i States
:nmental Pro:
Age
i of Water
•50)
EPA 570/9-91-005
April 1991
Wltir
A Study of
State Operator
Certification Programs
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Overview 1
Background 1
Major Findings 2
II. State Operator Certification Program 4
Administration of Operator Certification Programs 4
System Coverage 5
Experience Prerequisites and Testing 9
Certificate Renewal and Continuing Education 11
Enforcement and Funding 14
III. Operator Certification Requirements for Small Systems 15
Background 15
Data Limitations on Small System Operator Certification Coverage 15
Training and Testing Requirements for Small System Operators 15
Enforcement of Operator Certification Requirements for Small Systems ... 16
IV. Questions for States to Address 17
Appendix A: Summary of States' Operator Certification Programs
Appendix B: Matrices for Sample System Types
Appendix C: State Summaries
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A Study of State Operator Certification Programs
I. Overview
Background
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the importance of
having well-trained, qualified operators for all public water systems. Traditionally,
State drinking water regulators have attempted to obtain qualified operators through
operator certification. Although certification has existed for many years, there has
been no study of these State programs. This report examines operator certification
programs in all 50 States. The results indicate a significant variation in the stringency
of certification requirements from State to State, and there seems to be no widespread
agreement on what constitutes an efffective operator certification program. In
addition, despite the popularity of operator certification programs, it has not been
demonstrated conclusively that these programs improve compliance with drinking
water regulations.
Several important questions that emerged during the preparation of this report
remain unanswered. The most important is, "Can operator certification ensure that
public water systems will have qualified operators?" It would seem that the effec-
tiveness of operator certification depends on the stringency of the requirements and
enforcement of those requirements. If so:
How stringent must certification requirements be to assure that water
systems will have qualified operators?
• Will stringent requirements be enforced? Where does enforcement of
certification requirements rank among State priorities?
The data for this report were gathered from numerous sources, including a
1989 Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) survey, State laws, and State regula-
tions. Telephone interviews with State drinking water program staff provided verifica-
tion and updates of written data.
The report includes a separate section on operator certification requirements
for small water systems. Small systems account for nearly 88 percent of all public-
water systems (PWSs) and are responsible for approximately 92 percent of all drinking
water violations. One reason for small system non-compliance is that operators lack
knowledge of drinking water requirements and proper system operations. Given the
large numbers of small systems and their geographic dispersion, operator certification
may be a cost-effective mechanism to improve system operations and compliance with
Federal and State regulations.
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There are three appendices to the report. Appendix A is a table summarizing
the elements of State certification programs. Appendix B consists of matrices for six
sample system types. Each matrix lists the States' certification requirements for the
particular sample system. Finally, Appendix C provides the details of each State
program, including a contact for more information.
Major Findings
Almost all States have mandatory operator certification: Forty-five States
have mandatory certification programs. The exceptions are Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho,
Nevada, and Rhode Island.
There is a serious lack of State professional consensus on operator
certification. Many States agree on the value of operator certification, but disagree on
what constitutes an effective program. The consequence is a wide variety of certifica-
tion programs nationally. Major differences among States include:
• the way certification programs are administered;
• the systems covered by certification requirements;
the criteria for distinguishing different classes of systems;
• experience prerequisites and testing;
certificate renewal and continuing education requirements; and
enforcement and program funding.
Most State certification programs are administered by the primacy agency;
however, 14 State programs are administered by certification boards or commit-
tees, the primacy agency, and other agencies. Of the 14, Georgia, Massachusetts,
and Virginia are the only States that split program responsibilities among three or
more agencies. The remaining 11 States have certification boards or committees that
assume some program responsibilities.
System coverage varies, but only 11 States require all PWSs to have
certified operators. Frequently, State requirements apply only to some subset of
PWSs, based on size, treatments used, or source of supply: 5 States require all PWSs
that use treatment to have certified operators; 9 require all CWSs to have certified
operators; and 2 require all CWSs that use treatment to have certified operators. The
rest of the States exempt some small systems.
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Of the States that have operator certification requirements for water
systems, all but New York, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and South Carolina
require all operators to pass an examination. Nebraska, New Hampshire, and
South Carolina exempt their lowest system class-usually small system-operators from
taking an examination.1 New York has no examinations, but operators must pass a
training course. All other States have examinations, but the exam content may differ
depending on system class.
States vary in how often they require operators to renew their certificates,
but many States wait at least three years for renewal. Sixteen States have a three
year or longer renewal period, and 27 States renew certificates every one or two years.
The renewal period for the remaining two States depends on system class.
Many States do not require operators to receive continuing education
credits as a condition of certificate renewal. Sixteen States do not have any
continuing education requirements, and three States have no requirements for opera-
tors of the lowest class systems. For these States, operators simply send in a renewal
request and pay a fee.
Many States lack the resources to enforce their requirements properly. All
but five States charge certification fees, but generally the fees arc not earmarked lor
operator certification. Even when fees are set aside for certification programs, they
may not cover program costs completely. Lack of staff and funding may prevent States
from taking adequate enforcement actions against systems without certified operators.
'South Carolina does not require its lowest class systems to have certified opera-
tors.
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II. State Operator Certification Programs
Operator certification programs are designed to ensure that public water
systems are operated by knowledgeable, properly trained personnel. State certification
programs are composed of: program administration, system coverage, experience
prerequisites and testing, certificate renewal and continuing education, and enforce-
ment and funding. This section describes these elements and summarizes States'
current requirements.
Administration of Operator Certification Programs
In many States, the operator certification program is administered by the
primacy agency; however, 14 State programs divide administrative responsibilities
among certification boards or committees, the primacy agency, and other agencies.
(See Exhibit 1.) When different agencies are responsible for different functions, lack of
coordination and communication may hinder implementation. Dividing program
responsibilities also may impede implementation by making it difficult for agencies to
maintain comprehensive and current records.
Pnmacv Agency
AL MT-
AK NE
AZ NH
CA NJ
CT NM
FL' NY
IL NO
IN OK
IA OR
KS TX-
KY UT
LA VT
Ml WV
MN Wl
MS WY
MO
EXHIBIT 1
States' Administration of
Operator Certification Responsibilities
Primacy Agency and Certification
Certification Board Board
AR MD
CO SC
ME SO
NC TN
OH
PA
WA
Split Between
3 or More Agencies
GA
MA
VA
• The primacy agency uses an advisory board or committee for one or more of
its responsibilities.
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System Coverage: Classifications of Systems Required to Have Certified Operators
States have had the freedom to define which systems need certified operators,
and the result is a patchwork of State certification requirements. Exhibit 2 illustrates
the different types of systems covered by States' operator certification requirements.
Eleven States require all PWSs, and five States require all PWSs that use treat-
ment, to employ certified operators.2 These are the only States that require non-
community system operators to be certified. This is important because new Federal
regulations will require non-community systems that serve the same group of people
for more than six months (i.e., non-transient non-community systems) to meet the
same standards as community water systems (CWSs). Nine States require all CWSs,
and two States requires all CWSs that use treatment, to have a certified operator. Iowa,
Maine, and Wisconsin base certification on water system type (e.g., municipal systems
and water districts). The remaining 15 States with operator certification programs
explicitly exclude some systems serving fewer than 500 people from their
requirements. (See Exhibit 3.)
Every State with an operator certification program separates systems into
various grades or classes. The two most common methods of classification are based
on:
treatment type and population served, and
point systems.
Other methods range from Wisconsin's classification of systems based on source of
supply and treatment, to California's classification based on the extent of operator
responsibility and the rated capacity of a plant in millions of gallons per day (mgcl)
Texas classifies systems on a case-by-case basis. Exhibit 4 presents the classification
systems and number of classes used by States.
Point systems are the most complicated classification method. States that use
point systems base classification on factors such as source of supply, system size,
treatment processes used, and amount of operator responsibility. Then they examine
a system's characteristics, assign a point total, and use this total to classify the system.
Minnesota, for example, considers: population served; water supply source; quality of
water supply; unit treatment processes; distribution and storage capacity; and number
of wells for groundwater systems. A Minnesota surface water system serving more
than 100,000 people and using coagulation or filtration would be assigned the most
2Montana exempts non-transient, non-community systems.
5
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Exhibit 2
Systems Covered By State
Operator Certification Requirements
Syatem Coverage
m All PWSa
E3 All PWSa Using Treatment
ES All CWS» Using Treatment
E3 Some Small Are Exempt
CD No Mandatory Program
State* basing O!OM on mymt*m typ« am In Som« Small Ar» Exempt.
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All PWSs That
All PWSs Use Treatment All CWSs
CO CA
KS FL
KY Ml
MD NC
MA PA
MT-
NE
NJ
VT
WV
WY
•Montana exempts NTNCs
• ' NTNCs serving > 500 people
• ' ' Distribution systems serving
AL
AZ
AR
IL
MN
MS
ND"
OK
TX
also must
EXHIBIT 3
Systems Covered By
State Operator Certification Requirements
Some Systems Systems Serving Systems Serving
All CWSs That Serving 500 People 501-1.000 <2.500 People Based on
Use Treatment or Fewer Exempt People Exempt Exempt System Type
CT"1 AK GA NM IA
NV" IN UT ME
LA Wl
MO
NH
OH
OR
SC
SO
TN
VA
WA
have certified operators
> i .000 people also must have certified operators
• • * 'New Hampshire requires all PWSs to
have certified operators, but there are no requirements for the lowest class system operators.
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oo
Population
& Treatment*
AZ
AR
CO
FL
IN
IA
KS
KY
LA
ME
MA
Ml
NE
NY
NO
VT
VA
•The Population
# Classes
4
3
4
4
7
4
4
13
4
8
8
4
5
6
8
4
4
and Treatment
Point
System
AK
CT"
MN
MO
NH
NJ"
NC
OH
OK
OR"
SD"
TN'"
UT
WA"
WV
WY
EXHIBIT 4
System Classification Methods
Used by States with Mandatory Operator Certification
Treatment Treatment and
« Classes Only # Classes Source ol Supply » Classes
8 AL 4 IL 4
7 MD 5 MT 10
4 MS 4 Wl 7
5
5
4
3
4
4
8
8
8
8
8
5
4
Other # Classes
CA 5
GA 3
NM 4
PA 3
SC 5
TX 6
category Includes States using capacity and treatment.
1 'Point system used lor treatment plants;
"'Point system
distribution system classes based on population.
used (or surface water systems: other system classes based on treatment.
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points; a groundwater system serving fewer than 1,000 people and using no treatment
would be assigned the fewest points.
System classification directly affects operator certification requirements. The
assumption behind system classification is that some systems arc more difficult to
operate and require operators who have more training and experience. Generally,
system classification attempts to reflect the complexity of a*system's operation and the
risk to system customers: a system in the lowest class uses little treatment and serves a
small population, while a system in the highest class uses complex treatment and
serves a large population. The stringency of certification requirements usually
corresponds to the system classification. For example, in Kentucky a class I operator
is expected to have one year of experience while a class IV operator is expected to
have three years.
Due to the myriad of system classifications used for operator certification,
reciprocity among States is complicated, because States use many factors to determine
system classification, they cannot coordinate their certification requirements easily with
other States. The data on States' use of reciprocity are confusing. Most States grant
reciprocity to operators from other States on an ad hoc basis; however, there arc
conflicting data on written reciprocity agreements. Some States indicated they had
written agreements with other States, while the other States said they granted reciproci-
ty only on a case-by-case basis. California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, West Virginia,
and Wyoming do not allow reciprocity.
Experience Prerequisites and Tcstinu
To ensure that operators have the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary
to operate a PWS, most States require system operators to have some operating
experience and meet minimum testing requirements. The stringency of these require-
ments generally corresponds to the level of operator responsibility and system
complexity.
Many States have established experience prerequisites for operator certification.
These prerequisites usually vary by system classification. For the lowest system
classes, experience requirements range from fewer than six months to three years; for
the highest system classes, the range is from one to twelve years. Most States' require-
ments mandate that operators have general experience operating a water system.
However, some States' experience requirements are sequential. For example, opera-
tors in South Carolina cannot obtain the highest level certificates without first obtaining
the lower level certificates. Most States let operators substitute education or training
for experience. Exhibit 5 illustrates States' experience requirements for the lowest
system classes.
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EXHIBIT 5
States' Experience Prerequisites for
Systems in the Lowest Classifications'
None < 6 months
AZ FL
CA WV
CO
MO
MT
NE
NH
NJ
OK
TX
Wl
'Experience requirements
and amount of education;
experience requirements
6 months to 1
AK
AL
AR
CT
GA
IL
IN
IA
KS
KY
LA
ME
MO
MN
MS
year
NM
NY
NC
NO
OH
OR
SC
SO
TN
UT
VT
VA
WA
WY
tor Massachusetts depend on
Michigan uses a point system
> 1 year
PA
system class
to determine
Examinations arc another way States ensure that certified operators have the
knowledge to operate a system properly. livery State with mandatory operator certifi-
cation-except New York, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and South Carolina-requires all
operators to pass a certification exam.3 Many States write their own exams, but 12
reported that they use the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) exam.4 Gener-
ally, the exam content corresponds to the classification level. For example, operators
}New York docs not have certification exams, however, operators must pass a
training course before they can become certified. Nebraska, New Hampshire and
South Carolina exclude operators from the lowest grade systems from taking the exam.
4Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missou-
ri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina reported use of ABC
exam questions. ABC has 33 State clients, so some States did not .specify use of ABC
exams.
10
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of groundwater systems that do not use treatment may be tested differently from
operators of surface water systems that use complicated treatment processes. The
rationale is that operators should be tested only on material they will encounter on the
job. All exams are written or, in special circumstances, oral. There is no "hands-on"
testing.
It is difficult to assess and compare States' exam content, because only Kansas
would release a copy of their exam. Most State exams include general questions on
regulations, specific treatment technologies, and math principles. Some States,
however, do not test operators on system finances or management. Testing on these
subjects is particularly important to ensure the financial viability of smaller systems
whose operators perform a variety of tasks. These operators should be able to
demonstrate an ability to manage system finances, as well as perform operations and
maintenance.
Certificate Renewal and Continuing Education
States differ significantly in how often they require operators to renew their
certificates. Many States require operators to renew certificates every one or two
years, while others require renewal at least every 3 years. (The map in l:\hibit 6
illustrates States' renewal periods.)
Frequent renewal periods are a tool for maintaining effective oversight, but may
be burdensome. Generally, renewal frequency is determined by a State's willingness
to accept admimstranve burden. States that do not have the nine or money to renew
certificates every year have multi-year renewal cycles. These States commonly use
sanitary surveys to verify operator certification. However, there has been a decline in
the use and the frequency of sanitary surveys. States may conduct sanitary surveys of
systems as infrequently as once every five years. A renewal period longer than two
years may allow systems to evade the State and ignore operator certification require-
ments. There is, then, a tradeoff between administrative burden and effective oversight
of operator certification requirements.
To ensure that operators are updated on important water supply issues, some
States require operators to receive continuing education as a condition of renewal.
Operators required to fulfill continuing education requirements are able to learn more
about new regulations, treatment technologies, and safety measures. This will become
increasingly significant as drinking water regulations grow in number and complexity.
In many cases, water systems will be faced with the need to provide additional treat-
ment. Operators must be aware of new regulatory requirements and have the
necessary knowledge and skill to implement them.
Exhibit 7 presents States' requirements for continuing education. Several States
do not require certified operators to obtain continuing education. Most States that do
11
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Exhibit 6
States' Operator Certificate Renewal Periods
Length of Renewal Period
VW\ 1 year
ES3 2 years
B 3 years
ESS 4 years or more
CH No mandatory program
•Wh«r» r«n«wal vorf«». w« u»« the abort**! period.
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AL
AZ
CA
CT
FL
IL
ME
MA
Ml
NH
NJ
NY
NC
OH
PA
VT
VA
WV
EXHIBIT 7
Continuing Education Requirements
for Systems in the Lowest Classifications*
NoCEUs Lessthanl CEU/year 1-5CEUs/year
CO
GA
IN
IA
KS
LA
MD
MN
MT
NE
SD
TN
UT
WA
Wl
AK
AR
KY
MS
MO
NM
ND
OK
OR
TX
WY
> 5 CEUs/year
SC
• Continuing education is measured in continuing education
units (CEUs). For States that use other measurements.
equivalents have been used.
require it, mandate between one and three continuing education units (CEUs) every
year. Continuing education usually consists of training workshops offered by the
drinking water program; university extension programs; and State affiliates of the
National Rural Water Association (NRWA), American Water Works Association (AWWA),
and Rural Community Assistance Programs (RCAPs). States usually require operators
to obtain a certain number of CEUs each renewal period. Some States, however, use
other measurements of continuing education. For example, Washington requires a
"demonstration of professional growth" every three years, and Nebraska requires 15
"contact hours" every three years.5
slt is generally understood that 10 contact hours are equivalent to one CI;U.
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Enforcement and Funding
Mandatory certification is meaningless unless a State can and does enforce the
requirements. Ineffective data management and organizational structure arc two major
barriers to State enforcement of operator certification requirements. States commonly
oversee operator certification by maintaining a registry of certified operators. Most
States have computerized their registries; however, information on operators often
cannot be cross-referenced easily with other system information. In some States, the
computerized operator list is not maintained by the same organizational unit that
monitors system compliance. In addition, States may not require systems to report a
change in operator. In such cases, States will find it difficult to enforce compliance
with operator certification requirements.
Enforcement is also dependent on funding. Many States indicate that they lack
the resources to monitor systems and aggressively pursue enforcement. When funding
or personnel is limited, States target enforcement against larger systems that are out of
compliance. Often, States prioritize their objectives to ensure that resources :ire used
most efficiently. As resources diminish, enforcement of operator certification require-
ments becomes less of a priority and may depend on a system's compliance with other
drinking water regulations. For example, some States enforce operator certification
only if a system is out of compliance with another regulation. If a system maintains
compliance, but docs not have a certified operator, these States may not pursue
enforcement.
To help defray program costs, many States have established fee systems. All but
five States charge fees for operator certification.6 Fees may be charged for the exam
application, exam processing, the initial certificate, a replacement certificate, renewal,
reciprocity, a late penalty, and training. Fees range from $5.00 in South Dakota to
S200.00 in Nebraska.7 In 26 of the States that charge fees, however, these fee*, are not
channeled to the certification programs; and in the others, fees may not cover all
program costs. States with funding problems may want to consider charging fees suffi-
cient to defray all program costs. States also may be able to use funds from adminis-
trative penalties for operator certification.
6Michigan, New York, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming do not have fee
systems for their operator certification programs.
'Nebraska charges a $200.00 fee for its week-long training session.
14
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III. Operator Certification Requirements for Small Systems
Background
Small systems pose the largest compliance problem for all State drinking water
agencies. They represent approximately 88 percent of all public water systems in the
nation and account for nearly all drinking water violations. The small systems
problem will be exacerbated as the 1986 SDWA Amendments are implemented. By the
early 1990s, the number of regulated contaminants is expected to increase from 26 to
83. The consequences for small systems will be severe. Operator certification is one
way States can help small systems cope with new State and Federal regulations.
Data Limitations on Small System Operator Certification Coverage
It is difficult to estimate States' coverage of small systems in their operator
certification requirements. Because system classifications arc so complex, many States
cannot count the number of small systems required to have certified operators. As
stated in the previous section, some States classify systems for operator certification by
the type of treatment used or by a point system. These classification methods make it
hard for States to break down by size the systems covered. For example, Maryland has
the following five system classifications, that arc based on treatment used: class I,
systems using disinfection; class II, systems using chemical treatment such as iluon-
dation; class III, systems using simple iron removal, such as ion exchange; class IV,
systems using complete treatment; and class V, any systems using new technologies not
covered under the other classes. These classifications make it almost impossible to
discern how many small systems in Maryland arc required to have certified operators.
Another limitation of the data on small system coverage is implementation.
Some States may have laws and regulations requiring small systems to have certified
operators but they may not implement them. Additionally, some States may enforce
operator certification requirements only if a system is violating another drinking water
requirement. States, in general, could not provide data on enforcement of operator
certification for small systems. Instead, many States gave only rough estimates of
overall enforcement.
Training and Testing Requirements for Small System Operators
To become certified, most small system operators must meet testing require-
ments. States may require operators to have from one to twenty-four months of
experience. New York is the only State that explicitly requires system operators to
pass a training course. Virtually all other States mandate, instead, that operators pass
an exam. Typically, however, exams and training courses are strictly technical.
Because small system operators often are responsible for the entire management of a
15
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system, States may want to include exam material on all aspects of system operation,
including operations, finances, and management. To maintain viability, small system
operators need to manage system finances, as well as operations and maintenance.
States may want to consider addressing the financial and managerial aspects of system
operation either in training courses or in exams.
Continuing education is another important element of operator certification for
small systems. Sixteen States have no continuing education requirements, and three
other States have none for systems in the lowest classification (generally small sys-
tems). Continuing education is particularly important for small systems because their
operators need to be kept abreast of new State and Federal requirements. As the
number of drinking water regulations increase, small systems will have more difficulty
complying. States can use continuing education requirements to ensure that system
operators arc aware of, and can comply with, new regulations.
Enforcement of Operator Certification Requirements for Small Systems
Due to personnel and budget constraints, many States cannot enforce certifica-
tion requirements. When resources are limited, States tend to target enforcement
against larger systems out of compliance. Although small systems represent a large
percentage of total PWSs, they serve fewer than 11 percent of the nation's population.
For this reason, State drinking water programs focus on large systems. For operator
certification to be beneficial, however, States need to enforce the requirements for
small systems.
16
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IV. Questions for States to Address
The conventional wisdom of many State regulators is that operator certification
is a cost-effective way for public water systems to obtain qualified operators. However,
many questions concerning operator certification still need to be answered. For
example:
What is the role of operator certification in promoting system compli-
ance, particularly for small systems?
• Will small system compliance be improved if operator certification is
mandatory for all public water systems?
What are the essential elements of an effective operator certification
program for PWSs, in particular small systems?
What do small system operators need to know; that is, what are the mini-
mum training and experience requirements, regardless of system type3
Are additional training and experience required for specific types of
systems (e.g., those with complex treatment processes)?
Where does enforcement of operator certification requirements fit into
State priorities?
When States contemplate changes to existing operator certification programs, they need
to consider these questions.
17
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APPENDICES*
*States last reviewed the data for the appendices in September, 1990.
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Appendix A
Summary of States' Operator Certification Programs
Systems
Requited to System Number of
Program Have Certified Classification System
Slate Administration Operator Method Classes
AL Primacy AIICWSs Treatment 4
Agency
AK Primacy All PWSs Serving Point System 8
Agency >500 People or
100 Connections
AZ Primacy All CWSs Population and 4
Agency Treatment
AR Primacy Agency/ AIICWSs Population and 3
Board Treatment
CA Primacy All PWSs Treatment. 5
Agency Using Treatment Capacity, and
Operator
Responsibility
CO Primacy Agency/ All PWSs Capacity and 4
Board Treatment
CT Primacy AIICWSs Point System 7
Agency Using Treatment and lor Treatment.
Distribution Systems Population for
Serving >1. 000 People Distribution
Experience
Prerequisite
for Lowest
Class
Certificate
6 Months to
1 Year
6 Months to
1 Year
None
6 Months to
1 Year
None
None
6 Months to
1 Year
Fees Fees
Operators Continuing Collected Chanolledto
Required to Renewal Education lor Certification
Take Exams! Period Requirement^ Certification Program
All Operators 5 years None Yes Yes
All Operators 3 years 3CEUs/ Yes Yes
periods
All Operators 3 years None Yes No
All Operators 2 years 24 hours/ Yes Yes
period
All Operators 1 year. 2 years None Yes Yes
Except those thereafter
in 'remote areas*
All Operators 5 years Based on class Yes No
All Operators 3 years None Yes No
1 All operators except those exempt from exam because of reciprocity or a giandfather clause
2 Continuing education is measured in different units CEU=Contmumg Education Unit. CEA=
Continuing Education Activity, other measurements are described in the report
3 Period refers to renewal period
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Appendix A
Summary of States' Operator Certification Programs
Systems
Required lo System Number of
Program Have Certified Classification System
Slate Administration Operator Method Classes
Experience
Prerequisite)
for Lowest Operators
Class Required lo Renewal
Certificate Take Examst Period
Fees Foos
Continuing Collected Chanollod to
Education lor Certification
Roquiromenls2 Certification Program
DE NO MANDATORY PROGRAM
FL Primacy
Agency
GA Three or More
Agencies
All PWSe Capacity and 4
Using Treatment Treatment
All Surface Systems Capacity and 3
and Groundwater Population
Systems Serving
> 1.000 People
Less than All Operators 2 years
6 Months
6 Months to All Operators 2 years
1 Year
None Yes Yes
Based on class Yes No
HI NO MANDATORY PROGRAM
ID NO MANDATORY PROGRAM
IL Primacy
Agency
IN Primacy
Agency
IA Primacy
Agency
KS Primacy
Agency
All CWSs Treatment and 4
Source of Supply
All CWSs Population and 7
Serving Treatment
>100 People
Based on Capacity and 4
System Type Treatment
All PWSs Population and 4
Tieatment
6 Months lo All Operators 3 years
1 Year
6 Months to All Operators 2 years
1 Year
6 Months to All Operators 2 years
1 Year
6 Months to All Operators 1 year
1 Year
None Yes No
Based on class Yes No
Based on class Yes No
1 day or 6 Yes No
contact hours/
4 years
1 All operators except those exempt from exam because of reciprocity or a grandfather clause
2 Continuing education is measured in different units CEU=Continumg Education Unit. CEA=
Continuing Education Activity, other measurements ate described in the report
3 Period refers to renewal period
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Appendix A
Summary of States' Operator Certification Programs
Slate
KY
LA
ME
MD
MA
Ml
MN
MS
Program
Administration
Primacy
Agency
Primacy
Agency
Primacy Agency/
Board
Board
Three or More
Agencies
Primacy
Agency
Primacy
Agency
Primacy
Agency
Systems
Required to
Have Certified
Operator
All PWSs
All PWSs Serving
>500 People
Based on
System Type
All PWSs
All PWSs
All PWSs
Using Treatment
AIICWSs
All CWSs
System Number ol
Classification System
Method Classes
Population 13
and Treatment
Population and 4
Treatment
Population and 8
Treatment
Treatment 5
Population and 8
Treatment
Population and 4 classes
Treatment 3 grades
Point System 4
Treatment 4
Experience
Prerequisite
lor Lowest
Class
Certificate
6 Months to
1 Year
6 Months to
1 Year
6 Months to
1 Year
6 Months to
1 Year
Varies by
Class and
Education
Point System
6 Months to
1 Year
6 Months to
1 Year
O peiators
Required to Renewal
Take Exams 1 Period
All Operators 2 years
All Operators 2 years
All Operators 2 years
All Operators 3 years
All Operators 2 years
All Operators None
All Operators 3 years
All Operators 3 years
Fees
Continuing Collected
Education lor
Requirement^ Certification
Based on class Yes
8 hours/ Yes
year
None Yes
Based on class Yes
None Yes
None No
Based on class Yes
48 hours/ Yes
period
Foes
Chanollod to
Certification
Program
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
1 All operators except those exempt Irom exam because ol reciprocity or a grandfather clause
2 Continuing education is measured in different units CEU=Continuing Education Unit. CEA=
Continuing Education Activity, other measurements are described in the report
3 Period refers to renewal period
-------
Appendix A
Summary of States' Operator Certification Programs
Slate
MO
MT
NE
NV
NH
NJ
NM
NY
Experience
Systems Prerequisite
Required to System Number of for Lowest
Program Have Certified Classification System Class
Administration Operator Method Classes Certificate
Primacy All CWSs. Systems Point System 5 None
Agency Using No Treatment,
Serving <200 People
May Be Exempt
Primacy All PWSs. NTNCs Treatment and 10 None
Agency Are Exempt Source of Supply
Primacy All PWSs Population and 5 None
Agency Treatment
NO MANDATORY PROGRAM
Primacy All CWSs Point System 5 None
Agency
Primacy All PWSs Point System 4 None
Agency lor Treatment.
Population tor
Distribution
Primacy All PWSs Serving Matrix using 4 6 Months to
Agency >2,500 People Population and 1 Year
Treatment
Primacy All CWSs Population. 6 6 Months to
Agency Using Treatment and Capacity, and 1 Year
Distribution Systems Treatment
Serving > 1 .000 People
Operators
Required to Ronowal
Take Examsl Period
All Operator s 3 yoai s
All Operators 1 year
Class 4 and S 3 years
Exempt
Class 2 years
I-A Exempt
All Operators 1 year
All Operators 3 years
No Exam 4 years
Foes
Continuing Collected
Education for
Requirements^ Certification
30 hours/ Yes
period
Based on class Yes
IS contact Yes
hours/period
None Yes
None Yes
30 training Yes
credits/period
Based on class No
Foes
Chanellod to
Codification
Program
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
1 All operatois except those exempt from exam because ot reciprocity or a grandfather clause
2 Continuing education is measured in different units CEU=Continumg Education Unit, CEA=
Continuing Education Activity, other measurements are described in the report
3 Period refers to renewal period.
-------
Appendix A
Summary of States' Operator Certification Programs
Stale
NC
NO
OH
OK
OR
PA
Rl
SC
Program
Administration
Primacy Agency/
Board
Primacy
Agency
Primacy Agency/
Board
Primacy
Agency
Primacy
Agency
Systems
Required to
Have Certified
Operator
All PWSs
Using Treatment
All CWSs and NTNCs
Serving >SOO People
All PWSs Serving
>250 People
All CWSs
Surface Systems Serving
> 1 5 Connections and
Groundwalor Systems
Serving > ISO Connections
Primacy Agency/ All PWSs
Board Using Tiealmenl
NO MANDATORY PROGRAM
Board
All CWSs Seivmg
>50 Connections and
PWSs Using Ticatment 4
System Number ol
Classification System
Method Classes
Point System 3
Population and 8
Treatment
Point System 4
Point System 4
Point Syblom 8
for Treatment.
Population lor
Distribution
Matrix using 3 classes
Capacity and 4 grades
Treatment
Population. 5
Source of Supply.
and Treatment
Expouonco
Prerequisite
lor Lowest
Class
Coililicalo
6 Months to
1 Year
6 Months to
1 Year
6 Months to
1 Year
None
6 Months to
1 Year
2 Yeais
6 Months to
1 Year
Operators
Required to Renewal
Take Exams 1 Period
All Operators 1 year
All Operators 1 year
All Operators 2 yoais
All Operators 1 year
All Operators 1 year
All Oporatois 2 yuars
All Operators 1 yuar
Foes Foes
Continuing Collected Chanollod to
Education (or Certification
Requirement^ Certification Program
None Yes Yes
Based on class Yes Yes
None Yes No
4 CEUs/ Yes Yes
year
20 hours/ Yes Yes
2 years
None Yes No
12 CEUs/ Yes No
2 years
1 All operators except those exempt liom exam because of lecipiocily or a giandlalher clause
2 Continuing education is measured in dilleienl units CEU=Conunuing Education Unit. CEA=
Continuing Education Activity, other measuiemenls are described in the report
3 Period refers to renewal period
4 The lowest class systems (Class 1) in South Caiolma ate not requited to have ceitified operators
-------
Appendix A
Summary of States' Operator Certification Programs
Slate
SO
TN
TX
UT
VT
VA
WA
WV
Program
Administration
Board
Board
Primacy
Agency
Primacy
Agency
Primacy
Agency
Three or
More Agencies
Primacy Agency/
Board
Primacy
Agency
Systems
Required to
Have Certified
Operator
All PWSs Serving
>500 People
All PWSs. Systems Using
No Treatment. Serving
800 People
All PWSs
All PWSs Serving
>400 People
All PWSs with > 100
Connections and All
Surface Water Systems
All PWSs
Experience
Prerequisite
System Number of lor Lowest
Classification System Class
Method Classee Certificate
Point System 8
lor Treatment.
Population for
Oistubulion
Point System for 8
Surface Systems.
Treatment for
Others
Decided Case- 6
by-Case
Point System 8
Population and 4 classes
Treatment 3 grades
Population and 4
Treatment
Point System 8
lor Treatment.
Population for
Distribution
Point System 5
6 Months to
1 Year
6 Months to
1 Year
None
6 Months to
1 Year
6 Months to
1 Year
6 Months to
1 Year
6 Months lo
1 Year
Less than
6 Months
Operators
Required lo
Take Examsl
All Operators
All Operators
All Operators
All Operators
All Operators
All Operators
All Operators
All Operators
Fees Foes
Continuing Collected Chanelled to
Renewal Education for Certification
Period Requirement^ Certification Program
1 year 1 CEU/ Yes Yes
4 years
1 year 1 CEA/ Yes No
3 years
Based on class Based on class Yes No
3 years Based on class Yes Yes
Based on class Based on class No No
2 years None Yes Yee
1 year Demonstration Yes No
ol professional
growth
2 years None No No
1 All operators except those exempt from exam because of reciprocity or a grandfather clause
2 Continuing education is measured in different units CEUsContmuing Education Unit. CEA=
Continuing Education Activity, other measurements are described in the report
3 Period refers to renewal period
-------
Appendix A
Summary of States' Operator Certification Programs
Program
Stale Administration
Wl Primacy
Agency
WY Primacy
Agency
Systems
Required to System Number of
Have Certified Classification System
Operator Method Classes
Based on Treatment and 7
System Type Source of Supply
All PWSs Point System 4
Experience
Prerequisite
for Lowest Operators
Class Required to Renewal
Certificate Take Exams! Period
None All Operators 2 years
6 Months to All Operators 3yoais
1 Year
Fees Feos
Continuing Collected Chanellod to
Education for Certification
Requirement^ Certification Program
12 hours/ Yes No
period
Based on class No No
1 All operators except those exempt from exam because ol lecipiocily or a grandlalhor clauso
2 Continuing education is measured in dilloienl units CEU=Conlinumg Education Unit. CEA=
Continuing Education Activity, other measurements are described in (he repoit
3 Period refers to renewal period
-------
APPENDIX B
Population <500, Groundwater, No Treatment
State
AL
AK
AZ
AR
CA
CO
CT
OE
FL
GA
HI
ID
IL
IN
IA
KS
KY
LA
ME
MO
MA
Ml
MN
MS
MO
MT
NE
NV
NH
NJ
NM
NY
NC
NO
OH
OK
OR
PA
Rl
SC
SO
TN
Experience Required'
1 year
No requirements.
None
1/2 year
i year
None
No requirements.
No mandatory program.
No requirements.
No requirements.
No mandatory program.
No mandatory program.
1/2 year
1 year
Cannot be determined
1 year
1 year
No requirements.
Cannot be determined.
Cannot be determined.
1/2 year
1 year
1 year
1 year
None
1/2 year
i year
No mandatory program.
No requirements.
None
No requirements.
No requirements.
No requirements.
No requirements.
1 year
None
1 year
1/2 year
No mandatory program.
No requirements.
No requirements.
1 year
Exams
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Renewal Period
5 years
3 years
2 years
1 year/2 years
5 years
3 years
2 years
1 year
2 years
2 years
None
3 years
3 years
3 years
1 year
3 years
2 years
2 years
1 year
1 year
2 years
1 year
Continuing Education* '
None
None
24 training hours per period
None
2 CEUs per period
None
Cannot be determined
6 training hours every 4 years
6 CEUs per period
None
None
8 contact hours per period
48 training hours per period
30 hours per period
5 CEU every 2 years
15 contact hours per period
None
None
4 CEUs per year
20 hours every 2 years
None
1 CEA every 3 years
'Some States may allow substitution for experience.
• 'The term "period" refers to to the renewal period.
-------
APPENDIX B
Population <500, Groundwater, No Treatment (cont.)
State Experience Required* Exams Renewal Period Continuing Education"
TX Cannot be determined.
2 hours per year
None
Yes'"
None
12 hours per period
14 CEUs per period
'Some States may allow substitution for experience.
* 'The term 'period" refers to to the renewal period.
• "Requires demonstration ol professional growth.
UT
VT
VA
WA
WV
Wl
WY
No requirements.
1 1/2 years
Varies with education.
1 year
1/4 year
None
1 year
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
5 years
2 years
1 year
2 years
2 years
3 years
-------
APPEN'DIX B
Population 3,300, Groundwater,
State
AL
AK
AZ
AR
CA
CO
CT
DE
FL
GA
HI
ID
IL
IN
IA
KS
KY
LA
ME
MO
MA
Ml
MN
MS
MO
MT
NE
NV
NH
NJ
MM
NY
NC
NO
OH
OK
OR
PA
Rl
SC
SO
TN
Experience Required*
1 1/2 years
1 year
1 year
2 years
1 year
None
1 year
No mandatory program.
1/4 year
1/2 year
No mandatory program.
No mandatory program.
i year
i year
3 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
1 year
i year
1 year .
2 years
i year
i year
i year
1 year
6 years
No mandatory program
1 year
None
1 year
1 year
i year
1 year
1 year
1 year
1 year
1 year
No mandatory program.
1 year
i year
1 year
Minimal
Exams
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Treatment
Renewal Period
5 years
3 years
3 years
2 years
1 year/2 years
5 years
3 years
2 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
2 years
i year
2 years
2 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
None
3 years
3 years
3 years
i year
3 years
2 years
1 year
3 years
4 years
1 year
1 year
2 years
1 year
i year
2 years
1 year
i year
1 year
Continuing Education* *
None
3 CEUs per period
None
24 training hours per period
None
2 CEUs per period
None
None
6 training hours per period
None
Cannoi be determined
1 CEU per period
6 training hours every 4 years
12 CEUs per period
8 hours per year
None
16 training units per period
None
None
8 contact hours per period
48 training hours per period
30 hours per period
5 CEU every 2 years
15 contact hours per period
None
None
30 training credits per period
30 training hours per period
None
12 CECs every 3 years
None
4 CEUs per year
20 hours every 2 years
None
12 CEUs every 2 years
1 CEU every 4 years
1 CEA every 3 years
•Some States may allow substitution for experience.
' 'The term * period" refers to to the renewal period.
-------
APPENDIX B
Population 3,300. Groundwater. Minimal Treatment (cont.)
Slate
TX
UT
VT
VA
WA
WV
Wl
WY
Experience Required*
Cannot be determined.
i year
1 1/2 years
Varies with education.
1 year
3 years
None
4 years
Exams
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Renewal Period
3 years
5 years
2 years
1 year
2 years
2 years
3 years
Continuing Education"
2 CEUs per period
2 training hours per year
None
Yes'"
None
12 training hours per period
14 CEUs per period
'Some States may allow substitution for experience
• 'The term "period* refers to to the renewal period
1 "Requires demonstration of professional growth
-------
APPENDIX B
Population 3,300, Surface Water, Minimal
State
AL
AK
AZ
AR
CA
CO
CT
DE
FL
GA
HI
10
IL
IN
IA
KS
KY
LA
ME
MO
MA
Ml
MN
MS
MO
MT
NE
NV
NH
NJ
NM
NY
NC
NO
OH
OK
OR
PA
Rl
SC
SO
TN
Experience Required
2 years
1 year
1 year
2 years
1 year
Cannot be determined.
i year
No mandatory program.
1/4 year
2 years
No mandatory program.
No mandatory program.
1 year
1 year
3 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
1 year
i year
1 year
2 years
3 years
1 year
1 year
i 1/2 years
6 years
No mandatory program.
1 year
None
1 year
1 year
1 year
1 year
1 year
1 year
i year
1 year
No mandatory program.
1 year
1 year
i year
Exams
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Treatment
Renewal Period
5 years
3 years
3 years
2 years
1 year/2 years
5 years
3 years
2 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
2 years
1 year
2 years
2 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
None
3 years
3 years
3 years
1 year
3 years
2 years
1 year
3 years
4 years
1 year
1 year
2 years
1 year
1 year
2 years
1 year
1 year
i year
Continuing Education"
None
3 CEUs per period
None
24 training hours per period
None
Cannot be determined.
None
None
12 training hours per period
None
Cannot be determined
1 CEU per period
6 training hours every 4 years
12 CEUs per period
8 hours per year
None
16 training units per period
None
None
16 contact hours per period
48 training hours per period
30 hours per period
5 CEU every 2 years
15 contact hours per period
None
None
30 training credits per period
30 training hours per period
None
1 2 CECs every 3 years
None
4 CEUs per year
20 hours every 2 years
None
12 CEUs every 2 years
1 CEU every 4 years
1 CEA every 3 years
'Some States may allow substitution for experience.
• 'The term "period" refers to to the renewal period.
-------
APPENDIX B
Population 3,300, Surface Water, Minimal Treatment (cont.)
Slate
TX
UT
VT
VA
WA
WV
Wl
WY
Experience Required*
Cannot be determined.
1 year
1 1/2 years
Varies with education.
1 year
3 years
None
4 years
Exams
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Renewal Period
3 years
5 years
2 years
1 year
2 years
2 years
3 years
Continuing. Education' '
2 CEUs per period
2 training hours per year
None
Yes'"
None
12 training hours per period
14 CEUs per period
'Some States may allow substitution for experience.
• "The term "period" refers to to the renewal period.
•' * Requires demonstration of professional growth
-------
APPENDIX B
Population 5.000. Surface Water, Filtration
Slate Experience Required* Exams Renewal Period
AL
AK
AZ
AR
CA
CO
CT
DE
FL
GA
HI
ID
IL
IN
IA
KS
KY
LA
ME
MO
MA
Ml
MN
MS
MO
MT
NE
NV
NH
NJ
NM
NY
NC
ND
OH
OK
OR
PA
Rl
SC
SO
TN
2 years
1 year
2 years
2 years
1 year
2 years
Cannot be determined.
No mandatory program.
1 year
1/2 year
No mandatory program.
No mandatory program.
3 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
2 years
2 years
i year
5 years
3 years
9 years
1 year
1 1/2 years
6 years
No mandatory program.
1 year
None
1 year
1 year
2 years
5 years
1 year
1 year
1 year
1 year
No mandatory program.
3 years
3 years
1 year
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
5 years
3 years
3 years
2 years
1 year/2 years
5 years
3 years
2 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
2 years
i year
2 years
2 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
None
3 years
3 years
3 years
1 year
3 years
2 years
1 year
3 years
4 years
1 year
1 year
2 years
1 year
i year
2 years
1 year
1 year
1 year
Continuing Education"
None
3 CEUs per period
None
24 training hours per period
None
2 CEUs per period
None
None
6 training hours per period
None
Cannot be determined
1 CEU per period
6 training hours every 4 years
12 CEUs per period
8 hours per year
None
30 training units per period
None
None
16 contact hours per period
48 training hours per period
30 hours per period
5 CEU every 2 years
15 contact hours per period
None
None
30 training credits per period
30 training hours per period
None
20 CECs every 3 years
None
4 CEUs per year
20 hours every 2 years
None
12 CEUs every 2 years
1 CEU every 4 years
1 CEA every 3 years
'Some States may allow substitution for experience.
• 'The term "period" refers to to the renewal period.
-------
APPENDIX B
Population 5,000, Surface Water, Filtration
State
TX
UT
VT
VA
WA
wv
Wl
WY
Experience Required'
Cannot be determined.
3 years
3 years
Varies with education.
1 year
3 years
None
4 years
Exams
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
(cont.)
Renewal Period
3 years
2 years
2 years
i year
2 years
2 years
3 years
Continuing Education* •
2 CEUs per period
4 training hours per year
None
Yes"'
None
12 training hours per period
14 CEUs per period
'Some States may allow substitution lor experience.
* 'The term "period" refers to to the renewal period.
' "Requires demonstration of professional growth
-------
APPEiN'DIX II
Population 10,000, Groundwater. Minimal Treatment
Slate
AL
AK
AZ
AR
CA
CO
CT
DE
FL
GA
HI
ID
IL
IN
IA
KS
KY
LA
ME
MD
MA
Ml
MN
MS
MO
MT
NE
NV
NH
NJ
NM
NY
NC
NO
OH
OK
OR
PA
Rl
SC
SD
TN
Experience Required*
1 1/2 years
1 year
1 year
5 years
1 year
None
2 years
No mandatory program
1/4 year
2 years
No mandatory program.
No mandatory program.
1 year
i year
3 years
2 years
3 years
3 years
1 year
1 year
3 years
4 years
3 years
1 year
1 year
i year
6 years
No mandatory program.
1 year
None
1 year
1 year
1 year
3 years
1 year
1 year
i year
1 year
No mandatory program
1 year
1 year
1 year
Exams
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Renewal Period
5 years
3 years
3 years
2 years
1 year/2 years
5 years
3 years
2 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
2 years
1 year
2 years
2 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
None
3 years
3 years
3 years
i year
3 years
2 years
i year
3 years
4 years
1 year
1 year
2 years
1 year
1 year
2 years
1 year
1 year
i year
Continuing Education"
None
3 CEUs per period
None
24 training hours per period
None
2 CEUs per period
None
None
6 training hours per period
None
Cannot be determined
i CEU per period
6 training hours every 4 years
12 CEUs per period
8 hours per year
None
16 training units per period
None
None
16 contact hours per period
48 training hours per period
30 hours per period
5 CEU every 2 years
15 contact hours per period
None
None
30 training credits per period
30 training hours per period
None
l6CECsevery 3 years
None
4 CEUs per year
20 hours every 2 years
None
12 CEUs every 2 years
i CEU every 4 years
1 CEA every 3 years
• Some States may allow substitution lor experience.
• "The term "period" relers to to the renewal period
-------
APPENDIX B
Population 10,000, Groundwater, Minimal Treatment (cont.)
State
TX
UT
VT
VA
WA
WV
Wl
WY
Experience Required'
Cannot be determined.
3 years
1 1/2 years
Varies with education.
1 year
3 years
None
4 years
Exams
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Renewal Period
3 years
5 years
2 years
1 year
2 years
2 years
3 years
Continuing Education"
2 CEUs per period
2 training hours per year
None
Yes"'
None
12 training hours per period
14 CEUs per period
'Some States may allow substitution for experience.
' 'The term "period" refers to to the renewal period.
' "Requires demonstration of professional growth
-------
APPENDIX B
Population 15,000. Surface Water, Filtration/Coagulation
State
AL
AK
AZ
AR
CA
CO
CT
DE
FL
GA
HI
ID
IL
IN
IA
KS
KY
LA
ME
MO
MA
Ml
MN
MS
MO
MT
ME
NV
NH
NJ
NM
NY
NC
ND
OH
OK
OR
PA
Rl
SC
SD
TN
Experience Required*
2 years
3 years
3 years
5 years
2 years
2 years
Cannot be determined.
No mandatory program.
1 year
2 years
No mandatory program.
No mandatory program.
3 years
3 years
4 years
2 years
3 years
3 years
4 years
3 years
3 years
5 years
2 years
9 years
2 years
2 years
6 years
No mandatory program
1 year
None
1 year
i year
2 years
7 years
3 years
3 years
1 year
2 years
No mandatory program
3 years
3 years
1 year
Exams
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Renewal Period
5 years
3 years
3 years
2 years
1 year/2 years
5 years
3 years
2 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
2 years
1 year
2 years
2 years
2 years
3 years
2 years
None
3 years
3 years
3 years
1 year
3 years
2 years
i year
3 years
4 years
1 year
i year
2 years
1 year
1 year
2 years
1 year
1 year
1 year
Continuing. Education"
None
3 CEUs per period
None
24 training hours per period
None
2 CEUs per period
None
None
12 training hours per period
None
Cannot be determined
2 CEUs per period
6 training hours every 4 years
12 CEUs per period
8 hours per year
None
30 training units per period
None
None
24 contact hours per period
48 training hours per period
30 hours per period
1 CEU every 2 years
15 contact hours per period
None
None
30 training credits per period
30 training hours per period
None
24 CECs every 3 years
None
4 CEUs per year
20 hours every 2 years
None
12 CEUs every 2 years
1 CEU every 4 years
1 CEA every 3 years
•Some States may allow substitution lor experience.
• 'The term "period" refers to to the renewal period.
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APPENDIX B
Population 15,000, Surface Water. Filtration/Coagulation (cont.)
State Experience Required* Exams Renewal Period Continuing Education"
TX
UT
VT
VA
WA
WV
Wl
WY
Cannot be determined.
6 years
3 years
Varies with education.
3 years
3 years
None
6 years
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
3 years
2 years
2 years
1 year
2 years
2 years
3 years
'Some States may allow substitution lor experience.
• 'The term "period" refers to to the renewal period.
' "Requires demonstration of professional growth
3 CEUs per period
4 training hours per year
None
Yes*"
None
12 training hours per period
21 CEUs per period
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APPENDIX C:
STATE SUMMARIES
ALABAMA; The law governing certification is Title 22-25-1 through 15 (Health, Mental Health & Environ-
mental Control) and is entitled, "Certification of Operators for Water & Wastewater Systems & Treatment
Plants." Contacts: Joe Power and Tom DeLarch, Water Division, Department of Environmental
Management.
System coverage: All community water systems are required to have a certified operator. In
addition, all surface source systems, including non-community systems, must have a Class III certified
operator or higher. There are sixteen non-transient, non-community systems that meet this requirement
in Alabama. Systems are divided into four classes based on treatment used: class I includes distribution
systems; class II includes basic groundwater treatment systems; class III includes advanced groundwater
treatment (e.g. iron removal, sedimentation, coagulation) and standard rate surface filtration plants; class
IV includes high rate filtration plants.
Certification process: Experience requirements arc as follows: class I, one year of experience
m a class I system; class II, 18 months' experience in a class II system; class III, 24 months' cxpencnce in
a class III system; and class IV, 24 months' cxpencnce in a class IV system. Training may be substituted
for up to half of the experience requirements. Operators must pass a written exam that is administered
twice yearly by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM); the exams are changed
each time they are given. Certificates must be renewed every five years and there are no continuing
education prerequisites for renewal. There are no written reciprocity agreements, but reciprocity may be
granted if a State's requirements arc comparable and if similar privileges are extended to Alabama
operators. Approximately 10 water operators were granted reciprocity in 1989. The ADEM may revoke
an operator's license, but it has done so only twice.
Fees: The fees arc as follows- application, $25; reciprocity, $25; and renewal/per certificate,
$10. Fees go to program revenue and arc marked for operator certification; however, they cover only 40
percent of the program expenses.
Compliance: ADEM claims a 98 percent overall compliance rate for the operator certification
requirements; the two percent out of compliance arc very small systems. Non-complicrs arc discovered
when district engineers conduct yearly sanitary surveys. When non-compliers are discovered, the district
will allow them a certain amount of time to obtain properly certified operators. Although administrative
fines can be levied, they rarely are. No figures were available for enforcement actions taken in the past
year There are approximately 2,000 water system operators. Operator information is computerized, but
is not linked with system data. The list of operators is confidential and is not published.
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ALASKA: The law governing certification is found in Title 46 (Water, Air, Energy and Environmental
Conservation), under "Certification of Operators." Regulatory authority is given to the Alaska Department
of Environmental Conservation (ADEQ and the requirements are outlined in 18AAC74.020 of the Alaska
Administrative Code under, "Water and Wastewater Operator Certification and Training." Contacts: Judy
Ekhart and Dan Garner, Department of Environmental Conservation.
System coverage: All public water systems that serve more than 100 connections or that arc
intended for use by more than 500 people must have a certified operator. Systems arc divided into two
categories: distribution and treatment. There are four system classifications which arc based on a point
system that accounts for population served, source of supply, and treatment used.
Certification process: There are specific educauon and experience requirements for operators
of treatment and distribution facilities. The requirements for distribution operators arc as follows:
opcrators-in-traming, 12 years of education and three months' experience or an approved training
course; class I, 12 years of education and one year' experience; class II, 12 years of education and four
years' experience, class III, 12 years of education and six years' education; and class IV, 12 years of
education and eight years' experience The requirements for treatment operators arc as follows.
'operators in training," 12 years of education and three months' experience or an approved training
course; class I, 12 years of education and one year of experience, class II. 12 years of education and
three years' experience; class III. 14 years of education and four years' experience, two of which must be
in responsible charge; and class IV, 16 years of education and four years of experience, two of which
must be in responsible charge For classes II, III, and IV, education may be substituted for up to half of
the minimum experience requirements Certification exams, which arc written and administered by the
AD EC, arc held in February and September. Each classification has its own exam. There arc four regular
test sites, and proctorcd exams may be scheduled at other locations. There is a grandfather clause for
operators who were employed before 1976, these operators are exempted from the exam requirement.
Only a small percentage of certified operators hold a grandfather certificate. Once a certificate is
obtained, it is valid for up to three years To renew a certificate operators must receive three CI-Us every
three years. No certificates have been revoked in the past year, although the procedures for this exist.
Reciprocity is granted on a casc-by-casc basis, another State must have comparable requirements and
must grant similar privileges in return Approximately 75 operators applied for reciprocity in 1989.
I lowcvcr, because the law states that applicants must be working for a system to be certified, most of
those who applied for reciprocity were denied certification.
Fees: The fees are as follows: application, $10; exam, $10, re-exam, $10; renewal, $30;
reciprocity, $10; and training courses, $50 per day. Fees go to an "Operator Receipts" fund. Fees cover
almost 100 percent of certification program costs, including training.
Compliance: No compliance figures for the operator certification requirements were available.
Enforcement tools include compliance orders by consent, NOVs, and judicial compliance orders.
Emphasis has been on education and hands-on-training to bring systems into compliance. A registry with
information on operators and systems is maintained There arc 488 certified operators The names of
newly certified operators, as well as information about future training opportunities and policy changes,
are published in an operator newsletter
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ARIZONA: The law governing certification is found in Title 49 (Environment), Chapter 2 (Water Quality
Control), Article 9 (Potable Water Systems). The regulations are found in R18, Chapter 4 (Drinking Water
and Certification), Article 1 (Classification of Treatment Plants and Certification of Operators). Contact:
John Dahl, Drinking Water Compliance Unit, Department of Environmental Quality.
System coverage: All community water systems that serve 15 connections or 25 people year
round are required to have a certified operator. There are no training and education requirements for
operators of systems that chlorinate only and serve fewer than 500 people. Systems are divided into four
classifications using a complex matrix that accounts for treatment used and population served. The
treatment or distribution processes considered in the matrix are as follows: coagulation/sedimentation;
filtration; chemical precipitation; aeration; odor and taste control; chemical addition (stabilization);
pressure filtration; ion exchange; chlonnation; fluondation; distribution of treated water; distribution of
chlorinated groundwater; and distribution of unchlonnatcd groundwater. There are five population
delineations which are as follows: systems serving between 25 and 500 people; systems serving between
501 and 2,000 people; those serving between 2,001 and 5,000 people; those serving between 5,001 and
10,000 people; and systems serving more than 10,000 people.
Certification process: The education and training requirements are as follows: grade 1, no
requirements, grade 2, two years' experience including one year as a grade 1 operator; grade 3. four
years' experience including two years' operational experience with at least one of those years as a
certified grade 2 operator; and grade 4, a high school diploma and three years' qualifying experience,
including one year of operational experience as a certified grade 3 operator. Some substitution of
education for experience is allowed. The exams, written by the Association of Boards of Certification
(AHC), arc administered by the Operator Certification Unit of the Arizona Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) at least twice a year. The State docs not fund a training program. Certificates must be
renewed every three years and no continuing education units arc required. There arc provisions to
revoke certificates but they have not been used in the last three years. Reciprocity is granted to States
that use ABC. In 1989, approximately 100 operators applied for reciprocity and most were certified
Fees: The fees arc as follows- level I and II exams, $10; level III and IV exams, $25; certificate,
S15; renewal, $15; and late penalty, $10. Fees have generated $40,000 since January 1, 1989 and the
money goes into the general fund. The budget for the operator certification program is approximately
$70,000, and comes from general revenue.
Compliance: The overall rate of compliance with operator certification requirements is
approximately 83 percent, however, the compliance rate for large community systems is 99 percent while
the rate for small systems is 77 percent. Increasing compliance through enforcement was one of the
strategy areas for Fiscal Year 1990. There are 3,551 certified operators in water and wastewatcr.
Although operator and water system data is maintained by different units of DEQ, cross-referencing is
possible.
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ARKANSAS; The law governing certification is found in Title 17 (Professions, Occupations & Business-
es), Chapter 44 (Waterworks Operators). Contacts: Harold Seifcrt and Tom Skinner, Bureau of Health
Services, Department of Health.
System coverage: All community water systems are required to have certified operators. Non-
transient, non-community systems arc not covered by the requirements. The three grades of system
classification, based on treatment used and population served, are as follows. Grade A, systems serving
more than 10,000 people that use treatment, and all other systems serving more than 25,000 people;
Grade D, systems serving fewer than 10,000 that use treatment; and Grade C, all systems serving fewer
than 10,000 people, which use no treatment. (Treatment docs not include disinfection.)
Certification process: Experience requirements are as follows, class A, five years' experience;
class B, two years' experience; and class C, six mondis' experience. College credits may be substituted
for experience. /Ml operators arc required to take four exams, covering the following phases of
waterworks: water source and pumping; water treatment and filtration; water distribution and metering;
and, general practices and finance. The State Health Department writes and administers the exams,
which can be taken in any of the nine districts at least two times per year. A "Licensing Committee."
composed of five members, oversees the program. Operators must renew certificates every two years,
and renewal is contingent upon receiving 24 approved training hours each renewal period. The depart-
ment oilers training, and additional training hours may be obtained by attending Arkansas Rural Water
Association, Arkansas Water Works, and Pollution Control Association meetings, or by taking classes at
South Arkansas University, Technical Branch. Certificates may be revoked, but this is uncommon. In-
stead, licenses will not be renewed, or will be temporarily suspended if operators do not meet the
training requirements Although reciprocity may be granted, there arc no written agreements with other
States. In the past year. Arkansas has granted approximately 12 certificates through reciprocity, mainly to
operators from Texas and Oklahoma.
Fees: The fees are as follows- exam, $25, license. $10. and renewal. $5 Fees go to program
revenue and arc earmarked for operator certification. Fees, however, cover approximately 10 percent of
the total program expenses.
Compliance: Overall compliance with operator certification requirements is reported at 96
percent. Non-complicrs arc discovered during annual or tnenmal sanitary surveys. Approximately 25
NOVs were sent in the past year, and one license was revoked as a result. A registry of certified
operators is kept on a data base, but is not published. There are 1,426 full-time operators, and the
number of completed licenses for each of the grades is as follows: A, 353, B, 335; C, 259. Because of
the exam structure, there arc some operators without complete licenses.
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CALIFORNIA; The law governing certification is found in the Health and Safety Code under Division 5,
Sanitation, and the regulations arc found in Title 17 (Public Health) of the Administrative Code. The
certification requirements apply only to water treatment operators. Contacts: Robert Burns and Patricia
Hayncs, Office of Drinking Water, Department of Health Services.
System coverage: All public water systems that treat water, including non-transient, non-
community 'systems, are required to have a certified operator. The grade of certificate required of
operators is based on the extent of operator responsibility, the type of treatment used, and the rated
capacity of a plant in millions of gallons per day (mgd). Superintendents or Chief Operators of systems
serving fewer than one mgd need a Grade II certificate, between one and five mgd requires a Grade III
certificate, between five and ten mgd requires a Grade IV certificate, and more than ten mgd requires a
Grade V certificate. Shift Operators (ones working eight hours per day) of systems serving up to five mgd
need a Grade II certificate, between five and ten mgd requires a Grade III certificate, and more than ten
mgd requires a Grade III or IV certificate. Operators of small water systems (serving fewer than 200
connections) are required to obtain a Grade I certificate, however, these operators arc not required to
meet any education or experience requirements to qualify them for the written examination In practice,
these small systems arc the responsibility of local health departments Certified operators may work for
more than one system.
Certification process: Education and training prerequisites arc as follows Grade II, a high
school degree and one year of treatment experience; Grade III, a high school degree and two years of
experience; Grade IV, a high school degree, one year as a Grade III operator, and three years of general
experience; and Grade V, two years as a Grade IV operator and five years' total experience. Some
substitutions arc allowed. Exams arc written and administered by the Operator Certification Section of
the Office of Drinking Water in the Department of Health Services. All grades of operators must
complete an exam, which is given two times per year at 19 sites throughout the State Exams arc
updated every year. There is a "remote area" clause that allows suppliers in remote areas to employ an
operator who has received a "limited certificate," which docs not require a written exam. To obtain this
certificate, a system must prove that a regularly certified operator is not available. No reciprocity is
granted. Certificates must be renewed one year after the original date of issuance, and every two years
thereafter. Renewal is not contingent upon receiving continuing education units. Certificates may be
revoked in the case of fraud, negligence, or incompetence. Additionally, operators who do not renew
their certificates may have them revoked. Fifty certificates were revoked in the past year, primarily for
failure to renew.
Fees: The 1989 fees for initial certificates were: Grade I, 530; II. $40; III, $51, and IV and V,
S62. Fees for renewal certificates were: Grade I. $24; II. $35; III. $46; and IV and V, $56 Fees increase
annually according to cost of living figures. Fees go to program revenue and cover approximately 95
percent of the operator certification costs. The program does not include training, and the total program
cost could not be estimated.
Compliance: The rate of compliance for large water systems required to have certified
operators is high; however, a study of 3,000 small water systems, which arc regulated by local health
departments, was conducted in 1989 and 351 of the systems studied did not have properly certified
operators. Enforcement is carried out by field engineers and sanitarians, who conduct on-siie system
inspections. When a violator is found, the Department field office or County sends a Notice of Violation
The department can, but rarely does, issue administrative fines. As of October 5, 1989 there were 9,344
active, certified operators.
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COLORADO: The law governing certification is found in Title 25 (Health), Articles 8 & 9 (Water Quality
Control & Water and Wastcwatcr Treatment Plant Operators). Contact: Sharon Fcrdinandsen, Water
Quality Division, Department of Health.
System coverage: The requirements cover all public water systems, including non-transient,
non-community systems. The four classes of water systems, based on treatment and volume, are as
follows: class D, groundwatcr systems which use no treatment beyond chlonnation; class C, all systems
which use filtration and serve fewer than two mgd; class B, all systems which use filtration and serve
between two and five mgd; and class A, all systems which use filtration and serve more than five mgd.
These classes were created in August, 1989 and replaced classes based on population served. The
rationale was that these classes would diminish administrative burden because plant design capacity is
easier to determine than population served.
Certification process: There arc no education requirements, but the cxpcncncc requirements
arc as follows' class A, four years; class B, three years, class C, two years, and class D, no experience
required. Exams are written and administered by the Colorado Plant Operator Certification Board, which
is composed of members of the water and wastcwatcr fields, the Department of I k-alth, and municipali-
ties The Board offers the exams eight times a year at two central locations Reciprocity is granted on a
casc-by-casc basis, and the Board often accepts operators from Arkansas, California, Nebraska, Illinois,
and South Dakota. Approximately 32 operators were granted reciprocity in 1989 Certificates may be
revoked, but this has only occurred four times in the past 10 years The major causes of revocation were
falsification of records and failure to properly carry out responsibilities. Certificates must be renewed
every five years, and renewal is contingent upon receiving the following number of continuing education
units: class A, five; class B, four, and class C and D, two. A continuing education committee reviews and
approves continuing education courses
Fees: The fees are as follows' application and exam, $15, reciprocity, SI5, and renewal, S5
Fees go to general revenue and cover approximately 25 percent of the total program costs. The total
program cost, including salaries, is approximately $100.000 per year.
Compliance: The compliance rate for operator certification requirements could not be
estimated. There is an enforcement committee composed of board members; district engineers, however.
discover non-complicrs during on-site visits and send NOVs. Approximately 75 NOVs were sent in 1989,
and 96 percent of the violators were brought into compliance. The department maintains a computer-
ized list of the 3.000 certified operators. This list is updated daily, but is not published.
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CONNECTICUT; The law governing certification is found in Title 25 (Water Resources) Chapter 32. Part
III ("Water and Ice Supplies,") and the regulations are found in Section 25-32 (Certification of Water
Treatment Plant and Distribution System Operators) under the Department of Health Services (DOHS).
Contact: Robert Rivard, Water Supplies Section, Department of Health Services.
System coverage: All community water systems with treatment facilities and all distnbution
systems serving more than 1,000 people arc required to have certified operators. Water distnbution
systems are divided into three classifications' class I, systems serving between 1,000 and 5,000 people;
class II, systems serving between 5,001 and 50,000 people; and class HI, systems serving more than
50,000 people. Water treatment facilities are classified according to the AOC point system, which
accounts for treatment complexity, source of supply, lab work conducted, and system size. Class I is the
lowest classification and includes groundwater systems with minimal treatment; class IV is the highest
classification and includes the most complex treatment facilities. Large water utilities are required to
have an additional backup operator. Systems arc allowed to hire part-time operators, who may work for
more than one system.
Certification process: All operators must have completed 12 years of education. The
experience requirements for operators arc as follows: class I, one year of experience; class II, two years
of experience; class III. three years of experience; class IV. four years of experience. Generally,
experience requirements pertain to experience gained in the particular class. There is an "opcrator-in-
training" category for operators who meet training and exam requirements, but do not have the necessary
experience. There is also a "provisional operator" category, which is granted by the department and
allows operators to have direct responsible charge for up to two years while they become certified. The
DOHS offers the ADC exam two times per year at one location. The updated requirements now allow for
reciprocity; operators on the ABC registry arc not required to take an exam, but must still meet education
and experience requirements. Because the regulations were just changed, no operators have applied for
reciprocity. Dc-ccrtificaiion procedures were also recently instituted and have not yet been used.
Operators must renew their certificates every three years, and renewal is not contingent upon receiving
any continuing education.
Fees: The only fee is 530 for the exam and certificate. Revenue goes to pay ABC for the exam.
The other program costs arc covered by departmental and federal funding.
Compliance: Compliance with certification requirements is estimated at 90 percent and most of
the non-comphcrs are small groundwater systems. Systems without properly certified operators arc
discovered during on-site visits or after citizens' complaints. When non-compliers are discovered, the
department will issue NOVs Only two systems were sent NOVs in the past year. The department
maintains a computerized list of all certified operators, which is not published. To date, there arc
approximately 568 certified operators.
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DELAWARE; There arc no mandatory operator certification requirements for water system operators.
Additionally, there is no voluntary certification program. The only certified operators come from other
States At one time, the department offered training to operators, but that has been discontinued. No
changes arc expected in the future, unless EPA requires mandatory State operator certification.
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FLORIDA: The law governing certification is found in Section 403.10, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 17-
602, Florida Administrative Code. Contacts- J. Kent Kunes and Helen Setchfield, Department of
Environmental Resources.
System coverage: All public water treatment systems are required to have a certified operator,
unless specifically exempted by law. Distribution facilities are not required to have certified operators.
Operators arc divided into four classifications, based on treatment technology and quantity of water
treated. Class A is the highest classification for operators at systems using the most complex treatment
and producing the greatest quantity of finished water. Class D is the lowest classification for operators of
systems using minimal treatment and producing small quantities of finished water.
Certification process: The training and experience requirements are as follows: class A. 12
years of experience, four of which are on-sitc. and a minimum of 120 hours of State- approved training;
class B, 8 years of experience, two of which arc on-sitc, and a minimum of 144 hours of State-approved
training; class C, three years of experience, one of which is on-site, and a minimum of 144 hours of State-
approved training; and class D, three months of experience. The class D operator is limited to operating
only one water treatment plant. All operators are required to take State exams, which arc offered four
times per year at 17 locations throughout the State. Vocational training and exams arc also offered m the
prison system. The exams arc written and updated by a committee of class A water operators from the
Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association in cooperation with the Department. No
reciprocity is granted to operators from other States. All operators seeking certification in Florida must
comply with all requirements including training, experience, and successful completion of the State
examination Certificates must be renewed every two years Renewal may be denied in cases of fraud,
misrepresentation or falsification of records, incompetence, or negligence Certificates may also be
suspended or revoked for the same reasons Continuing education is not required at this time but is
planned for the near future.
Fees: There is a 515 application processing fee and a $25 renewal fee. The collected fees are
deposited in the Water Quality Assurance Trust Fund.
Compliance: The compliance rate for operator certification requirements could not be
estimated. The district offices of the Department discover violations through on-site inspections, monthly
operating reports, or citizen complaints. Enforcement is initiated with a warning letter or NOV. The
department maintains a computerized list of all certified operators. To date, 6,900 persons have been
certified to operate drinking water treatment plants.
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GEORGIA: The rules governing certification arc in Chapter 750-3, under, "State Board of Examiners for
Certification of Water and Wastcwater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts." The rules
governing the classification of water systems and the level of certified operator required for each class of
water system are in Chapter 391-3-5. (Rules for Safe Drinking Water). Contacts: Fred Lehman, Drinking
Water Program, and Deborah Smith, Examining Boards Division, Secretary of State.
System coverage: All surface water systems and all groundwatcr systems serving 1,000 or more
persons are required to have a certified operator. The level of certification required for surface water
systems is based on the capacity of the water plant and filtration rate; for groundwater systems and
purchase water systems it is based on the number of persons served by the water system.
Certification process: The operator certification program is divided by function. The
Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources handles the classification of
systems and the enforcement procedures; the Certification Board determines whether or not an applicant
has the necessary training and experience; the Examination Development and Test Administration Section
of the State Examining Boards supervises the administration of the exam; and the State Licensing Board
certifies operators. The training and experience requirements arc as follows: class III. 27 basic training
hours and six months' experience; class II, 48 advanced training hours (of which 24 must be laboratory),
two years' experience and a class III certificate; and class I, the same training as class II, three years'
experience and a class II certificate. The ABC exam is offered seven times per year at various locations
throughout the State. Reciprocity is not granted to operators from other States Operators who provide
copies of valid certificates may be considered for certification in a higher class, but they must still take
the exam. Certificates must be renewed every two years and operators must obtain continuing education
hours according 10 the certificate they hold distribution, collection, and class III operators need six
hours; class II operators and laboratory analysts need twelve hours, and class I operators need eighteen
hours The State docs not offer continuing education.
Fees: There is a $50 application fee and a $25 renewal fee.
Compliance: No information could be estimated on compliance. The Ijcensmg Hoard only
maintains information on individual operators, no system data were available.
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HAWAII: There are no mandatory State operator certification requirements. Instead, individual
municipalities have their own certification programs. Honolulu, which serves 85 percent of Hawaii's
population, docs have a certification program.
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IDAHO: There are no mandatory State operator certification requirements. There is a voluntary
program, but most of the operators seeking certification operate very large systems. There is some
training for operators of small systems, however, it is limited because of funding. Few of the 1,400 non-
community systems have certified operators, and only 70 of the 850 community water systems have
certified operators.
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ILLINOIS: The law governing certification is found in Illinois Annotated Statutes, Chapter 501 under
Public Health and Safety, while the regulations are found in Illinois Administrative Code, Title 35
(Environmental Protection), subtitle F (Public Water Supplies) Contact: Barbara Licbman, Division of
Public Water Supply, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
System coverage: All community water systems are required to have a certified operator. The
Department of Health is developing a program to include non-transient, non-community systems in the
requirements. The four system classifications, which are based on source of supply and treatment used,
arc as follows class A, surface water systems using surface treatment (c g. coagulation); class D,
groundwatcr systems using treatment such as Fc removal and zeolite softening, class C, systems using
chlorination and/or fluondation; and class D, distnbution systems.
Certification process: The minimum educational requirement is eighth grade The minimum
experience requirements arc as follows class A, three years; class B, three years, class C, one year; and
class D, six months. Some substitutions arc allowed. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
conducts exams on the first working Monday of each month at its six regional offices The application
for the exam must be accompanied by a letter verifying water treatment experience from the employer.
Certificates must be renewed every three years and there arc no continuing education requirements. The
procedures for revocation involve an investigation by the Illinois EPA. a review of the material by an
attorney, and a review by the Pollution Control Board or the Attorney General. Only two certificates
have been revoked in the last five years. Reciprocity is extended to operators who have a similar
certificate from another Stale. Two operators applied for reciprocity m 1989, one was granted a
certificate while the other applicant is still being evaluated.
Fees: The fees arc as follows application review, $30; exam, $10, and renewal, $10 with a late
penalty of $10 The fees go into the Environmental Permit and Inspection fund and are not specifically
marked for operator certification.
Compliance: The Illinois I7.PA claims a 91 percent compliance rate Non-complicrs arc-
discovered during on-site inspections Informal enforcement actions arc commonly used One formal
enforcement action was taken in 1989. Information on operators is maintained on a database which is
not published or made available to the public. There are approximately 4,000 certified operators, and
contract operators arc permitted. The Illinois EPA sponsors a bi-monthly operator newsletter.
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INDIANA; The law governing certification is found in Indiana Statutes Annotated, Title 13 (Environ-
ment), under, "Air and Water Pollution Control," while the regulations arc found in Indiana Admini-
strative Code, 330.1 IAC 7-9-1. under, "Water Pollution Control Board-Wastewatcr Management."
Contacts: Arnold Vicrc and Jackie Tyler, Office of Water Management, Department of Environmental
Management.
System coverage: All community water systems serving a population of at least 100 year round
residents are required to have a certified operator. There are two classifications for distribution systems
and five classifications for water treatment systems. The distribution classes arc DS for systems serving
fewer than 15,000 people, and DSL for those serving more than 15.000 people. The treatment classes
arc as follows: CT, systems using chemical feed, chlonnation. or fluondation, but not using filtration; PF,
systems using chemical feed to achieve disinfection, and pressure or gravity filtration to treat well sources
for iron removal; GF, surface water systems using coagulation, flocculation, or sedimentation which serve
fewer than 15,000 people, AT, surface water systems which serve more than 15.000 people or groundwa-
icr systems using lime-soda softening; and SP, plants with experimental treatment which arc classed as
they develop. A provision in the General Laws allows systems to contract part-time operators under
certain circumstances.
Certification process: The education and experience requirements are as follows: class DS.
high school education and one year of experience; class DSL. high school education and one year of
experience; class CT, high school education and one year of experience in a CT plant; class GF, a high
school degree and two years' experience in a GF plant; and classes AT and SP. a high school degree and
three years' experience in an AT/SP plant Some substitutions of education or more experience at lower
level plants arc allowed. Exams arc administered by the Department of Environmental Management
(DEM) once a year in five locations across the State Renewal is every two years One of the recent
regulatory changes is the inclusion of a continuing education requirement for renewal. Revocation of
certificates occurs after a hearing before the Water Pollution Control Board. Reciprocity may be granted
if an operator has met comparable standards in another State and if that State extends similar privileges
Seven operators applied for reciprocity in 1989. and most were granted certificates A grandfather clause
applies to operators who were certified under the voluntary certification program, or who worked on or
before the effective date of the law
Fees: The fees are $30 for the application and $30 for renewal. The fees go to general revenue.
Compliance: The DEM claims a 90 percent overall compliance rate with operator certification
requirements; non-compliers are most often class CT systems, which arc generally small systems
Frequently, non-compliers arc discovered during field inspections. The DEM uses formal and informal
enforcement actions to bring systems into compliance To date, DEM has not used us authority to
impose fines of up to $10,000 per day of violation of operator certification requirements Six systems
were sent letters informing them of their non-compliance in 1989; each has since hired a certified oper-
ator. Operator information is maintained on a computerized data base There arc approximately 3,000
certified operators.
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IOWA; The law governing certification is found in Code of Iowa, Chapter 455B (Natural Resource
Regulation) and the regulations are found in the Administrative Code of Iowa, Chapters 567-80 and 81
(Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division). The law applies to both water
supply and wastewater treatment operators. Contacts: Daryl McAllister and Dennis Alt, Water Supply
Section, Department of Natural Resources.
System coverage: Although State regulations specify that all public water systems are required
to have certified operators, in practice, only municipal water systems, bcnefitted water distncts, and rural
water distncts are required to have certified operators. Systems are classified by a matrix that accounts
for treatment used and capacity. There are four system classifications. Class I is the lowest category, for
systems which use simple treatment and pump fewer than 0.1 mgd. The other three classes arc based on
specific treatments used (e.g. zeolite softening), and the systems using more complicated treatment
processes are assigned a higher class. The department allows and encourages operator sharing. There is
a specific procedure, called "affidavit management," for systems wanting to share operators. Approxi-
mately 125 facilities arc currently operated under affidavit management. This enhances compliance,
because the "secondary" systems have more highly qualified operators
Certification process: Education and experience requirements arc as follows class I, 12 years
of education and one year of general experience; class II, 12 years of education and three years of
general experience; class III. 14 years of education and four years of general experience; and class IV. 16
years of education, and four years of general experience, including one year supervising in a class HI or
IV facility. The department offers the required exams, consisting of both departmental and ABC
questions, ten limes per year at locations throughout the State. Reciprocity is granted if operators have
passed an equivalent exam and if they meet the training requirements. Approximately 30 operators
applied for. and were granted, reciprocity in 1989 (although some were not given the grade of certificate
requested). There arc de-certification procedures, but they have not been used in the past five years.
Certificates must be renewed every two years and renewal is contingent upon obtaining one CEU for
class I and II operators, and two CEUs for class III and IV operators.
Fees: Certification fees arc as follows- exam, 520, initial certification, S8 (for each six months
from the date of issuance to June 30th); renewal, $24 for two years; and penalty fee, 512. Fees go to
general revenue, and program costs arc covered by departmental appropriations.
Compliance: Approximately 90 percent of the 880 community water supply systems required to
have certified operators are in compliance. Enforcement is generally conducted by the field offices, who
discover non-compliers during site visits. When field engineers find non-compliers, they send NOVs
requiring the systems to submit a compliance schedule. Although administrative penalties may be issued,
Notices of Violation arc the most common enforcement tool. The number of enforcement actions taken
in the past year could not be estimated. The department maintains a computerized list of all certified
operators in the State.
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KANSAS: The law governing certification is found in Kansas Statutes Annotated, Title 65 (Public Health)
under, "Water Supply Systems and Wastewater Treatment." Contact: Jim Current, Department of Health
and Environment, Division of Environment.
System coverage: All public water systems, including non-transient, non-community systems, arc
required to have a certified operator There arc four system classifications which are based on treatment
used and population served. The classes arc as follows: class I, systems using chlonnation without
(luondation which serve fewer than 500 people or distnbution systems; class II, systems using chlonna-
tion without (luondation which serve between 500 and 2,500 people, or systems using more complex
treatment which serve fewer than 1,000 people; class III, systems using chlonnation without fluorielation
which serve between 2,500 and 20,000 people or systems using more complex treatment which serve
between 1,000 and 10,000 people; and class FV, systems using chlonnation without (luondation which
serve more than 20,000 people or systems using more complex treatment which serve more than 10,000
people. Systems may share certified operators.
Certification process: Education and cxpcncncc requirements arc as follows- class I, high
school education and one year of cxpcncncc; class II, one year of college and one year of experience,
class III, two years of college and two years of cxpcncncc; and class IV, four years of college and two
years of experience Some substitutions arc allowed. A correspondence course is available in lieu of
classroom instruction Certification exams arc administered 15 to 20 times a year throughout the Slate by
the Department of Health and the Environment (DUE). Certificates must be renewed annually, and one
day or six contact hours of continuing education is required every four years The procedures for
revoking certificates are as follows- finding of cause, notification to operator of revocation, hearing
before a State hearing officer, and final decision by the Secretary of the DUE. Reciprocity may be
granted if the requirements of the other States arc similar. In 1989, 25 operators applied for, and were
granted, certification through reciprocity. There is a grandfather clause extended to operators who were
certified under the voluntary program, or who were in charge of a plant prior to the effective date of the
law.
Fees: The fees arc $5 for the exam and $5 for renewal. The fees go to general revenue. The
total program costs could not be estimated.
Compliance: The DUE claims an 80-85 percent overall compliance rate for operator certifica-
tion requirements. Large systems have a higher compliance rate than small systems. Non-compliers arc
usually discovered during field inspections conducted by district office staff. District staff work with non-
compliers to bnng them into compliance. Information on operators is computerized and updated
weekly. There are approximately 1,700 certified water system operators.
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KENTUCKY; The law governing certification is found in Kentucky Annotated Code, Chapter 223 (Public
Health) under, "Sanitarians and Water Plant Operators," and the regulations are found in the Kentucky
Administrative Regulation 401 KAR 8 040. Contacts: Nancy Fowscr and John Smithcr, Division of Water,
Department of Environmental Protection.
System coverage: All public water systems, including non-transient, non-community systems,
that serve at least 15 connections or 25 people daily must have a certified operator. Water treatment and
distribution systems are classified separately Treatment systems are divided into nine categories based
on population served, source of supply, and treatment used. The four major categories, which indicate
population served, are as follows: class I, systems serving fewer than 500 people; class II, between 500
and 3,000 people; class III, between 3,000 and 15,000 people; and class IV, more than 15.000 people.
The specific categories, which also account for treatment used, arc as follows: IAD, systems using
physical treatment and disinfection where the operator is also responsible for distribution; IDD, systems
using only disinfection where the operator is also responsible for distribution; IIA, systems using
complete physical and chemical treatment, IIBD, systems using physical treatment and disinfection, where
the operator is also responsible for distribution, 1ICD systems using only disinfection, where the operator
is also responsible for distribution. I IIA, systems using complete physical and chemical treatment. Mill.
systems using physical treatment and disinfection; IIIC, systems using only disinfection; and IVA, systems
using complete physical and chemical treatment. The four distribution system classifications, which arc
based solely on population, are as follows: ID, systems serving fewer than 1,500 people; I ID, between
1,500 and 15,000 people; HID. between 15,000 and 50,000 people; and IVD, more than 50,000 people
Certification process: The education and experience requirements arc as follows: class I, a
high school degree and one year of experience, class II, a high school degree and two years of
experience; class III, a high school degree and three years of experience; and class IV, a college degree
and three years of experience. Some substitutions arc allowed. Exams, which arc administered by the
Certification and Training Section in the Division of Water, arc offered quarterly across the Slate after
training sessions Certificates must be renewed every two years and renewal is contingent upon receiving
between 6 and 12 CEUs. depending on the system classification A certificate may be revoked after a
hearing before the cabinet and upon the advice of the Certification Hoard (composed of representatives
of treatment facility management, distribution systems, higher education, and State government). Two
certificates have been revoked or suspended in the past year for falsification of application information
and for unacceptable operational practices. Reciprocity may be granted if the certification requirements
from another State are comparable and if similar privileges arc granted. There arc agreements with NM,
MT, OH, PA, TX, IN, SC, WV. and TN. There is a grandfather clause for operators holding valid
certificates prior to June 16, 1966
Fees: The fees arc as follows: exam, $30, reciprocity certification, $35; training registration, $10;
and renewal, $20. The fees go to program revenue for the Certification Board. The fees covered
approximately 38 percent of the program costs, which were $250,000 in 1989
Compliance: There are approximately 70 systems that arc required to have certified operators
but do not. These systems are primarily camping areas and small trailer parks. Enforcement is carried
out by the Field Operation and Enforcement Branches of the Division of Water, which issues NOVs and
works with non-complicrs to certify operators. Fines up to $5,000 per day can be imposed. Monthly
operating reports that must be signed by the operator are used to check compliance with operator
certification requirements. Information on operators is computeri2cd and can be easily cross-referenced
with system information. Approximately 2,250 certificates have been issued to date.
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LOUISIANA; The law governing certification is found in Louisiana Code Annotated, Title 40 (Public
Health and Safety) under, "Miscellaneous Provisions " The law applies to both water supply and sewage
treatment. Contacts: T. Jay Ray and Larry Fox, Department of Health and Hospital Engineering Services,
Office of Public Health.
System coverage: All systems, including non-transient, non-community systems, which serve
more than 500 people arc required to have a certified operator. There are three kinds of licenses for the
various types of systems: a "production license" is required for groundwatcr systems using no treatment
beyond chlonnation; a "treatment license" is required for all systems using treatment other than
chlonnation; and a "distribution license" is required for distribution plants. For the treatment and
distribution licenses, there arc four classifications which are based on population served: class I, systems
serving between 500 and 1,000 people; class II, between 1,001 and 5,000; class III, between 5,001 and
25,000; and class IV, more than 25.000 people. Small systems using simple treatment may be allowed to
share operators.
Certification process: The education and experience requirements are as follows: class I, 12
years of education and one year of experience; class II, 12 years of education and two years of
experience; class III. 14 years of education and three years of experience; and class IV, 16 years of
education and 4 years of experience. The Department of I Icalth offers the certification exams twice a
year in different locations throughout the State. The department writes some of its exam questions, bui
also uses ABC exam questions. Operators must renew their certificates every two years and renewal is
contingent upon receiving eight hours of training every year. Reciprocity is granted on an ad hoc basis
In addition, operators registered with ABC will be granted reciprocity automatically. Approximately 15
operators applied for, and were granted, reciprocity in 1989.
Fees: The fees arc as follows- exam, 55: first license, 520; and every additional license is $10
each for new certificates and renewals. Fees go to general revenue but arc returned to the certification
program. The total program cost is approximately $60,000 per year, and is covered by the fees.
Compliance: Of the 1,250 water systems in the State, approximately 80 percent arc in
compliance with operator certification requirements. The majority of non-complicrs arc systems serving
fewer than 1,000 people. Field engineers discover non-complicrs during on-sitc visits. When non-
compliers are found, the department sends a letter requesting that the systems submit a compliance
schedule. Legal action has not been used. The department maintains a computerized list of certified
operators and the systems they serve. This list is periodically sent to the regional engineers to verify the
data. A quarterly newsletter is sent to all certified operators.
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MAINE; The law governing certification is found in Title 22 (Human Services), Chapter 600 (Water for
Human Consumption). The regulations arc found in 10-144A (Department of Human Services/Bureau of
Health), Chapter 231 (Drinking Water Rules). Contacts: Jeff Jcnks and Francis Drake, Division of Health
Engineering, Department of Human Services.
System coverage: The requirements only apply to the following types of public water systems:
water districts, municipal water departments, and investor owned water utilities serving municipalities,
systems such as water associations, mobile home parks, subdivisions, condominiums, and commercial
developments are not required to have a certified operator. The eight system classifications, which arc
based on population served and treatment used, are as follows, class IA, all water systems needing
chemical treatment which serve fewer than 15,000 people; class IB, all distribution systems which serve
fewer than 15,000 people; class IIA, systems using filtration, coagulation, lime softening and/or chemi-
cal/bacteriological treatments which serve fewer than 2.000 people; class MB, systems using chlormation
and requiring bacteriological control which serve fewer than 15,000 people; class IIC, systems using
chemical control which serve more than 15,000 people; class IIIA, systems using coagulation and
sedimentation and requiring chemical and bacteriological control which serve between 2,000 and 15,000
people, class HID, systems using chlonnation and requiring bacteriological control which serve more
than 15,000 people; and class IV, systems using coagulation and sedimentation and requiring chemical
and bacteriological control which serve more than 15.000 people.
Certification process: The education and experience requirements arc as follows: class I and
II, a high school degree and one year of experience; class III, a high school degree and two years'
experience; and class IV, a high school degree and four years' experience. Exams arc designed by the
Water Certification Board and arc administered twice a year across the State by the Division of I lealth
Engineering. The Board is composed of a water operator, a wastcwatcr operator. State government
representatives, a water utility manager, an educator, and a member of the general public Applications
must be submitted three weeks prior to the exam date and arc evaluated by the Board to ensure that
experience requirements have been met. The class I and II exams may be taken concurrently.
Certificates must be renewed every two years and there arc no continuing education requirements. If
operators do not renew their licenses after three years, they arc revoked. No operators have had their
licenses revoked in the last five years. Reciprocity may be granted if another State's certification
requirements are comparable; there are written reciprocity agreements with MA and Nil. In 1989, two
operators applied for, and were granted, reciprocity. There is a grandfather clause for operators in
charge of systems as of October 1, 1966. Temporary waivers are granted by the Board to systems while
they arc training a new operator
Fees: The fees arc as follows: combined class I and II exam, S25, class HI and IV exam, S25
each, reciprocity, S25; and renewal. $16. The fees go to the Board of Certification The fees cover the
entire $2.000 cost of the program The State and the ME Rural Water Association provide an additional
$146,000 for training.
Compliance: The Division primarily uses informal enforcement measures to bring systems into
compliance. In 1989, the Division worked with 12 systems and all came into compliance or received
temporary waivers. Information on operators is computerized and is easily cross-referenced with system
data. There are 82 class I operators, 270 class II operators, 112 class III operators, and 52 class IV
operators.
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MARYLAND: The law governing certification is found in the Annotated Code, Title 12 (Environment)
under, "Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators," while the regulations are found in the Code of
Maryland Regulations, Title 26 (Department of Environment), subtitle 06 (Waterworks and Wastewatcr
System Operators) Chapter 01 Water supply and wastcwater treatment are both covered under the law
Contacts: Bill Pamsh and Barry K. O'Brien, Department of the Environment.
System coverage: All public water systems, including non-transient, non-community systems, arc
required to have a certified operator. The five system classifications, which are based on treatment type,
are as follows: class I, systems using disinfection; class II, systems using chemical treatment such as
chlorination, pH control or fluondation; class III, systems using simple iron removal such as ion
exchange or contact oxidation processes; class IV, systems using complete treatment; and class V, site
specific for any new technological plants not covered under the classification system Certified operators
arc permitted to manage more than one system.
Certification process: Operator certification is monitored by the Board of Waterworks and
Waste Systems Operators. The Board is composed of 10 members appointed by ihc Governor and one
member appointed by the Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), members
arc chosen based on profession and geographic representation. /Ml operators must have a high school
degree or its equivalent. The experience requirements arc as follows- class I and II operators need one
year of experience; class III operators need two years' experience; class FV operators need three years'
experience; and the amount of experience required of class V operators is determined by the Board. Por
class III and IV certificates, up to one year of college may be substituted for one year of experience. The
AHC exams arc offered twice a year at five locations across the State. Reciprocity is granted to other
States using the ABC exam Operators must meet Maryland's education and experience requirements. In
1989, seven of the ten operators who applied for reciprocity were granted certification There was a
grandfather clause for uncertified operators and certified superintendents employed before July 2, 1982.
Applications had to have been received prior to 1987 Certificates must be renewed every three years
and renewal is contingent upon operators receiving the following number of training units for class I
and II, 16 units, for class III and IV, 30 units; and for class V, to be determined on an ad hoc basis by
the Board. Certificates may be revoked in the case of fraud, negligence, or professional incompetency
Two certificates have been revoked in the past two years.
Fees: The fees arc as follows: initial certificate, $15; exam, $25; renewal, $40 for the first
certificate and $5 for each additional certificate.
Compliance: Approximately 95 percent of the systems serving more than 3,300 people have
certified operators; most of the non-complicrs are systems that serve fewer than 500 people. Non-
compliers are detected during on-site inspections Informal enforcement measures arc used most
frequently; no legal action was taken against a system in 1989 There is a computerized list of certified
operators which is kept at the Water Supply Program office Arrangements arc being made to match
operator information with system information by the end of 1990. There are approximately 2,900
certified water and wastewatcr operators. Almost 50 percent operate multiple plants
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MASSACH USETTS; The law establishing the Board of Certification of operators of Drinking Water
Supply Facilities is found in Massachusetts General Laws cl!2 ss. 66B, 87CCCC and 87DDDD. Acting
under this authority the Board has adopted regulations titled 236 CMR. The latest version of these
regulations became effective on January 5, 1990. Additional certification requirements have been
adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection and are found in 310 CMR 22:1 IB. Contacts:
David Terry, Drinking Water Program, and Betty Boulger and Robert McCrackcn, Boards of Registration.
Division of Registration.
System coverage: All public water systems, including non-transient non-community systems, arc
required to have a certified operator Currently, the three major system classifications are "distribu-
tion"^), "treatment" (T), and "mixed components-combining distribution and treatment" (C). For
distribution systems (D), there are four grades, which arc as follows: grade 1, systems designed to serve
between 500 and 9,999 people; grade 2, between 10,000 and 24,999 people; grade 3. between 25,000
and 49,999 people; and grade 4, more than 50,000 people. For treatment systems (T) and mixed
component systems (C), the grades are as follows: grade 1, systems designed to serve between 500 and
1,999 people; grade 2, between 2.000 and 9,999 people; grade 3, between 10.000 and 24,999 people,
and grade 4. more than 25,000 people. A separate category, called "VSS", has been established for very
small systems serving fewer than 500 people.
Certification process: The experience requirements vary depending on the system grade and
the operator's amount of education The Board of Certification administers the ABC exams twice a year
at four different locations (in or around Worcester, Boston. New Bedford, and Springfield). Certificates
must be renewed every two years and renewal is not contingent upon receiving any CEUs. The
procedures for revocation arc found in the State statutes under the "Administrative Practices Act" and call
for a hearing before the Board with further recourse to legal action. These provisions have never been
used in the area of operator certification Reciprocity is granted gnulc-for-gradc with other ABC States
All other operators arc discouraged from applying for reciprocity because it is too administratively time-
consuming.
Fees: The fees arc as follows- application/exam, $73-50; license, $30; renewal, $30, late penalty,
$25. The exam fee will increase to cover the cost of the ABC exam. The fees go to general revenue and
the program is funded by general revenue.
Compliance: Nearly all of the large water systems are in compliance with the requirements and
have at least one certified operator in charge; however, many small and non-transient, non-community
water systems do not yet have certified operators. Enforcement is the responsibility of the Department of
Environmental Protection. Non-complicrs are discovered through yearly sanitary surveys and the
mandatory annual statistical reports. When the Board finds a system without a certified operator, it
sends an Enforcement Letter outlining the DEP's attempts to work with the system, followed by
Administrative penalties (up to $25,000/day) and ad|udicatory hearings. Systems usually comply after the
initial letter. The DEP worked with approximately 50 systems in 1989. Because of the limited pool of
certified operators, the DEP is actively encouraging more people to take the exams and become certified.
The Data Processing Section of the Division of Registration is responsible for processing and issuing
licenses and a computerized list of all licensed operators is made available. This directory is updated
after each examination and during the renewal penod. There arc approximately 1,200 active, certified
operators.
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MICHIGAN; The law governing certification is found in the Michigan Compiled Laws Annotated, Chapter
325 (Public Health) in the Safe Drinking Water Act, under "Classification of Treatment and Distribution
Systems." Contact. Eric Way, Division of Water Supply, Department of Public Health.
System coverage: All public water systems, including non-transient, non-community systems
that use treatment for health-related concerns, are required to have a certified operator. Systems are
classified into three general categories based on treatment: F (complete treatment), D (limited treat-
ment), and S (distribution systems). These classifications are further divided according to population
served or design capacity and arc as follows: class 1, systems serving more than 20,000 people or
designed to serve more than five mgd; class 2, systems serving between 4,000 and 20,000 people or
designed to serve between two and 5 mgd, class 3, systems serving between 1,000 and 4,000 people or
designed to serve between 0.5 and two mgd; and class 4, systems serving fewer than 1,000 people or
designed to serve fewer than 0 5 mgd.
Certification process: Education and training requirements arc based on a point system, where
education ranges from 60 points for a high school diploma to 90 points for a MS in Engineering,
Chemistry, or Bacteriology Experience credit is accrued at a minimum of one-quarter point per month
The exams are administered by the Department of Public Health (DPI I) through a Certification and
Training Specialist and the District engineers. The lower level exams arc offered twice a year and the
upper level exams arc offered once a year Operators of non-transient, non-community systems can take
a verbal exam. Certificates arc good for life; ihcrc arc no renewal provisions. The DPI! is formulating
regulatory changes that will include a three year renewal period and will require that operators receive 8
continuing education units per year. Inactive certificates can be activated after a hearing before the
advisory board. Only one certificate has been revoked in the last five years. Michigan seldom grants
reciprocity because of staff limitations.
Fees: There is no fee system. The program is funded by Stale and Federal funds.
Compliance: The DPH claims a 90-95 percent compliance rate. Non-compliers arc detected
dunng district engineers' inspections. When non-compliers arc discovered, the district engineer sends
letters to the owners of the systems, followed by Administrative Orders when necessary. Only a few
formal enforcement actions were taken in 1989. Information on operators is computerized but not
published. Because there is no renewal system, the list of operators is only completely updated once
every five years. Routine updates arc made after each exam period and when DPH is notified of an
operator, address, employer, or status change There are approximately 2.700 active operators, 1,600
inactive operators, and fewer than 1,500 uncertified operators.
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MINNESOTA; The law governing certification is found in the Annotated Statutes, Chapter 115 (Environ-
mental Protection) under, "Water Pollution-Sanitation," and the regulations are found in the Administra-
tive Code, Chapter 9400 (Water Treatment Certification). Contact: Bob Smude, Division of Environmen-
tal Health, Department of Health.
System coverage: All community water systems are required to have a certified operator. An
elaborate point system, based on population served, water supply source, quality of water supply, unit
treatment processes, distribution and storage capacity, and number of wells, is used to classify systems.
There are four classes of systems, where A is the highest class and D the lowest. A water system accrues
the greatest number of points if it uses a surface water source, has more than 20.000 coliform per 100
milhlitcrs before treatment, uses coagulation and/or nitration, and serves more than 100,000 people; a
groundwater system that docs not use any treatment and that serves fewer than 1,000 people accrues the
least number of points.
Certification process: The education and experience requirements arc as follows class A. a
bachelor's degree in an appropriate branch of engineering or in a physical or biological science, with
four years' general experience, and two years as a class B operator, class B, a bachelor's degree in an
appropriate branch of engineering, or in a physical or biological science with two years' experience, class
C, a high school degree and three years' experience; and class D. one year of experience or approved
training credit, lixams arc administered by the Department of Health and are given approximately 20
times per year across the State Reciprocity is granted on a casc-by-casc basis; in 1989 four operators
applied for, and were granted, reciprocity. There is a grandfather clause for operators who were
certified under the voluntary program or who were employed at a site on or before the date the law took
effect. Certificates must be renewed every three years and renewal is contingent upon obtaining the
following number of continuing education credits- 32 contact hours for class A operators. 24 contact
hours for class I) operators. 16 contact hours Tor class C operators, and 8 contact hours for class D
operators Certificates may be revoked in the case of fraud, negligence, and misconduct.
Fees: The fees arc as follows application, $15; certificate, 515, re-exam, S15; renewal, S15,
reciprocity. $20; and replacement of certificate, $5. Fees go to program revenue. No estimate could be
given on the total program cost per year.
Compliance: The overall compliance rate with operator certification requirements is approxi-
mately 80 percent. The majority of non-complicrs are small systems that have a high operator turnover
rate. Non-compliers are discovered by the eight distnct offices during yearly sanitary surveys. Informal
enforcement actions are the most common tool used to bring systems into compliance wiih certification
requirements. No legal action was taken in the past year. A computerized list of certified operators is
maintained but not published. Information on operators cannot be cross-referenced with system
information. There arc 48 class A operators, 293 class B operators, 592 class C operators, and 588 class
D operators.
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MISSISSIPPI: The certification program is administered by the Mississippi Department of Health, Bureau
of Environmental Health, Division of Water Supply. Contacts: Tom Conncrly and Jim McDonald, Division
of Water Supply, Department of Health.
System coverage: All community water systems are required to have certified operators; non-
transient, non-community water systems arc excluded from the operator certification requirements. The
four classes of systems, which arc based on treatment used, are as follows: class D, systems which use
no treatment other than chlorination or fluondation; class C, systems which use aeration, pH adjustment,
or closed pressure treatment including zeolite softening or iron removal; class B. two or more C systems
with different types of treatment on the same distribution system or systems which use iron and
manganese removal procedures and require decollation or sedimentation; and class A, surface water
systems which use lime softening or coagulation and flocculation for the removal of materials other than
iron or manganese. Population served is not a factor in system classification.
Certification process: The education and experience requirements arc as follows: class D, one
year of experience; class C, a high school degree and one year of experience in an A, B or C plant; class
B, a high school degree and three years' experience in an A.B or C plant (one year must be in an A or B
plant); and class A, a high school degree and nine years' experience in an A or B plant (one year must be
in an A plant). Some substitution of advanced education for experience is permissible. The exam is
given three times a year (once a year in three locations) after a short course sponsored by the Monitor-
ing, Training and Certification section of the Division of Water Supply. Certificates must be renewed
every three years and 48 training hours are required during each renewal period. An operator's
certificate may be revoked, but the program is so new that this has never happened. Reciprocity is
granted only with States that will sign an agreement of reciprocity with Mississippi; to date there arc
written agreements wiih Texas and Louisiana. Of the 10 water operators that applied for reciprocity in
the last two years, half were denied because their original States refused to sign reciprocity agreements
with Mississippi.
Fees: The fees are $50 for the exam application and 530 for renewal, these fees comprise a
program revenue fund which covers the cost of the operator certification program including the short
course training sessions.
Compliance: Mississippi claims a 98 percent overall compliance rate with operator certification
requirements; the two percent not in compliance are primarily systems which serve fewer than 500
people, e.g., trailer parks. When non-complicrs are discovered, they are sent letters from the Monitonng,
Training, and Certification sccuon, followed by letters from the Attorney General's office, and then legal
action, if necessary. No formal enforcement actions were taken in 1989; however, the section worked
informally with approximately 30 systems to bring them into compliance Information on operators is
computerized and is available to the public for a fee There arc 1,326 water system operators.
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MISSOURI; The regulations governing operator certification are found in 10 CSR 60 (the Missouri Public
Drinking Water Regulations), Chapter 14 (Operator Certification). Contacts: Virginia Ismey and Jerry
Lane, Department of Natural Resources.
System coverage: All community water systems are required to have a certified operator-,
however, untreated community water systems which serve fewer than 200 people (and 50 connections)
and have safe operational histories are exempted from the requirements. A point system based on the
ABC model is used to divide the public water supplies into five classes. Class A is the highest grade and
includes surface water systems which use complex treatment and serve more than 10 mgd; class E is the
lowest category and includes groundwater systems which use little or no treatment and serve fewer than
2 mgd.
Certification process: The experience requirements arc as follows: class E, no education or
experience required, class D, one year of experience; class C, two years' experience; class B, four years'
experience; and class A, six years' experience. Education may be substituted for pan of the experience
requirement. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
has a core exam schedule of 24 exams per year throughout the State, supplemented by a large number of
special exams following regional training sessions. The ABC exam is used. Certificates must be renewed
every three years, and renewal is contingent upon receiving 30 hours of renewal training over that
period. Missouri is a member of the ABC reciprocity register but grants reciprocity to any State with
similar certification requirements. Approximately 12 operators applied for reciprocity in the past year;
several of these applications were denied because the operators were not currently employed by a water
system in Missouri. The regulations contain provisions for revoking operators' licenses; however, they
have never been used.
Fees: The fees are as follows: exam. $15; certificate, $15; reciprocity. $15; renewal, $15 every
three years, and late fees, $5. Fees go to the Safe Drinking Water Fund. The program, which docs not
include training, is funded by general revenue and federal funds. The total program costs could not be
estimated.
Compliance: The compliance rate for operator certification requirements differs depending on
the region of the State: the Northeast region has a 95 percent compliance rate, while the Southern region
has a 50 to 60 percent compliance rate. Non-complicrs are discovered by the regional offices. Informal
enforcement is the primary tool used to bring systems into compliance. The Missouri safe dnnking water
law contains a penalty provision with a $50 fine for the first offense; however, no legal actions were
taken in 1989. Information on operators is kept on a mainframe computer and is linked with system
data. Missouri has issued 2.319 operator certificates, but the number of certified operators is lower
because an operator may hold multiple certificates.
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MONTANA: The law governing certification is found in MT General Laws, Title 37 (Professions and
Occupations) under, "Water Treatment Plant Operators," and the regulations are found in the Administra-
tive Rules of MT, Title 16 (Health and Environmental Sciences) under, "Water Treatment Plants and
Operators." Contacts. Rosemary Fosum and Dan Frascr, Department of Health and Environmental
Sciences.
System coverage: All public water systems, not including non-transient, non-community
systems, which serve 10 or more connections are required to have a certified operator. The five water
treatment system classifications, which are based on treatment used and source of supply, are as follows:
class I, surface water systems using any treatment involving chemical coagulation, filtration, and
chlorination; class II, surface water systems not using chemical coagulation; class III. groundwater
systems serving over 2,500 people; class IV, groundwater systems serving between 100 and 2,500 people;
and class V, groundwater systems serving between 25 and 100 people. The five distribution system
classifications, which are based on population served, are as follows: class I, systems serving more than
20,000 people; class II. systems serving between 2.500 and 20,000 people; class III, systems serving
between 500 and 2,500 people; class IV, systems serving between 100 and 500 people; and class V,
systems serving fewer than 100 people.
Certification process: The direct responsible charge (DRQ experience requirements are as
follows: class I, two years' experience; class II. one and a half years' experience; class III. one year of
experience; and class IV, six months' experience. There is no experience requirement for class V
operators. Applicable post-secondary education may be substituted for no more than one half of the
experience requirement. Exams are administered by Water Quality Bureau staff and the Advisory Council
for Water and Wastcwatcr Operators at least twice a year. In the spring the exam is given in seven
communities across the State; In the fall the examination is given following a four-day training school
Operators who pass their examinations before completing the experience requirements arc certified as
opcrators-in-training until they obtain the necessary expcncncc. Certificates must be renewed annually.
Every two years operators must earn the following number of continuing education units: class I
operators need one CEU per certificate and class II. III. and IV operators need 5 CEUs per certificate A
regulation specifying the circumstances for disciplinary action is currently under legal review. No
operators have had their certificates revoked for fraud or mcompetency. Reciprocity may be granted to
operators who have passed an equivalent exam in another State and who meet the minimum experience
requirements. Six operators applied for, and were granted, reciprocity in 1989. A grandfather clause
certified persons who could verify that they were in responsible charge of a system on or before July 1,
1967.
Fees: Application and renewal fees are based on system classification as follows: class I, $27,
class II, $22; class III, $17, class IV, $12; and class V, $10. Additionally, the exam fee for all classes is S5.
The fees go to program revenue and are earmarked for operator certification. The fees cover approxi-
mately 80 percent of the $40,000 cost of the program. The total program cost does not include training,
which is conducted by the water section.
Compliance: The compliance rate for operators of class I, II, and III systems is close to 100
percent, while the rate for operators of smaller systems is approximately 85 percent. Informal
enforcement actions are used most commonly to bnng systems into compliance. Legal action is taken
against systems chronically not in compliance with operator certification requirements and other
regulations. No fines have ever been imposed solely for a system's failure to have a certified operator.
There are approximately 1,250 operators certified in the water and wastewater programs. Information on
operators is computenzed, but is not yet easily cross-referenced with system information.
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NEBRASKA; Nebraska Annotated Code, Title 71 (Public Health and Welfare). Chapter 53 (Nebraska Safe
Drinking Water Act); Nebraska Administrative Rules and Regulations, Title 179 (Health and Environmental
Engineering), Chapter 2 (Public Water Supply Systems) Contacts- Mark Hammer and Jack Daniel,
Division of Environmental Sanitation, Department of Health.
System coverage: All public water systems are required to have a certified operator. The
lowest grade of certificate, grade 5, applies to both transient and non-transient, non-community systems
The grade 5 certificate is merely a formality: grade 5 operators are not required to meet minimum
education or experience standards and they do not need to pass a certification examination. Instead,
they qualify by successfully answering seven of ten questions by mail after they have been provided a
handbook explaining the State and Federal requirements. The community system operator classifications,
which are based on population served and treatment used, arc as follows- class I, community water
systems which use filtration or other treatment requiring chemical and bacteriological control and arc
designed to serve more than 15,000 people or all other community water systems designed to serve more
than 15,000 people; class II, community water systems which use the treatment processes listed for class
I but arc designed to serve between 2,000 and 15,000 people or all other community systems serving
between 15,000 and 50,000 people; class III, community systems which use the same treatment processes
listed for class I but are designed to serve fewer than 2.000 people or all other community systems which
serve between 2,000 and 15,000 people and all community systems that purchase water from one or
more systems for the purpose of supplementing or providing service to more than 50.000 people; class
IV, community systems which do not use a treatment technology involving filtration and which serve
fewer than 2,000 people or all other community systems that purchase water from one or more systems
for the purpose of supplementing or providing service to fewer than 15,000 people. Operator sharing is
permuted if the systems are within a reasonable travel distance and if there is a written agreement
between the systems.
Certification process: The education and experience requirements vary based on system class
The amount of experience required ranges from one to six years in responsible charge of a system. Class
V operators must demonstrate ability to collect water samples, interpret results of biological examination,
and maintain required records. Operators of Class I, II, and III systems must take exams that arc
administered by the Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Sanitation following week-long
courses. Operators of class IV systems must attend a 2 1/2 day course and pass a test at the completion.
or take a correspondence course offered by the Department. The lower level courses and exams arc
offered three or four times per year across the State; the upper level exams arc offered once or twice a
year in Lincoln. Operators must renew their certificates every three years and renewal is contingent
upon receiving 15 contact hours during the renewal period. Reciprocity is granted on a case-by-casc
basis. Approximately three operators applied for, and were granted, reciprocity in 1989 (although not
necessarily for the class they desired).
Fees: The fees are as follows- the week-long training course pnor to the exam, S200; renewal,
510; and correspondence course, $80. The fees go to general revenue. The total program costs could
not be estimated.
Compliance: The overall compliance rate with operator certification requirements is between
70 and 80 percent. Non-complicrs are discovered by field inspectors during random inspections every
three years or less and by the certification officer annually when re-certification requirements are
checked. Violators are sent letters and are given six months to hire certified operators. In 1988, the
department worked with 16 systems and brought all of them into compliance. Information on operators
and systems is kept on dBASE III. There are approximately 1,000 certified operators.
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NEVADA; Nevada docs not have a mandatory operator certification program. Operator certification
requirements were proposed to the last three State legislatures but were defeated each time. In October
of 1990, Nevada adopted operator certification requirements Tor surface water treatment systems. The
requirements mandate that PWSs using surface water, or using groundwatcr under direct influence of
surface water, must have operators who have received a certificate of competency in water treatment
operations. Certificates will be issued by the Association of Boards of Certification, and the certification
program will be administered by the American Water Works Association, California/Nevada Section. The
requirements have not yet been filed with the Nevada Secretary of State's office, and the primacy package
is still pending EPA approval.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE; The regulations are found in the Code of Administrative Rules Annotated Statutory
Authority RSA 332e, Chapter 367 (Public Water Supply) under, "Certification of Water Works Operators."
The requirements cover water distribution and water treatment. Contact: Bernard Luccy, Water Supply
Engineering Bureau, Department of Environmental Services.
System coverage: All community water systems are required to have a certified operator.
Treatment plants and distribution facilities are classified separately. Treatment plants are divided into 5
classes based on a point system which accounts for population served, water supply source, and
treatment used. Distribution facilities arc classified as follows- class I-A, systems serving fewer than 500
people or 150 connections with no fire protection; class I, systems serving fewer than 1,500 people; class
II, systems serving between 1,501 and 15,000; class III, systems serving between 15.001 and 50,000
people; and class IV, systems serving more than 50,000 people. Groundwatcr sources without treatment
(i.e. pumping only) are considered distribution systems.
Certification process: Education and experience requirements for treatment and distnbution
operators arc as follows: class I, 12 years' education and one year of experience; class II, 12 years'
education and three years' expcncncc, class III, 14 years' education and four years' experience, and class
IV, 16 years' education and six years' experience. There are no education and experience requirements
for class I-A operators Substitutions may be made, but at least 50 percent of the experience requirement
must be actual operating experience All operators, except class 1-A, must take the ABC exam, which is
offered three times per year in Concord. Reciprocity may be granted if operators have comparable
certification from another State; there arc written reciprocity agreements with Massachusetts and Maine
Approximately three operators applied for, and were granted, reciprocity in 1989 Statutory change in
1989 directed that certificates should be renewed biennially rather than annually There are procedures
to revoke certificates, but they have not been used.
Fees: Fees are S25 for each initial certificate and $20 per category per year for renewal. Fees
go to a restricted account earmarked for operator certification The total program costs arc approximate-
ly $30,000, revenues, approximately $25.000
Compliance: The overall compliance rate for operator certification requirements is approximate-
ly 80 percent, however, the department estimates that at least one-third of small systems do not have
properly certified operators. Field engineers discover non-compliers while conducting triennial sanitary
surveys When non-compliers arc found, the regional offices send NOVs and allow systems additional
time to obtain a certified operator. The department was given the authority to issue administrative fines
in June of 1989, but has not done so yet in this area. The department maintains a computerized list of
certified operators. Currently, there arc 825 certified operators in the State
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NEW JERSEY: The law is found in the General Laws, Title 58 under "Waters and Water Supply," and the
regulations are found in the Administrative Code, Chapter 8 under, "Qualifications of Plant Operators."
Contacts: Dottie Petito and Barker Hamill, Department of Environmental Protection.
System coverage: All public water systems, including non-transient, non-community systems, are
required to have a certified operator. Water treatment facilities and water distribution plants are
classified separately. There are four classes of treatment plants, which are based on a point system that
accounts for population served, water supply source, and treatment used. Classification of distribution
systems, which is based on population served, is as follows: class Wl, systems serving fewer than 1,500
people; class W2, systems serving between 1,501 and 15,000 people; class W3, systems serving between
15,001 and 50,000 people; and class W4, systems serving more than 50,001 people. Operators may be
permitted to seek employment at more than one facility if one of the facilities is rate assisted This
requires a letter from the full-time employer stating that the operator will be released from the full-time
employment in case of emergency at the second facility.
Certification process: There arc no experience requirements; however, all operators must
complete a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) training course before taking the required
exam. The DEP, Bureau of Revenue, Division of Financial Management, Planning, and General Services
offers exams three times per year at locations across the State. The DEP generally uses ABC exams.
Certificates must be renewed annually and there arc no continuing education requirements. There arc
procedures for revoking operators' certificates and the DEP usually revokes one certificate per year.
Reciprocity is granted only to operators with ABC certificates; other operators seeking reciprocity may
have the training course requirement waived, but they must still take the exam. Ten operators applied
for reciprocity in 1988 and the eight that had taken ABC exams were granted certificates.
Fees: The fees arc as follows: application/exam fee, $35; initial license, $25; renewal, $20 per
year; and late fee, $10. Fees go to enforcement division revenue but arc not specifically earmarked for
operator certification. The total program costs could not be estimated.
Compliance: The compliance rate for community water systems is close to 100 percent, while
the overall compliance rate is approximately 90 percent. Non-complicrs are discovered during on-site
inspections, which occur at least once every two years. When non-comphcrs are detected, the
Enforcement Division sends a NOV. followed by a penalty, and an Administrative Order, as necessary. All
enforcement actions are published in local newspapers, and the adverse publicity usually elicits prompt
compliance. In FY 1989, the Enforcement Division issued 41 Notices of Violation, 13 Enforcement
Directives, eight Administrative Orders, and eight Administrative Penalty Assessments (total penalties are
usually at least $5,000); all systems came into compliance. Information on operators, which is computer-
ized and updated monthly, is available to the public upon request. There are approximately 6,000
certified operators.
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NEW MEXICO; The law governing operator certification is found in the New Mexico Statutes Annotated,
Title 61 (Professions and Occupational Licenses) under, "Utility Operators Certification Act." Contact.
Martin Quinpana, Environmental Improvement Division.
System coverage: All public water systems, including non-transient, non-community systems,
serving more than 2,500 people are required to have a certified operator. There are four system classes
which are based on a matrix that accounts for population served and treatment used. The four
population levels are as follows: between 2,500 and 5,000 people; between 5,001 and 10,000 people;
between 10,001 and 20,000 people; and more than 20,000 people. The 12 treatment types are as
follows: groundwater production only; special-desalinization; Quondauon; chlorination; pressure
filtration; chemical addition/stabilization; odor and taste control with activated carbon; aeration;
chemical precipitation; coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration; sand or gravity filtration; and ion
exchange, softening, or de-fluoridation. Operator sharing is not permitted.
Certification process: A high school degree or GED equivalent and a minimum of one year
experience is required for all levels. Higher education may be substituted for experience. The Health
and Environment Department, Certification and Training Office, administers the certification exams once
a year at each of seven locations throughout the State. The exam is modified quarterly by the Advisory
Board to the Water Commission and a certification officer Operators must renew certificates every three
years and receive 30 training credits within this period. There is a grandfather clause for operators who
were certified under the voluntary program, or who were employed on or before January 1, 1974.
Certificates may be revoked in the case of fraud or gross incompetence, but this has never occurred
Fees: The fees arc as follows: each certificate, $5; renewal, 56 per certificate; and reciprocity,
$20 The fees go to general revenue; a proposal for an operator certification program fund did not pass
the legislature in 1989
Compliance: All systems serving more than 2,500 people have a certified operator; however, the
operators' certificates may not be for the appropriate classification level. There are many systems serving
fewer than 2,500 people that are not regulated. Non-compliers are discovered during operation and
maintenance inspections. When non-compilers are discovered, the department works with those systems
to devise a schedule of compliance. If this is ineffective, legal action is considered. The department
took approximately eight enforcement actions in the past year. Information on operators is computer-
ized. There are approximately 1,500 operators.
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NEW YORK; The law governing operator certification is found in Section 225 of the Public Health Law,
11.60 through 11.75; the regulations are found in Title 10 (Health), Chapter 1, Part II, Subpart 5-4
Contact: Bill Powers, Training/Certification Officer, Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection.
System coverage: All community water treatment systems and all water distribution systems
serving more than 1,000 people are required to have a certified operator. The six system classifications,
which are based on rated capacity and treatment used, are as follows: class D, distribution systems
serving more than 1,000 people; class C, treatment systems which do not use filtration and serve fewer
than 1,000 people; class IIB, treatment systems which do not use filtration and serve more than 1,000
people and fewer than 2.5 mgd; class IB, treatment systems which do not use filtration and serve more
than 2.5 mgd; class IIA, treatment systems which use filtration and serve less than 2.5 mgd; and class IA.
treatment systems which use filtration and serve 2.5 or more mgd. These classifications are used to
determine the certificate necessary for operators, but not assistant operators.
Certification process: The education and experience requirements are as follows: class D,
successful completion of distribution system operator courses and one year of operational and
maintenance experience in a distribution system serving 1,000 people or more, class C. successful
completion of appropriate level water treatment operator courses and six months of overall operating
experience at any water treatment plant, class IIB, a high school diploma or New York State llqiuvalcncy
Diploma, successful completion of appropriate level water treatment operator courses, and one year of
overall operating experience at a water treatment plant; class IB, a high school diploma or New York
State Equivalency Diploma, successful completion of appropriate level water treatment operator courses.
and ten years of overall operating experience at a water treatment plant, class IIA, a high school diploma
or New York State Equivalency Diploma, successful completion of appropriate level water treatment
courses, and one year of overall operating experience at a water treatment plant with facilities for
filtration; and class IA, a high school diploma or New York State Equivalency Diploma, .successful
completion of appropriate level water treatment operator courses, and ten years of operating experience
with one year at a water treatment plant with facilities for filtration. Higher education may be substituted
for part of the experience requirement for 1A and 1B class operators There arc no exams for operator
certification; instead, applicants must successfully complete approved training courses These courses
include the Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection training courses. State approved course conducted
by community colleges, and various correspondence courses such as. California State University at
Sacramento course, and those conducted by the New York State Rural Water Associations Certificates
must be renewed every four years, and all levels except D require that operators receive continuing
education. Levels IA, IB, IIA, and IIB are required to obtain an additional 3'* hours of training every four
years. Level C required 15 hours every four years. There are procedures for revoking an operator's
certificate, and in the past five years, the Department has revoked two certificates New York grants
reciprocity. Operators from other States must demonstrate equivalent training and education In 1989,
between 20 and 25 out-of-state operators applied for certification, with all but one being certified
Fees: There are no fees for Department-sponsored training courses Registration fees are
charged by independent trainers. The State's program is funded through the general revenue fund
Compliance: The Department of Health claims an overall compliance rate of between 85 and 90
percent. The systems most often found in non-compliance are mobile home parks or other class C
systems Formal enforcement actions are used to bring systems into compliance with certification
requirements, penalties of up to 52,000 may be issued. There are approximately 6,501 certified
operators. The Department maintains a computerized list of certified operators, which can be made
available to the public upon completion of a FOIL request and payment of S 25 per page
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NORTH CAROLINA. The law governing certification is found in the North Carolina Statutes Annotated,
Article 2, Section 90 A, under, "Water Treatment Facility Operators Board of Certification." Contact:
John McFadgyn, Public Water Supply Section, Department of Environmental Health and Natural
Resources.
System coverage: Ml public water treatment systems, including non-transient, non-community
systems, are required to have a certified operator. There are three system classifications, which are
based on a point system that accounts for population served, source of supply, plant capacity, and
treatment used. The highest classification is A and the lowest is C. The Department of Environment, •
Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR) is considering raising ihe point totals because they do not
adequately account for groundwater treatment and new treatment technology.
Certification process: The education and experience requirements are generally as follows:
grade C, a high school degree and one year of experience; grade B, one year of experience with a C level
certificate; and grade A, one year of experience with a B level certificate. Higher education may be
substituted for pan of the experience requirements. Exams are given twice a year throughout the State
by the Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board, whose members include State health
officials, municipal officials, facility operators, university professors, and representatives of the communi-
ty Operators must renew certificates annually, and renewal is not contingent upon receiving any
continuing education credits. As part of the proposed regulatory changes, the DEHNR would like to
require that operators obtain continuing education. Certificates may be revoked after a committee
appointed by the Board investigates a complaint and makes a recommendation to the Board. Many
certificates have been revoked, mainly for failure to pay the fee. The Board grants reciprocity on a case-
by-case basis. In 1989, approximately 12 operators applied for reciprocity and all but one were granted
certificates. There is a grandfather clause for operators who were certified under the voluntary program,
or who were employed as operators in responsible charge of a system before July 1, 1981.
Fees: The fees are as follows: application/exam, $20; renewal, $15; and reciprocity, S15. The
fees are designed to cover the operating costs of the Board and are reset each year; any surplus goes
into the general fund. The cost of the program (which does not include any training) was $42,000 in
1989.
Compliance: Approximately 90 percent of the 1,500 systems covered under the requirements
have certified operators; most of the systems without certified operators are groundwater systems. The
Board has limited enforcement powers; it can only recommend action to the DEHNR Secretary The
Board sent approximately 500 letters in 1989 informing systems that they needed to have properly
certified operators. The 150 systems that did not come into compliance will be recommended for
administrative action. Information on certified operators is currently being computerized. There are
approximately 3,000 certified operators, although many are consulting engineers who do not work for a
water supply.
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NORTH DAKOTA; The law governing certification is found in the North Dakota Century Code
Annotated, Title 23 (Health and Safety) under, "Water System Operators," while the regulations are found
in the Administrative Code, Article 33-19 under. "Certification of Water Distribution and Wastewater
System Operators." Contacts: Ralph Riedinger and Eugene Nelson, North Dakota State Department of
Health. r
System coverage: All community water systems that serve 500 or more people are required to
have a certified operator. Non-transient, non-community systems which serve the same 500 or more
people year round are also required to have a certified operator. Treatment and distribution systems are
classified separately. The four treatment system classifications are based on a complex matrix that
accounts for treatment used and population served. Class I is the lowest classification and class IV is the
highest. The four distribution system classifications are as follows: class I, systems serving fewer than
1,500 people; class II. systems serving between 1,500 and 15,000 people; class III. systems serving
between 15,000 and 50,000 people; and class IV, systems serving 50,000 or more people.
Certification process: The education and experience requirements arc as follows class I a
high school degree and one year of experience, class II, a high school degree and three years' experi-
ence; class III. a high school degree and five years1 experience, two of which must have been in a
position of direct responsible charge; and class IV. a high school degree and seven years' experience.
three of which must have been in a position of direct responsible charge. Operators who have some
college credits, or who are college graduates, follow different education and experience requirements
Operators who are not high school graduates may be considered if they have additional acceptable
operating experience. The North Dakota State Department of Health and Consolidated Laboratories
Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control administers the required exams at least once a year.
Operators must renew certificates annually and continuing education credits (CECs) are required A
certified operator not in compliance w«h the CECs required is subiect to revocation or suspension of the
certification. The number of CECs to be earned within a three-year period of time are as follows- grade
I. 12 CECs; grade II 16 CECs, grade III, 20 CECs; and grade IV, 24 CECs. There are provisions to revoke
an operator's certificate, but they have never been used. Operators certified under a previous voluntary
program were automaucally certified under the mandatory program. There was a grandfather clause for
operators who were employed when the initial certification law took effect.
Fees: All certification fees are $10, which must be received with the application for the
ccrnfication examination. All renewal fees are $5. Currently, these fees are the maximum allowed by
State Law. These fees go to a special operator certification fund, but do not cover the entire expense of
the program. Funding is supplemented by State general revenue. The total program costs could not be
estimated.
Compliance: Of the 328 community water systems in North Dakota, only 121 are large enough
to require certified operators. Of these regulated systems, 95 percent have certified operators. There
are a number of certified operators for systems that do not require a certified operator. Non-compliers
are discovered during on-sae inspections. Historically, enforcement of these non-compliers has not been
a high priority. Information on operators and systems is computerized and is in the process of being
cross-referenced. There are currently 358 water treatment and 207 water distribution certificates
Operators may be certified in both water treatment and water distribution, but only if qualified.
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OHIO; Regulations governing certification are found in Ohio Administrative Code 3745-7, under, "Water
Supply Works and Wastewater Works Personnel." Both water supply and wastewater treatment are
covered by the requirements. Contacts: Kurt Ridennoer and John Sadzewicz, Facilities and Operations
Section, Division of Public Drinking Water.
System coverage: All public water systems serving more than 250 people are required to have a
certified operator. Current emphasis, however, is limited to community systems and non-community
systems which use surface water sources. Treatment and distribution systems are classified separately.
The four system classes are based on source of supply, quality of source, complexity of treatment, design
capacity, and potential health hazards. Each system is being reclassified so it is difficult to determine a
class category. The regulations specify that operators must be "full time employees," although the depart-
ment sometimes grants exceptions to small systems.
Certification process: The education and experience requirements vary depending on system
classification In general, they are as follows: class I, a high school degree and one year of experience;
class II, a high school degree and three years' experience; class III. a high school degree and five years'
experience; and class IV, a class III certificate, two years' experience as a class III operator, or two years'
experience as an assistant to a class IV operator. The required exams, which arc written and ad-
ministered by the agency in consultation with the Advisory Board of Examiners, are offered twice a year
in Columbus. The Board is composed of an agency employee, and representatives from municipal water
supply, wastewater works, education, and consulting engineering. The Board may grant reciprocity, but
there arc no written reciprocity agreements. Approximately ten operators applied for, and were granted,
reciprocity in 1989 Operators must renew certificates every two years, and renewal is not yet contingent
upon receiving continuing education. The Board has the authority to revoke certificates.
Fees: The fees arc based on system classification and are as follows: class I, $25; class II, S35;
class III. S45, class IV, 355; renewal, $15; limited certificate, $10; late fees, $10. Fees go to general
revenue. The total program costs, which do not include training, could not be estimated
Compliance: Approximately 50 percent of the systems use certified operators with virtually all
of the large systems having certified operators of the appropriate class. The district office discovers non-
comphcrs during on-site inspections which occur at least every three years. When non-compliers are
found, the department sends warning letters, and then, if necessary, takes legal action. Approximately six
enforcement actions were taken in 1989 The department maintains a registry of all certified operators,
but it is not yet matched with system information. There are approximately 2,250 certified water
operators in the State.
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OKLAHOMA; The law governing certification is found in the Oklahoma Statutes Annotated, Title 59
(Professions and Occupations) under, "Water and Sewage Works." Drinking water system operator
certificates are administered by the Operator Certification Division of the Occupational Licensing Service
Contacts: Laird Hughes, Operator Certification Division, Occupational Licensing Service and John Taylor,
Department of Health.
System coverage: All community water systems that regularly serve 10 connections or 25
people are required to have a certified operator. The requirements do not apply to non-transient, non-
community systems. There are four grades of general certificates, where A is the highest and D is the
lowest There are also limited certificates that allow the applicant to operate a specific element of a
water facility, such as the collection or distribution system. Treatment systems are classified by a point
system based on treatment type and population served. All surface water CWSs must have a minimum of
grade C Certificate.
Certification process: The experience and training requirements are as follows. Grade D, 12
hours of approved training; Grade C, one year of experience and 24 hours of training, Grade N, three
years' experience and 70 hours of training: and Grade A. eight years of experience and 100 hours of
training. The Operator Certification Division administers the required exams every Monday in Oklahoma
City and at other locations throughout the State following training sessions Operators must renew
certificates annually and obtain four CEUs per year. The Division may revoke certificates, but have clone
so only three times in ihe last five years. Reciprocity is granted on a case-by-case basis In 1989. 25 to
30 people applied for and received certification through reciprocity There is a grandfather clause for
operators who were employed by a city or town with a population of fewer than 3.000 and held
certificates prior to 1966
Fees: There is a $30 fee for the exam and a $20 fee for renewal. The fees (40 to program
revenue and are earmarked for operator certification. The total budget is $200,000 and includes
certification, salaries, and training.
Compliance: The Department of Health (DOH) claims a 98 to 99 percent compliance rate-
County sanitarians discover non-compliers dunng their quarterly inspections and work informally with
those systems. Sanitarians worked with approximately 100 systems in 1989 to bring them into compli-
ance. The DOH has the authority to issue Administrative penalties and to take legal action Operator
information is currently being computerized. There are approximately 4,000 certified operators
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OREGON; The law governing certification is found in section 448.405 (Public Health and Safety) and
the regulations are found in 333-61 of the Oregon Administrative Rules (under the Office of the
Environment and Health). Contacts: Fred Bolton and Ronald Hall, Drinking Water Program, Department
of Human Resources.
System coverage: All surface water systems with 15 or more connections and all groundwaier
systems with 150 or more connections are required to have certified operators. Non-transient, non-
community water systems are not required to have certified operators. Systems without treatment or
where treatment consists only of disinfection and/or Quoridation are considered distribution systems.
These systems are divided into four classifications on the basis of population served as follows: class I
(WD I), systems serving fewer than 1,500 people; class II (WD II), systems serving between 1,501 and
15,000 people; class III (WD III), systems serving between 15,001 and 50,000 people; and class IV (WD
IV), systems serving more than 50,000 people. Systems using treatment beyond disinfection and/or
fluondation are classified based on a point system that accounts for treatment used, population served,
and source of supply. Operators m direct responsible charge are required to be certified at a level
commensurate with the classification of the system. Subordinate positions may be certified at a lower
classification.
Certification process: The education and experience requirements are as follows- class I, (WT
1). a high school degree and one year of experience; class II, (WT 2), a high school degree and three
years' experience; class III. (WT 3). a high school degree and five years' experience; and class IV, (WT 4),
a high school degree, two years post-secondary education, a class III certificate, and six years' experi-
ence. Some substitution of education for training is allowed. Applicants who pass the class I exam but
do not have one year of experience arc awarded an operator-m-traming (OIT) certificate. Operators who
were certified under the voluntary program or who were working at a system prior to September 1987,
may apply to lake the exam at the plant level at which they were working regardless of their amount of
experience. The Drinking Water Program of the State Health Division administers the required exams
twice a year across the State Operators must renew their certificates every year and acquire 20 hours of
continuing education over two years. The regulations contain provisions for revocation in case of negli-
gence or misconduct, but these have not yet been used. Reciprocity is available on a casc-by-casc basis.
Reciprocity is commonly granted to operators from California. Colorado, Washington, Arizona, and New
York.
Fees: The fees arc as follows: exam, $35; renewal, $40; reciprocity, $30; and reinstatement, $50.
Operators certified as both Treatment Plant Operators and Distribution System Operators may obtain a
dual certification for $60. Fees go to program revenue and are marked for operator certification. The
program is new, but the fees are expected to cover the total cost of the program ($120,000, including
training)
Compliance: Because the program is new, no compliance rate could be estimated. When non-
compilers arc discovered, the Division sends them Notices of Violation. New regulations will establish
civil penalties No enforcement actions were taken in 1989 A computerized directory of operators is
being established. There are approximately 1.400 certified operators.
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PENNSYLVANIA; The law governing certification is found in Pennsylvania Statutes Annotated Title (53
(Professions and Occupations), under Chapter 24, "Sewage Treatment Plant and Waterworks Operators"
and the regulations are found in the Administrative Code, Title 25 (Environmental Resources) Article II
(Water Resources) under. "Operator Certification." Contacts: Bob Slatick, Walt Harner, and Steve
Schmidt, Pennsylvania Division of Environmental Resources.
System coverage: All public water systems, including non-transient, non-community systems
which use at least disinfection for treatment are required to have a certified operator. System classifies
tion is based on a complicated matrix that accounts for treatment used and design capacity Systems arc
divided into three categories based on treatment: 1, systems utilizing filtration including chemical
treatment; 2, systems utilizing chemical treatment but not filtration; and 3. systems utilizing disinfection
only. Systems are then divided into four classes (A through D) according to their design capacity An
example would be a IB system, which uulizes filtration, including chemical treatment and has a plant
design capacity of up to 1,000,000 gpd. Grade D is for distribution systems only.
Certification process: The Board for Certification of Sewage Treatment Plant and Waterworks
Operators administers the certification program. The Board is composed of five members including the
Secretary of Health, a water system operator, a water system owner, a sewage treatment plant operator
and a professor of civil or sanitary engineering. Experience requirements are generally as follows- grade
A. eight years' total experience, of which at least three must be operating experience; grade B six years-
total experience, of which at least two must be operating experience; grade C, four years' total expert-
cnce of which at least one year must be operating experience; and grade D. two years' total experience
of which at least six months must be operating experience. Substitutions of education and training may
be made. Operators must take the ABC exam, which is given by the Board twice a year at seven
locations through the State. The Board grants reciprocity to operators on a case-by-case basis In 1989
approximately 25 operators applied for reciprocity and nearly all were granted certification. Certificates
must be renewed every two years, and renewal is not contingent upon receiving continuing education
Pending legislation would change the renewal period to one year in order to generate more revenue
Certificates may be revoked in the case of fraud, negligence or incompetence; most operators facing
revocation, however, turn in their certificates before the hearing stage.
Fees: There is a $20 application fee and a 53 renewal fee; these funds go to general revenue
ITie total program costs could not be estimated.
Compliance: No compliance rate could be estimated. Enforcement is done by the regional
engineers, who discover non-compliers during on-site visits. When non-compliers are discovered the
Board sends NOVs; approximately 25 systems were sent NOVs in 1989. The Department of Health
maintains a list of all certified operators, which is printed every six months and is available to the public
for a fee. To date, there are 4.847 active certified water operators.
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RHODE ISLAND: Rhode Island has never had an operator certification program. A program was
proposed to the State legislature twice, but failed.
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SOUTH CAROLINA; The law governing operator certification is found in 40-23-10 (Department of
Health and Environmental Control) of the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina. The regulations are
found in section 51 of the Environmental Certification Board Rules and Regulations. Contacts- Bill
Rowell and Robert Malpass, Department of Health and Environmental Control.
System coverage: All community water systems serving more than 50 connections and all other
public water systems which use treatment are required to have a certified operator The five system
classifications, which are based on population served, source of supply, and treatment used are as
follows, class I. community systems which serve fewer than 50 connections and do not use'treatment
solely distribution systems, or non-community systems which do not use treatment; class II community
systems which serve more than 50 connections and do not use treatment; class III. systems which use
simple chemical addition treatment; class IV, systems which use conventional treatment- and class V
systems which use advanced treatment or serve more than 200,000 people. Class I systems arc not'
required to have a certified operator.
Certification process: The operator certification program is managed by the Board of
Environmental Certification and its authority is not derived from the State Primary Drinking Water
Regulations. The Board is composed of 10 members including system operators, system owners and
representatives of the Department of Health and Environmental Control, education and State govern-
mem The certification levels arc designated by letter and apply to the system classifications as follows
class II and III facilities require a grade D operator; class FV facilities require a grade C operator and
class V facilities require either a grade B or A operator depending on the population served and'thc
extent of treatment The experience requirements are cumulative; you must complete a year of
experience at each level before being eligible to lake the exam at the next level (i c it will lake a
minimum of four years to receive an A certificate) The Board admm.sters the ABC exams at least twee a
month at locations across the State. Operators must renew certificates every year and renewal is
contingent upon rcceivmg 12 CEUs every two years. There are provisions for revocation, but suspension
occurs more commonly Reciprocity is granted on a case-by-casc basis. Seven operators were uramcd
certificates through reciprocity in 1989.
Fees: The fees are as follows: application. $22; renewal, $22; and exam, $22. Fees go to
general revenue and are returned to the Board as part of its operating budget (which is approximately
5191,841 per year). '
Compliance: The compliance rate for water systems which use treatment is between 80 and 90
percent. Non-compliers are discovered during annual sanitary inspections. When non-complicrs arc
discovered, the District office works with the system to bring about compliance. If this is ineffective
Notices of Violation are sent, followed by Administrative Orders, and hearings before the Board of '
Environmental Health and Control as a last reson The Board routinely issue fines which range from
$1,000 to $3,000 Very few enforcement actions were taken solely because systems did not have certified
operators. Usually enforcement actions were taken against systems for other violations as well as
certified operator deficiencies. The Board maintains a list of certified operators which is updated at least
every three years. There are approximately 1.948 certified operators in the State.
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SOUTH DAKOTA: The law governing certification is found in South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 34
(Environmental Protection) under, "Water Supply and Treatment System Operators," and the regulations
are found in the Administrative Rules of South Dakota, Title 74 (Department of Water and Natural
Resources) under Article 21. "Water System Operators." Contacts: Rob Kittay and Darron Busch, Office
of Drinking Water, Department of Water and Natural Resources.
System coverage: All public water systems which serve more than 500 people arc required to
have a certified operator. Because most non-transient, non-community systems serve fewer than 500
people, they are usually not required to have certified operators. Treatment plants and distribution
facilities are classified separately. Treatment facilities are divided into four classes based on a point
system that accounts for population served, treatment used, source of supply, and laboratory control.
Distribution facilities are divided into four classes based on population served.
Certification process: Education and experience requirements arc as follows, class I, a high
school degree and one year of experience in class I; class II, a high school degree and three years1
experience in a class I plant or two years in a class II plant; class III. two years of college with a
background in environmental science and four years' experience in a class II plant, of which two years
must have been in direct responsible charge; and class IV, a bachelor's degree in environmental science
and four years' experience in a class III plant, of which two years must have been in direct responsible
charge. Some substitutions are allowed. The Board of Certification administers exams for the different
classifications at least 12 times per year throughout the State. Certificates must be renewed annually and
renewal is contingent upon receiving one CEU, or 10 contact hours, every four years. The Board grants
reciprocity on a case-by-case basis. Approximately five operators applied for reciprocity in 1989, and all
but one were granted certification Certificates may be revoked in the case of fraud, negligence or
incompetence.
Fees: The fees arc based on system classification as follows: exam I, S5; exam II, 37, exam III,
39; exam IV. $10; renewal I. S3: renewal II. 54; renewal III, $5; renewal IV. $6 The total cost of the
program, which docs not include salaries or training, is approximately $4,000 The fees cover 100
percent of the costs.
Compliance: The overall compliance rate is approximately 80 percent; most of the non-
complicrs are small systems. The Board uses informal enforcement measures to bring systems into
compliance. If these measures fail, the Board may take legal action. In 1989, legal action was taken
against six systems. Information on operators is computerized and can be easily cross-referenced with
system information.
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TENNESSEE; Tennessee Statutes Annotated, Title 63 (Safety and Health) under, "Water Environmental
Health." The rules are in the Department of Health and Environment, Board of Certification for Water
and Wastewater Operators, Chapter 1200-5-3. They are called 'Rules Governing the Water Environmental
Health Act." Contacts: Jim Coe and James Haynes, Department of Health and Environment.
System coverage: All public water systems serving more than 15 connections or 25 people for
120 days per year (or 60 consecutive days per year) are required to have certified operators. Water
systems that serve fewer than 50 connections and do not use treatment or filtration are exempted from
the requirements. There are eight different system classifications. Water treatment plants using filtration
are divided into four grades based on a point system that accounts for the following: design flow, water
supply source, treatment process (e.g., aeration, coagulation, Decollation, etc.), chemical treatment, and
laboratory control. The other four classes are as follows: Grade I Chlonnation, treatment systems
requinng only chlorination; Grade I Chemical Control, treatment systems requmng only chemical control
in addition to using disinfection; Grade I Distribution, distribution systems serving between 50 and 5,000
connections; and Grade II Distribution, distribution systems serving more than 5,000 connections.
Certified operators may be responsible for more than one system if the systems are m close proximity to
one another.
Certification process: Education and experience requirements vary depending on system
classification. The requirements for filtration system operators arc as follows: grade IV, a B.S. degree m
engineering or science related field and 12 months' operating experience in a grade III or grade IV plant,
or a high school diploma or GED certificate and 60 months' experience in a grade III or IV plant; grade
III, a high school degree and 12 months' experience at a grade II or III plant or 48 months' experience
at a grade I plant; grade II, a high school degree and 12 months' experience at a grade I or II plant; and
grade I, an eighth grade education and 12 months' experience at a grade I plant. The requirements for
Grade I Chlonnation and Grade I Chemical Control operators are the same as those for grade I filtration
system operators. Grade I Distribution operators must have an eighth grade education and 12 months'
experience and Grade II Distribution operators must have a high school degree and 12 months'
experience. Some substitutions of higher education for experience at a higher grade plant are allowed.
The Board for Water and Wastewater Certification, which is composed of two water or wastcwatcr
operators, one representative of municipalities, one university faculty member, and one representative of
the Department of Health and Environment, administers the required exams twice a year at three
locations throughout the State. Operators must renew their certificates annually and one "continuing
education activity" must be completed every three years. "Continuing education activities" include
training courses sponsored by the Operator Training Center. Board seminars, and other approved
courses. Reciprocity may be granted if the requirements of another State are comparable and if similar
privileges are extended. Each year, between 20 and 30 operators apply for certification through
reciprocity and at least 75 percent of them are granted certificates.
Fees: The fees are as follows, exam application, $10; initial registration, S10; and renewal. 510.
Fees go to general revenue. The total combined water and wastewater program costs arc approximately
567,000 (these do not cover training).
Compliance: The Board claims a compliance rate of approximately 90 percent for community
systems, but a compliance rate of fewer than 10 percent for non-community systems. Non-compliers are
discovered during sanitary surveys. Enforcement tools range from letters of violation to court proceed-
ings. In 1989 the Board issued between six and twelve cml penalties to systems without certified
operators. Information on operators is computerized and is updated when systems send annual reports
and when operators renew their certificates. The Board has issued between 1,500 and 1,800 certificates,
however, the number of certified operators is lower because many operators hold more than one certifi-
cate.
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TEXAS; The law governing operator certification is found in Texas Statutes, General Article 44.771,
Chapter 341. The regulations are found in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 25 (Health Services),
Chapter 337 (Water Hygiene) under, "Certification of Water Utility Personnel." Contact: Charles Maddox,
Bureau of Environmental Health, Department of Health.
System coverage: All community water systems are required to have certified operators. There
are six grades of operator certificates which are as follows: Grade A Water; Grade B Surface Water; Grade
B Groundwater; Grade C Surface Water; Grade C Groundwater; and Grade D Water. Grade A Water is
the highest certificate and Grade D Water is the lowest. The Texas Department of Health determines
what grade of operator each system requires.
Certification process: Grade A through C operators must have a high school degree or
equivalent. The training and experience requirements for operators who do not have a college
education are as follows: Grade D Water, 20 hours of training credit; Grade C Groundwater or Surface
Water, two years' experience and 60 hours of training; Grade B Groundwater or Surface Water, five years'
experience and 100 training hours; and Grade A Water, eight years' experience and 160 training hours.
Operators with college or graduate degrees may have the experience requirement reduced. The exams.
which all operators must take, are written by the Department of Health and the Certification Advisory
Committee. Operators may take the appropriate level exam five days per week at 15 lest centers through-
out the State Reciprocity may be granted if another State's requirements are comparable and if similar
privileges are granted in return. Certificate renewal is dependant on system classification: Class A must
be renewed every 8 years, class B every 5 years, class C every 3 years, and class D every 2 years
Renewal is also contingent upon receiving a certain number of classroom training hours-class A needs 80
hours, B needs 50 hours, C needs 30 hours, and D needs 20 hours. Certificates may be revoked m the
case of fraud, negligence, or incompetence.
Fees: The application fees, which arc based on classification level, arc as follows: class A, S80;
class B, $50; class C, $30; and class D, 520. The renewal fees are the same as the application fees
Compliance: Approximately 85 percent of community water systems comply with the certifica-
tion requirements. Non-complicrs are discovered dunng on-site inspections conducted by the field
offices. Fines and penalties of between $10 and $200 per day may be assessed. Information on
operators is computerized, but not published. Approximately 10,300 certificates have been issued since
the certification program was started. Operators may hold more than one certificate.
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UTAH: The law governing certification is found in the Utah General Statutes, 26-12-5, in the Health
Code, and is called the Safe Drinking Water Act. The regulations are found in R449-301 of the Utah
Administrative Code and are entitled, "Required Certification Rules for Water Supply Operators in the
State of Utah." Contacts- Kenneth Bousfield and Gayle Smith, Bureau of Drinking Water/Sanitation.
System coverage: All community water systems serving more than 800 people arc required to
have a certified operator. There are separate requirements for treatment and distribution systems. The
water treatment classification applies only to those public water supplies operating coagulation and
filtration treatment plants. The water distribution classification, however, applies to groundwater systems
which may or may not use chlonnauon. Both die treatment and the distribution classifications are based
on a point system with four grades. Grade I is the lowest and grade IV is the highest. The grades vary
depending on the following: population served, pumping capacity, treatment used, laboratory equipment
employed, and quantities of water produced. The grades generally correlate with population served
because large systems often use more complex treatments. Grade I usually applies to systems serving
fewer than 800 people, and is thus voluntary for operators. Some systems may require both treatment
and distribution operators. Operators may work for more than one system and hold more than one
certificate.
Certification process: The experience requirements for both treatment and distribution
operators are as follows- grade I, one year of experience; grade II. three years of experience; grade III,
six years of experience, of which three must be in responsible charge; and grade IV, ten years, of which
five must be in responsible charge. Education may be substituted for experience. For example, a grade
IV operator, with a college degree would need four years of experience, of which two must be in
responsible charge. The Department of Health (DOH) writes and administers the required exams for
each operator class. Exams may be taken twice a year, in November and Apnl, at 12 different locations.
Reciprocity may be granted if the operator certification requirements from the other State are compara-
ble. Approximately 12 operators applied for, and were granted, reciprocity in 1989. Certificates must be
renewed every three years; operators for the upper two grades must receive three CEUs, and operators
for the lower two grades must receive two CEUs. The DOH approves all continuing education. Although
de-certification procedures exist, they have not been used.
Fees: The fees arc as follows: application, $20; exam. $50; renewal. $50; and reciprocity, S50.
Fees go to program revenue to help offset the program costs. Program funds help support the newly-
instituted lending library, home-study materials, a semi-annual newsletter, and all administrative costs.
Compliance: Compliance with the requirements is estimated at 99 percent. Notices of Violation
are the most commonly used method of bringing systems into compliance; legal action is rarely taken.
The department maintains a computerized list of all certified operators, which can be easily cross-
referenced with system information. To date, there are 747 certified operators: 138 grade I, 160 grade
II, 174 grade III, and 275 grade IV Operators who receive certificates are listed in the newsletter, "Open
Line."
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VERMONT; The rules governing operator certification are revised from the Department of Health
Regulations, Environmental Control, Chapter 5, Subchapter 12. Contacts: Harold Sargent and Harold
Reeves, Department of Health.
System coverage: All public water systems serving more than 25 people are required to have
certified operators. There are four system classifications based on treatment used and three sub-
classifications based on population served. Systems are classified by treatment as follows: class I, non-
community systems, both transient and non-transient, using no treatment except ion exchange water
softening; class II, community and non-community systems, which use disinfection by chlorination,
including ion exchange; class III, community and non-community systems using chemical additions only,
and class IV, community and non-community systems using chemical and mechanical treatment. The
population classifications are as follows: A, serving between 25 and 500 people; B, serving between 501
and 3,300 people; and C, serving more than 3,300 people.
Certification process: The experience requirements are as follows: opcrator-in-trainmg, three
months; class I, one year; class II and III, one and one-half years; class FVA and IVB, two years; and class
IVC, three years. For classes II, III, and IV, post-secondary education may be substituted for up to 50
percent of the experience requirement. All operators must have 12 years of education; however,
additional expenence may be substituted for some education. Renewal periods depend on system
classification: class I and II certificates must be renewed every five years; class III, every three years, and
class IV every two years. Continuing education is mandatory for class II. Ill and IV operators, who must
attend State sponsored seminars or other approved instruction each year as follows- for class II, 2
hrs/yr, and for class HI and IV, 4 hrs/yr are required. Class I operators arc encouraged to attend three
hours of State-approved seminar or instruction every two years. Operators from other Slates may be
granted reciprocity if their State has similar requirements and extends the same privileges in return.
Operators employed prior to adoption of the date of the certification regulations arc not required to take
the examination. Certificates may be revoked due to fraud, incompctcncy, or falsification of records,
after a hearing before the Division Director.
Fees: There is no fee system for operator certification. The only fees charged are for training
materials.
Compliance: Statistics on compliance were not available.
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VIRGINIA; The laws governing certification are found in the Code of Virginia, Title 54.1 (Professions and
Occupations), Chapter 23 (Waterworks and Wastewaterworks Operators). Contact: Robert Blauvelt,
Office of Water Programs, Department of Health.
System coverage: All public water systems serving more than 400 people are required to have a
certified operator. Systems are classified on the basis of treatment and population served as follows.
class IV, systems serving between 400 and 5,000 people and using minimal treatment (disinfection,
softening, Fe/Mn removal, etc.); class III. systems serving 5,000 people or more and using minimal
treatment, systems serving 400 to 5,000 people (under 0.5 mgd capacity) using conventional treatment,
and systems serving fewer than 5,000 people using fluoridation; class II, systems serving between 5,000
and 50,000 people (between 0.5 mgd and 5 mgd capacity) using complete treatment, and, systems serving
fewer than 50,000 people (5 0 mgd capacity) using high rate filtration; and class I, systems serving 50.000
or more people (or rated capacity of 5.0 mgd or more).
Certification process: The program is split between the Department of Commerce (DOC) and
the Department of Health (DOH) The DOC is responsible for operator liccnsurc and compliance, while
the DOH is responsible for system compliance. All operators must have a high school degree or its
equivalent. The experience requirements vary depending on system classification and the operator's
education (D.S. degree, high school, or no diploma) and range from six months to ten years. In Virginia.
drinking water system operation is a licensed profession, and it is illegal to practice the profession
without a license. Operators must pass a licensing exam that is administered by the DOC's Board for
Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators twice a year at five locations throughout the State.
Operators must renew their certificates every two years. State policy prohibits continuing education
requirements for license renewal. The Board can fine, suspend, revoke or fail to renew a license if the
operator falsifies reports or fails to use "reasonable care" in the performance of job duties. Usually
operators receive short suspensions, although two licenses have been revoked in past two years.
Reciprocity is granted on a case-by-casc basis to operators from States having comparable requirements
Almost 100 percent of those applying for reciprocity were granted licenses in 1989 The statutes contain
a grandfather clause which will expire in 1994-1995 The grandfather clause was originally intended to
apply only to "operators in responsible charge" before 1971, however, the DOC granted certification to
anyone working at a system during that time.
Fees: The fees are as follows: application, J55; re-application, 535; renewal, $35; and late
penalty for renewal, 535- The fees are set by the DOC and contnbute to the budgets of the Miscella-
neous Boards of Certification; they are roughly earmarked for operator certification. DOC regulations
require the fees to cover the cost of the program. The program does not cover any training because
training is the jurisdiction of the DOH.
Compliance: The compliance rate with community water systems is approximately 90 percent,
but the compliance rate for non-community systems is much lower because they have only been
regulated since July 1, 1989 Non-compliance is discovered during on-site inspections by DOH When
the DOH finds non-compliers, it reports to the DOC which can hold hearings before the Board for
Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators. Simultaneous proceedings against the system can be
undertaken by the Department of Health. Very few enforcement actions have been taken, although
enforcement actions have increased in 1990. Information on operators is maintained by the DOC. This
information can be made available to the public for a fee of $65 per category of operator. There are ap-
proximately 1,500 licensed waterworks operators.
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WASHINGTON; The law governing certification is found in Title 70 (Public Health and Safety), "Water
Supply System Operators." The regulations are found in Washington Code, Title 248 (Division of Health),
chapter 55, "Waterworks Operator Certification." Contact: Cheryl Burgener, Operator Certification Unit,
Department of Social and Health Services.
System coverage: All public water systems with at least 100 service connections, and all surface
water systems which serve at least 25 people and which are required by law to use a filtration system,
must have a certified operator. Treatment and distribution systems are classified separately. Classifica-
tion of treatment systems is based on a point system which accounts for treatment used, complexity of
the plant, and source of supply Distribution systems are classified according to population served as
follows: class I, systems serving fewer than 1,500 people; class II systems serving between 1,501 and
15,000; class III, systems serving between 15,001 and 50,000; and class IV, systems serving more than
50,000 people.
Certification process: Education and experience requirements are as follows: opcrator-in-
training, a high school degree and three months' experience; class I, a high school degree and one year
of experience; class II, a high school degree and three years' experience; class III, a high school degree,
iwo years of college, and four years' experience; and class IV, a high school degree, four years of college,
and four years' experience (substitutions on education and experience requirements may be allowed in
certain cases). The required exams are written by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Water and
Wastcwatcr Operator Certification Board of Examiners, which is composed of water and wastcwatcr
operators, a Sewer and Water Commissioner, and a member of the DOE and the DOH. Exams are
administered three times per year at 10 locations throughout the State. Certificates must be renewed
annually and renewal requires demonstration of professional growth every three years. A certificate may
be revoked after a hearing before the Board, but this has never been done. Reciprocity is not granted to
any Slate. There was a grandfather clause for persons who were certified under the voluntary program
before 1978.
Fees: The fees are S20 for the exam/application and $ 10 for renewal. The fees go to general
revenue. The budget for the program, which does not include training, is approximately SI03.000 per
year.
Compliance: The overall compliance rate for operator certification is approximately 85 percent.
Most non-compliers are small systems that experience a high turnover rate of operators. Non-complicrs
are discovered when system and operator information are cross-referenced. Some lending institutions
ensure that systems are in compliance prior to granting them loans. Informal enforcement measures are
commonly used to bring systems into compliance. Non-complying systems can be fined up to $100 per
month. Civil penalties may also be used; in the last two years approximately 10 systems were issued civil
penalties Information on operators is computerized and is easily cross referenced with system informa-
tion. There are 2,500 certified operators.
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WEST VIRGINIA; The regulations governing operator certification are found in Legislative Rules, Title
64, Chapter 16, Article 1, Section 7(2). Contact: Barbara Thompson, Environmental Engineering
Division, Department of Health and Human Resources.
System coverage: The requirements apply to all public water systems. System classification is
based on a point system that accounts for treatment used, source of supply, and population served The
point breakdowns roughly follow these population sizes: Class I-D, systems serving fewer than 500
people; Class I, systems serving between 501 and 1,500 people; class II, systems serving between 1,501
and 15,000 people; class III, systems serving between 15,001 and 50,000 people; and class FV, systems
serving more than 50,000 people.
Certification process: The education and experience requirements are as follows: Class I-D, an
8th grade education and three months of experience at a class I-D plant or higher-, class I, a high school
degree and one year of experience at I-D plant or higher; Class II, a high school degree and three years'
experience, at least one of which must be at a class I plant or higher; class III, a high school degree, 90
CEUs, and five years' experience, at least one of which must be at a class II plant or higher; and Class IV,
a high school degree, 180 CEUs, and six years' expenence, at least one of which must be at class III
plant or higher. Some substitution of advanced education for experience is allowed for classes II, III,
and IV only Certification for levels I, II, III, and IV must be attained in sequence. Operators must pass
an exam and work for a water system in the State to be certified. Each district office administers the
exams once a month and bi-monthly in the Charleston office. Certificates must be renewed every two
years and there arc no continuing education requirements. The provisions for revocation require a letter
from the Division. A hearing may follow if the operator involved so desires. Fewer than 10 operators
have had their certificates revoked in the last four years. Reciprocity is not granted; operators from other
States must provide a letter of recommendation and pass the appropriate exam.
Fees: There arc no fees. The program costs include one day training sessions for level I-D
operators and a special area for level I and II operators to come to for training. The total program costs
could not be estimated. The program is funded by the general revenue.
Compliance: The overall compliance rate for operator certification could not be estimated.
Non-compliers are discovered when systems file monthly operating reports, during m-plant inspections
by Division engineers, when complaints are filed, and dunng certification renewal. Computer files on
operators are easily maintained and updated by operation report activity, certification renewals,
certification progressions, or any career action involving the operators. The information on operators
can be cross-referenced easily with system information by using the system ID number No information
was available on the number of enforcement actions taken in 1989.
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WISCONSIN: The laws governing operator certification are found in Section 144.025(e) of the Wisconsin
Statutes. Contacts. Tom Nicholson and Robert Baumeister, Bureau of Water Supply, Department of
Natural Resources.
System coverage: All municipal water systems are required to have a certified operator;
certification requirements do not apply to non-municipal community, and non-transient, non-community
systems. Classification of systems is based on the treatment used and the source of supply. The classes
are as follows: groundwater systems using no treatment; distribution systems; systems using lime
softening; systems using zeolite softening; systems using iron removal; systems using volatile organic
removal; and surface water systems using no treatment. Water systems may have multiple classifications
(e.g., systems using both lime softening and iron removal).
Certification process: There are no education or experience requirements There are two
levels of certificates for each system class- "T, for operators who pass an exam but have no experience;
and "1", for operators who pass an exam and have one or more years of experience The Certification
and Testing Office of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers the exams twice a year at
four locations throughout the State. It is possible for a system to fall under multiple classes in which
case the operator would need more than one certificate. Certificates must be renewed every two years
and all levels must receive 12 hours of continuing education per renewal period. Operators may have
their certificates revoked. A few years ago. the DNR began publishing an annual operator newsletter
with the names of operators whose certificates had been revoked. Following this, the number of
revocation proceedings dropped from between six and seven per year to zero. Reciprocity is granted to
applicants who have at least one year of experience. Approximately 30 operators were certified through
reciprocity in 1989.
Fees: The fees arc as follows- exam, $15; reciprocity, $40; renewal. $20; and late penalty, S20.
The fees go to general revenue; however, the DNR is currently working to establish a Water Supply Fund
to support salary and training costs. The total program costs arc approximately $200,000
Compliance: The overall compliance rate is approximately 93 percent; the majority of systems
not in compliance are small systems. Non-complicrs are discovered dunng sanitary inspections and
through yearly turnaround documents. When a non-complier is found, the District office meets with that
system to establish a schedule of compliance. If this is ineffective, enforcement proceedings are initiated
Between five and six enforcement proceedings were taken in 1989 Information on operators is
computerized and can be easily cross referenced with system data. There are approximately 1,200
certified operators.
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WYOMING; The laws governing certification are found in Wyoming Statutes 35-11-302. The regulations,
entitled, "Certification of Operators of Public Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, Public Collection
and Distnbution Systems," are found in the Water Quality Division, Chapter V. Contact: Louise Emerson,
Wyoming Drinking Water Program.
System coverage: All public water systems, including non-transient, non-community systems,
which have twenty or more service connections are required to have a certified operator. There are four
system classifications. Systems are classified according to a point system based on population served,
treatment used, and source of supply. '/Ml systems are required to have at least two certified operators,
some of the largest systems may have as many as 40 certified operators.
Certification process: The experience requirements are generally as follows: class I, one year of
experience; class II, four years' experience; class III, six years' experience; and class IV, eight years'
experience. Education, training hours, and experience at the previous level system may be substituted
for part of these requirements. The chief operator must have certification equal to that of the plant
classification, and the backup operator must be certified at no lower than the previous level. There is an
opcrator-in-training classification for operators who have not obtained the necessary amount of
experience. Exams are administered by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Water Quality
Division, twice a year throughout the State. Special oral exams may be given. Certificates must be
renewed every three years and renewal is contingent upon receiving continuing education. Operators
must receive between 14 and 28 CEUs per three years depending on their classification. Revocation
requires a hearing before the Water Quality Board, but this has never occurred. Reciprocity is not
granted; operators from other States arc given two exam cycles in which to pass the Wyoming exam.
Fees: Because the State is sparsely populated and operators may have to travel long distances to
take the exams, the State does not require fees for certification. The only fees are for department-
sponsored training sessions. The total program costs could not be estimated. The program is funded
through State and federal revenue.
Compliance: Approximately 15 percent of the systems in Wyoming are in compliance with all
applicable operator certification requirements. The Department is currently working with systems 10
inform them of their required operator classifications. Non-compliers are discovered during on-stte
inspections. The DEQ uses informal enforcement to bring systems into compliance. Approximately 80
Letters of Violation were sent in 1989 Administrative Orders are authorized by regulation, but have
never been used. Information on operators is computerized and is cross-referenced easily with system
data. There are approximately 650 operators.
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