Most of us never stop to question if the water from our tap is safe to drink. We certainly never consider the complexities of wastewater treatment or how these systems function. Fortunately, students from Mohawk College’s Environmental Technician program are gaining the knowledge and skills needed to tackle these age-old challenges with modern solutions.
This isn't just classroom learning. It's about getting hands-on with the technology that keeps our water clean, as demonstrated by a recent field trip to Endress+Hauser, a global leader in measurement and automation technology.
Water treatment basics
Before we dive in, let’s go over the basics of water treatment. Water treatment plants run by our cities have two key objectives: purifying our drinking water and refining our wastewater so that it can be safely returned to the environment.
In Hamilton, our wastewater is a serious undertaking. As Greg Matzke, a professor in the Mohawk College Environmental Technician program explains, facilities like the one on Woodworth Avenue handle hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of water daily. The treatment process involves multiple stages:
- Primary treatment: a physical process to remove solids
- Secondary treatment: uses bacteria to break down organic matter
- Tertiary treatment: refines the water through chlorination, ozonation, or other chemical processes
Real-time monitoring and automation
In the past, each stage required manual testing, but starting in the 1990s, sensor-based water monitoring has automated much of the process. This allows for real-time analysis and data collection.
Why does this matter? Because it allows for faster, more accurate responses to changes in water quality. It improves safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.
How does Endress+Hauser fit in?
Endress+Hauser is a private company specializing in the technology behind wastewater treatment. According to Matzke, the business "designs and sells those sensors" and "the entire process control system" that enables water treatment plants to run smoothly.
In their own words, Endress+Hauser offers “comprehensive process solutions for flow, level, pressure, analysis, temperature, recording and digital communications across a wide range of industries, optimizing processes with regards to economic efficiency, safety and environmental protection.”
Simply put, they make the tools our cities use to keep our water clean.
Automation as a tool, not a replacement for humans
You're probably wondering why we would need technicians and technologists if these systems are automated.
As Matzke explains, these computer systems provide data, but plant operators and technicians must interpret that data and make important and timely decisions. “[Technicians] can see what's going on with the process, how the treatment is going." They assess trends, identify anomalies, and adjust if needed.
Automation supports human oversight and intervention; it doesn’t replace it.
Preparing for the field trip
Before visiting Endress+Hauser, students had already developed a solid understanding of the principles of water treatment and environmental monitoring. Many also have co-op experience in industrial settings, including wastewater treatment plants.
The visit to Endress+Hauser gave students the chance to see these principles in action.
As Matzke puts it, the trip served as a "refresher course about the sensors and actual connection of those sensors to the process control.” It bridged the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice.
The value of a field trip
So, what exactly did the students do at Endress+Hauser? The visit included:
- A plant tour focused on the sensor and detector technologies that Endress+Hauser manufactures.
- A lecture on the theory of operation for various measurement devices, including magnetic flow meters, ultrasonic flow, pressure, pH, conductivity, turbidity, and chlorine sensors.
- A demonstration of how to calibrate these sensors.
These activities allowed students to see firsthand how the technologies are used in environmental monitoring.
The trip also served as a networking opportunity. A representative from Endress+Hauser’s HR department attended, giving students the chance to learn about potential career paths and reminding them to keep monitoring the website for job postings.
For Yury Garzon Bautista, the experience was especially meaningful. “Meeting a possible employer before graduation was a fantastic chance,” he said. “It helped me better grasp what companies in this industry are seeking and offered me the opportunity to observe firsthand the type of work atmosphere and values the company holds.”
Connecting experience to theory
Back in the classroom, students were given a post-trip assignment designed to reinforce their understanding. Matzke tasked them with exploring a wastewater treatment website and identifying the specific sensors used in different stages. Students were required to "describe the sensors used in that specific unit" and explain "how they work.".
As Matzke notes, this type of assignment helps students gain a deeper understanding of the technology and its applications. It reinforces the idea that the Environmental Technician program at Mohawk College is not just about learning in a classroom; it's about applying that knowledge to real-world challenges.
Preparing students for future careers
The Environmental Technician program at Mohawk College prepares students for a wide range of careers. When asked, Matzke said “Graduates find opportunities as laboratory technicians, industrial technicians, or field technicians." These roles involve everything from analyzing samples in a lab to operating large-scale treatment facilities and collecting samples in the field.
The field trip to Endress+Hauser gave students a glimpse into the world of high-tech environmental monitoring. As Matzke points out, the co-op program is particularly valuable, offering students "one year [of] industrial exposure" and the chance to build valuable networks. “This program and experiences like the field trip have helped me gain a better understanding of how what we learn in class is applied in the real world,” said Mary Kathleen Principe. “Visiting a company like Endress+Hauser showed me how the industry works and what skills are important, which has made me feel more confident and prepared for my future career.”
Ecological and human health
The work of environmental technicians is critical to both ecological and human health. Matzke references the E. coli bacteria drinking water contamination in Walkerton that occurred. Failures in water treatment can have devastating consequences. Effective water treatment is essential for public health, and the technology used in this process saves lives.
These students are preparing to be on the front lines of environmental protection, safeguarding ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future. The Environmental Technician program gives them the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to make a real difference.
For Pedro Santana, the mission is personal. “I am passionate about ensuring access to clean, safe water, whether through water treatment, environmental monitoring, or sustainable resource management,” he shared. “In a municipal water treatment role, I could directly contribute to providing high-quality drinking water to residents. Alternatively, working in environmental consulting or hydrogeology would allow me to monitor aquifers, assess water quality, and mitigate risks from urban development. I’m particularly interested in supporting responsible water use through initiatives like Permits to Take Water, helping balance community growth with environmental preservation. Knowing that my work safeguards public health and protects natural resources would be incredibly rewarding.”
His words capture the heart of the program’s mission—to prepare students not just for careers, but for work that matters.
