 and have owned two successful companies, fire Hydrant maintenance and repair, Civil Engineering Consulting.

Courses

Water Engineering Technology students learn what goes into treating water for safe drinking, protecting bodies of water like lakes and streams, testing water for microbes and chemicals and securely storing and moving water through pipes.

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