SEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Tribal Drinking Water Operator Certification Program
Office of Water (4606M)
August 2009
EPA816-B-09-002
www.epa.gov/safewater
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100. Objective 2
101. Authority 2
102. Administrative Functions 3
103. Definitions 3
104. Application for Certification 4
105. Examinations 5
106. Certificates 6
107. Experience and Education Requirements 8
108. Continuing Education 10
109. Training 10
110. Classification of Distribution Systems and Treatment Facilities 11
111. Stakeholder Involvement 11
100. Objective
100.1 The purpose of the EPA Tribal Drinking Water Operator Certification
Program is to increase public health protection through certification for
personnel operating public drinking water systems in Indian country.
101. Authority
101.1 EPA is the Certifying Authority for the Certification Program. As such,
EPA will issue all new and renewal certificates. EPA will also revoke
certificates where appropriate.
101.2. Although participation in this Certification Program is voluntary, EPA
requires a Tribe to have, or agree to obtain within a certain time frame, a
certified operator(s) for their public drinking water system(s) in order to
secure funds in the Drinking Water Infrastructure Grant Tribal Set-Aside
(DWIG TSA) program. Also, Federal drinking water regulations require
some system operators to be "qualified." Participation in the EPA Tribal
Drinking Water Operator Certification program meets this requirement.
Operators certified through this program will be listed by the Region on
their "register" pursuant to the regulations (141.130(c)).
101.3 When communicating with EPA regarding the EPA Tribal Drinking Water
Operator Certification Program, operators should correspond with EPA
Regional Tribal Coordinators specified in outreach materials for this
program.
101.4 EPA has the authority to establish a Tribal Operator Certification Program
through its direct implementation authority set forth in Public Law No.
105-65, 111 Stat.1334, 1374 (1997) and 42 U.S.C. 300j-2(a)(8).
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102. Administrative Functions
102.1 The administrative functions for this program include the following:
o Processing applications submitted to the Program;
o Administering examinations; and
o Maintaining an accurate record of the certification status of all
applicants and operators that have been certified by this Program.
103. Definitions
Certification Level: Any one of the possible steps within this water treatment or
water distribution Certification Program.
Certified Operator: A qualified operator of a public water system who holds a
valid certification from any Certifying Authority approved by EPA.
Certifying Authority: An organization that issues new certificates and renewal
certificates, and revokes certificates as appropriate (USEPA).
Community Water System (CWS): a public water system which serves at least 15
service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25
year-round residents.
Distribution System: Distribution pipelines, appurtenances, and facilities, which
carry water for potable use to consumers through a public water supply.
Distribution System Complexity: Conditions or characteristics that exist in a
distribution system, such as: pressure zones, booster stations, storage tanks, fire
protection, chlorination, non-residential consumer, cross connection potential
demand variations, size of pipes, total distance of pipes and/or total geographic
area that must be considered when classifying the distribution system.
Indian Country: Indian country means (a) all land within the limits of any Indian
reservation under the jurisdiction of the United States Government,
notwithstanding the issuance of any patent, and including rights-of-way running
through the reservation, (b) all dependent Indian communities within the borders
of the United States, whether within the original or subsequently acquired
territory thereof, and whether within or without the limits of a state, and (c) all
Indian allotments, the Indian titles to which have not been extinguished, including
rights-of-way running through the same.
Non-transient Non-community Water System (NTNCWS): a public water system
that is not a community water system and regularly serves at least 25 of the same
persons over 6 months per year. Common types of NTNC water systems are those
serving schools, day care centers, factories, nursing homes, casinos, and hospitals.
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Operator: A person who operates, repairs, maintains, and is directly employed by
or is an appointed volunteer for a public drinking water system.
Public Water System: A system for the provision to the public of water for human
consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances, if such system has
at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25
individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year. System includes any collection,
treatment, storage, and distribution facilities under control of the operator of such
system and used primarily in connection with such system; and any collection or
pretreatment storage facilities not under such control that are used primarily in
connection with such system.
Source Water: The source of water that is collected for use in a public drinking
water system. Examples include: type (surface water, groundwater, groundwater
under the influence of surface water, purchased water); quality (variability);
and/or protection (wellhead protection).
Treatment Facility: Any place(s) where a community or non-community water
system alters the physical or chemical characteristics of the drinking water.
Treatment Facility (Complexity): Factors that may impact a Treatment Facility's
ability to control water quality, consumer safety and/or the safety of the operator.
Validated Examination: An examination that is independently reviewed by
subject matter experts to ensure it is based on a job analysis and related to the
classification of the system or facility.
104. Application for Certification
104.1 An operator requesting certification must meet the following
requirements.
104.1.1 Take and pass an examination that demonstrates the applicant
has the necessary skills, knowledge, ability, and judgment
relevant to and appropriate for the classification of the public
drinking water system.
104.1.2 Have a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma
(GED) or complete the Operator In Training (OIT) Program as
described in Part 107.
104.1.3 Have the defined minimum amount of experience and
education for each level of certification, or complete the OIT
Program. Education and experience requirements for each level
of certification are outlined in Part 107.
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104.1.4 Be an employee or an appointed volunteer of a public drinking
water system in Indian country.
104.2 Required documentation showing the applicant meets the minimum
certification, education and experience criteria must accompany the
application.
104.3 Evaluation and Verification of Applicant Qualifications
104.3.1. EPA will make final determinations of exam eligibility.
104.3.2. Evaluation of experience will include reports of supervisors or
other agencies having appropriate responsibilities for water
utility system oversight.
104.4. EPA will notify the applicant of exam eligibility status. Any appeals
regarding exam eligibility status will be handled by EPA Regional Tribal
Coordinators.
105. Examinations
105.1 Certification examinations are prepared for use in determining skill,
knowledge, ability, and judgment of the applicants.
105.2 All examination questions shall be validated.
105.3 Sequential examinations are required; that is, an applicant for a Level 2
certification must have taken and passed the Level 1 examination; an
applicant for a Level 3 certification must have taken and passed the Level
2 examination; and, an applicant for the Level 4 certification must have
taken and passed the Level 3 examination.
105.4 Operators who have been approved for examination have six months from
the date of eligibility approval to schedule the exam.
105.5 Any applicant taking the examination is required to provide adequate
identification prior to receiving the examination packet. Before leaving the
testing session the applicant must return all examinations and related
materials.
105.6 In order to receive a certificate, the applicant must achieve a minimum
examination passing score of 70%.
105.7 Applicants will receive a score report at the completion of the exam.
Applicants who pass the exam will receive their certificate by mail.
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105.8 Applicants who did not pass may retake the exam within six months of the
original test date, but no sooner than 30 days after the original test date.
Applicants who do not pass the retake exam must submit a new
application form.
105.9 Examinations are not available for review. EPA will provide applicants
the opportunity to appeal his/her exam score. All appeals must be in
writing and must be made within 30 days of the date of the examination.
105.10 Accommodations will be made for applicants that require special
accommodation due to a disability that may impair ability to take the
examination. Applicants must submit a Request for Accommodation
Form with the application and provide documentation of the need for a
special accommodation. A letter from a physician or a medical specialist
knowledgeable of your disability must accompany the completed
application. Contact the EPA Regional Tribal Coordinator to request a
copy of the Request for Accommodation Form.
106. Certificates
106.1. Issuance
106.1.1. Certificates will be issued independently for water
treatment and water distribution.
106.1.2. Upon satisfactory fulfillment of all certification
requirements, the EPA will provide the applicant a
certificate by designating the applicant's competency.
106.1.3. The certificate will state the certified operator's name,
certification level, date of issue, expiration date, and the
official certificate number.
106.1.4. Subject to 106.1.5 and 106.1.6, Certificates will be issued
for a three-year period.
106.1.5. Certificates will be valid only so long as the holder uses
reasonable care, judgment, and application of knowledge in
the performance of duties.
106.1.6. No certificate will be valid if obtained or renewed through
fraud, deceit, or the submission of inaccurate qualification
data.
106.1.7. No grandfathered or temporary certificates will be issued.
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106.2. Expiration and Renewal
106.2.1 All certificates must be renewed before expiration.
106.2.2 To renew a certificate, the certified operator must have
been actively working in the area of certification and
completed at least 30 continuing education hours during the
previous three-year period.
106.2.3 EPA may send a notice of renewal to the operator prior to
the expiration date of the certificate.
106.2.4 Renewal applications must be returned and accompanied
by documentation for continuing education hours.
106.2.5 Lapsed certificates may be reinstated within 30 days of the
date of expiration. After 30 days, the operator will no
longer be certified.
106.2.6. If a certified operator terminates current employment or is
no longer an appointed volunteer in a public drinking water
system in Indian country, the certification will remain valid
for 180 days, or until the expiration date on the certificate,
whichever is longer.
106.2.7. If renewal of a certificate is denied, the operator may
appeal the decision by making a written request to appeal to
the EPA within 90 days after the EPA has issued the
decision for renewal.
106..3. Revocation
106.3.1. EPA will revoke the certificate of a certified operator if it is found that
the certified operator has:
Practiced fraud or deception;
Performed in a grossly negligent, incompetent manner;
Has committed misconduct in the performance of duties as an
operator of a public water system; and/or
Demonstrated disregard for the health and safety of the public
Been convicted of a violation of any Federal law relating to water
quality; including, but not limited to, the Safe Drinking Water Act.
106.3.2. EPA will provide a certificate holder with an opportunity to appeal the
revocation of a certificate. A written request to appeal must be made to
the EPA within 30 days after the EPA has issued the decision.
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106.3.3. Upon receipt of any appeal, EPA will convene a special meeting at a
date mutually agreeable to all parties. The requestor will present
his/her appeal to the EPA, either personally or in written form. EPA
will consider the appeal and reach a determination.
106.4. EPA will recognize certification from EPA approved certification
providers under this program and certification provided by any approved
State program for purposes of meeting the Drinking Water Infrastructure
Grant Tribal Set Aside requirement for a certified operator. The EPA
Tribal Drinking Water Operator Certification Program will extend
reciprocity to any operators already certified by a State with an approved
operator certification program and on a case by case basis to operators
already certified by other EPA approved providers pre-dating this
program.
107. Experience and Education Requirements
107.1. Experience and education requirements are the same for water distribution
certification and water treatment certification. The same experience and
education can be used to meet the requirements for both the water
distribution and water treatment certification.
107.2. The education and experience requirements for operators are:
107.2.1 Operator In Training (OIT)
An operator who does not meet the education and/or experience
criteria may apply for OIT certification and must take and pass
an exam at the appropriate certification level. This option is only
available for VSWS and Class I levels.
Operators who hold an OIT certification must complete a basic
operator course and fulfill the renewal continuing education
requirements to receive full certification at the time of renewal
after three years. Examples of basic operator courses include:
- Water Treatment Plant Operation, Level 1, offered by
Sacramento State;
Small Water System Operations and Maintenance, offered by
Sacramento State;
Operator Basics, offered by Montana University Water
System Program on-line or on CD-ROM;
General Module and Water Distribution - Level One, offered
by the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona;
Other training courses pre-approved by EPA.
Operators that have completed the OIT program are eligible for
higher certification levels when they complete the experience
and renewal hours for each level.
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107.2.2. Very Small Water System
Work Experience: six months of operations experience.
Education: High school diploma or GED.
Water Training Requirements: Five (5) hours of approved
Continuing Education Hours in topics relevant or specific to
water utility operations.
107.2.3 Level 1
Work Experience: One (1) year of acceptable operating
experience as defined in these guidelines. (Education cannot be
substituted for experience.)
Education: High school diploma or GED.
Water Training Requirements: Ten (10) hours of approved
Continuing Education Hours in topics relevant or specific to
water utility operations.
107.2.4. Level 2
Work Experience: Two (2) years of acceptable operating
experience.
Education: High school diploma, GED, or completion of OIT.
Water Training Requirements: Thirty (30) approved Continuing
Education Hours in topics relevant or specific to water utility
operations.
107.2.5. Level 3
Work Experience: Five (5) years of acceptable operating
experience.
Education: High school diploma, GED, or completion of OIT;
and 1 year of post high school education or the equivalent in
approved training as defined in Part 108.
Water Training Requirements: Fifty (50) approved Continuing
Education Hours in topics relevant or specific to water utility
operations.
107.2.6. Level 4
Work Experience: Six (6) years of acceptable operating
experience, of which at least l!/2 years must have occurred after
obtaining a Level 3 Certificate.
Education: High school diploma or GED and 2 years of post high
school education or the equivalent in approved training as
defined in Part 108.
Water Training Requirements: Eighty (80) approved Continuing
Education Hours in topics specific or relevant to water utility
operations.
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107.3 Experience and education qualifications are based on the years of
experience that the applicant has completed in association with the duties
of the Certification Level for which the application is made.
107.4 Experience is defined as work performed in the operation, maintenance,
monitoring, analysis, or management of water production, treatment,
storage, distribution, laboratory facilities, or other positions in the water
utility field.
107.5 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) used for fulfilling examination
requirements may not be reused for a higher certification level (e.g., 30
CEH used to qualify for level 2 cannot be counted towards 50 CEH to
qualify for level 3). However, CEH taken for renewal can be used to
qualify for the next level. CEH also can be used to meet both distribution
and treatment certification requirements.
108. Continuing Education
108.1 Continuing Education Hours (CEH) must be either acceptable as college
transfer or directly related to the field of water treatment or water
distribution. For education gained in programs such as short schools,
correspondence courses, trade schools, community colleges, formalized
workshops, seminars, etc., credit will be allowed in accordance with the
following schedule at the discretion of the Certification Administrator.
1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) = 10 Continuing Education Hours
1 Semester Hour = 10 Continuing Education Hours
30 Semester Hours (1 year of n/^ ^ T-J ^ TT
,, , =300 Continuing Education Hours
college)
109. Training
109.1 Continuing Education Hours must be acquired from the subject areas
listed in Appendix 1 and must be conducted by a recognized provider such
as EPA, American Water Works Association (AWWA), Rural Community
Assistance Corporation (RCAC), Rural Water Association (RWA), New
Mexico Environmental Finance Center (NMEFC), etc. Contact hours for
renewal may not all be in the same subject area and operators are
encouraged to seek training from a variety of providers.
109.2 A list of training opportunities is available at
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/tribal/training.html
109.3 It is the responsibility of the operator to obtain documentation of contact
hours.
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109.4 Operators should verify in advance with the EPA Regional Tribal
Coordinator if a specific training course will count towards required
renewal contact hours.
109.5 All in-house or in-plant training which is intended to meet any part of the
credit hour requirements must be approved in writing by the EPA
Regional Tribal Coordinator prior to the training. Criteria for approval
include:
Submittal of an instructor resume;
Submittal of an outline of the subjects to be covered along with
the time allocated to each area; and
A list of the instructor's objectives documenting the essential
points of the instruction ("need to know" information) and the
methods used to illustrate these points.
110. Classification of Distribution Systems and Treatment Facilities
110.1. In order to determine the appropriate level of certification for a water
system operator, EPA will classify all water systems in Indian country.
110.2. Water distribution systems shall be classified according to the
classification system as defined in Appendix 2.
110.3. Water treatment facilities shall be classified according to the point
classification system as defined in Appendix 3.
111. Stakeholder Involvement
111.1 EPA will provide ongoing stakeholder involvement in the Certification
Program.
111.2 Representatives from all Tribes are invited to give input on the
Certification Program at any time.
111.3 EPA will initiate review of the Certification Program as appropriate based
upon comments received.
Appendix 1: Continuing Education Hour Topic List
Appendix 2: Water Distribution Systems Point Rating System
Appendix 3: Water Treatment Plant Point Rating System
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Appendix 1: Continuing Education Hour Topic List
WATER TREATMENT CONTINUING EDUCATION TOPICS
Continuing Education Topics
General
Basic Computers
Basic Electricity for Operators
Basic Hydraulics
Geographic Info Systems (GIS)
Math for Operators
Water Chemistry
Water Microbiology
Safety
Backhoe Operator
Chlorine Safety
Confined Space
Electrical Hazards
Excavations, Trenching/Shoring/ Competent Person
Hazard Communication/Right-to-Know
Lab Safety
Lockout/Tagout
Personal Protective Equipment / Respiratory Protection
Safe Handling of Materials
Spill Response
Traffic Control/Work Zone Safety
Water & Blood-borne Pathogens
O & M Equipment
Aeration Equipment
Belt Filter presses
Blowers and Compressors
Booster Pumping Stations
Centrifuges
Chemical Storage/Feed Systems
Cross Connection/Backflow Prevention Equipment
Electrical controls/SCADA
Flow Monitoring & Level Sensing Equipment
Water Approved
(Yes/No)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
12
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Continuing Education Topics
Generators/Switchgear
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Equipment
Instrumentation
Leak Detection
Cathodic Protection
Mechanical Process Equipment
Mixers
Motor Control Centers
Motors/Engines/Drives
Pipe, Valves, Fittings
Programmable Logic Controllers
Pumping/Lift Stations
Pumps
Stand-by/ Aux/Support Equip
Variable Freq Drives
Water Treatment Process/ Quality Control
Adsorption Processes
Aeration
Algae Control
Aquifer Storage & Recovery
Arsenic Removal
Bacteriological Sampling Procedures
Basic Knowledge of Groundwater Treatment
Basic Knowledge of Water Treatment
Cation Exchange Softening
Chemical Precipitation Softening
Chemical Storage & Handling
Chemical Treatment
Coagulation & Flocculation
Corrosion Control
Cross-Connection/ Backflow
Disinfecting Water Storage Vessels
Drinking Water Disinfection
Drinking Water Standards & Rules
Filtration
Flow Measurement: Open Channel & Pipe
Fluoridation
Groundwater Basics/Aquifers
Intake Structures
Iron & Manganese Removal
Water Approved
(Yes/No)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
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
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
13
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Jar Testing
Continuing Education Topics
Membrane Processes: Filtration Modes
Metering
Nitrate Removal
Oxidation
Pesticide & Herbicide Reduction
Plant & Distribution Storage
Point of Use/Point of Entry Devices
Process Optimization & Upgrade
Residuals Disposal
Sampling & Lab Analysis
Sedimentation/Clarification
Surface Water Treatment
Taste & Odor Control
Water Source Treatment & Characteristics
Well Maintenance & Rehab
Well Operation (yield, drawdown)
Zebra Mussel Control
Distribution Process/ Quality Control
Aquifer Storage & Recovery
Chlorination
Corrosion Control
Cross-Connection/ Backflow
Dechlorination
Distribution Systems
Drinking Water Standards
Fire Flow Testing
Flushing, Pigging, and Swabbing
Groundwater Basics/Aquifers
Hydrants, Valves, Exercising Programs
Leak Detection/Water Audits
Mapping, Locating, Tracer Wire
Metering
New Main & Repair Disinfection
Sampling & Lab Analysis
Service Line & Curb Box Maintenance
Service Line Thawing
Storage
Trenchless Construction: Pipe Bursting
Water Source Characteristics
Yes
Water Approved
(Yes/No)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
14
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Well Maintenance Rehabilitation
Well Operation (yield, drawdown)
Continuing Education Topics
Wellhead/Source Water Protection
Administration/ Management
Capacity, Management, Operation & Maintenance for
Separate Systems
Compliance
Construction Inspection/ Documentation/ Design Build
Community /Public Relations/Complaint Response
Design Manual Development
Emergency Response Planning & Security Training
Energy Efficiency/ Energy Conservation at W/WW Facilities
Federal & State Financing Programs
Finance, Budget, Rate Setting
Health and Safety Program Implementation
Legal Issues for W/WW Utilities
Records and Reports: Monitoring/Reporting/Records
Management
Planning/Organization/Proj ect Management
Plant Optimization: Contin Process
Improve/Sustainability/Asset Management/Statistical Process
Control Techniques
Private Property Issues/Service Laterals
Problem Solving/Troubleshooting/Decision Making
Regs (CWA/SDWA, State & Local such as Operator
Certification Requirements), NPDES Permit Requirements
Right-of-Way Management/Maintenance
Risk Management
Sanitary Surveys/plant/system inspections
Sewer Use Ordinances and Moratoriums
SSO/CSO Reduction/Elimination (Sanitary Sewer Overflow/
Combined Sewer Overflow)
Supervision and Personnel Management / Communication
Skills
Surface Water/Groundwater/Watershed Protection
Training/Teaching Skills
Yes
Yes
Water Approved
(Yes/No)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
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Water Conservation
Yes
WATER DISTRIBUTION CONTINUING EDUCATION TOPICS
Continuing Education Topics
General
Basic Computers
Basic Electricity for Operators
Basic Hydraulics
Geographic Info Systems (GIS)
Math for Operators
Water Chemistry
Water Microbiology
Safety
Backhoe Operator
Chlorine Safety
Confined Space
Electrical Hazards
Excavations, Trenching/Shoring/ Competent Person
Hazard Communication/Right-to-Know
Lab Safety
Lockout/Tagout
Personal Protective Equipment / Respiratory Protection
Safe Handling of Materials
Spill Response
Traffic Control/Work Zone Safety
Water & Blood-borne Pathogens
O & M Equipment
Aeration Equipment
Belt Filter presses
Blowers and Compressors
Booster Pumping Stations
Centrifuges
Chemical Storage/Feed Systems
Cross Connection/Backflow Prevention Equipment
Electrical controls/SCADA
Flow Monitoring & Level Sensing Equipment
Distribution Approved
(Yes/No)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
16
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Generators/Switchgear
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Equipment
Continuing Education Topics
Instrumentation
Leak Detection
Cathodic Protection
Mechanical Process Equipment
Motor Control Centers
Motors/Engines/Drives
Pipe, Valves, Fittings
Programmable Logic Controllers
Pumping/Lift Stations
Pumps
Stand-by/Aux/Support Equip
Variable Freq Drives
Water Treatment Process/ Quality Control
Adsorption Processes
Aeration
Algae Control
Aquifer Storage & Recovery
Arsenic Removal
Bacteriological Sampling Procedures
Basic Knowledge of Groundwater Treatment
Basic Knowledge of Water Treatment
Cation Exchange Softening
Chemical Precipitation Softening
Chemical Storage & Handling
Chemical Treatment
Coagulation & Flocculation
Corrosion Control
Cross-Connection/ Backflow
Disinfecting Water Storage Vessels
Drinking Water Disinfection
Drinking Water Standards & Rules
Filtration
Flow Measurement: Open Channel & Pipe
Fluoridation
Groundwater Basics/Aquifers
Yes
Yes
Distribution Approved
(Yes/No)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
17
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Intake Structures
Iron & Manganese Removal
Jar Testing
Membrane Processes: Filtration Modes
Continuing Education Topics
Metering
Nitrate Removal
Oxidation
Pesticide & Herbicide Reduction
Plant & Distribution Storage
Point of Use/Point of Entry Devices
Process Optimization & Upgrade
Residuals Disposal
Sampling & Lab Analysis
Sedimentation/Clarification
Surface Water Treatment
Taste & Odor Control
Water Source Treatment & Characteristics
Well Maintenance & Rehab
Well Operation (yield, drawdown)
Zebra Mussel Control
Distribution Process/Quality Control
Aquifer Storage & Recovery
Chlorination
Corrosion Control
Cross-Connection/ Backflow
Dechlorination
Distribution Systems
Drinking Water Standards
Fire Flow Testing
Flushing, Pigging, and Swabbing
Groundwater Basics/Aquifers
Hydrants, Valves, Exercising Programs
Leak Detection/Water Audits
Mapping, Locating, Tracer Wire
Metering
New Main & Repair Disinfection
Sampling & Lab Analysis
No
No
No
No
Distribution Approved
(Yes/No)
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
18
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Service Line & Curb Box Maintenance
Service Line Thawing
Storage
Trenchless Construction: Pipe Bursting
Water Source Characteristics
Well Maintenance Rehabilitation
Continuing Education Topics
Well Operation (yield, drawdown)
Wellhead/Source Water Protection
Administration/ Management
Capacity, Management, Operation & Maintenance for Separate
Systems
Compliance
Construction Inspection/ Documentation/ Design Build
Community /Public Relations/Complaint Response
Design Manual Development
Emergency Response Planning & Security Training
Energy Efficiency/ Energy Conservation at W/WW Facilities
Federal & State Financing Programs
Finance, Budget, Rate Setting
Health and Safety Program Implementation
Legal Issues for W/WW Utilities
Records and Reports: Monitoring/Reporting/Records
Management
Planning/Organization/Project Management
Plant Optimization: Con tin Process
Improve/Sustainability/Asset Management/Statistical Process
Control Techniques
Private Property Issues/Service Laterals
Problem Solving/Troubleshooting/Decision Making
Regs (CWA/SDWA, State & Local such as Operator
Certification Requirements), NPDES Permit Requirements
Right-of-Way Management/Maintenance
Risk Management
Sanitary Surveys/plant/system inspections
Sewer Use Ordinances and Moratoriums
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Distribution Approved
(Yes/No)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
19
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SSO/CSO Reduction/Elimination (Sanitary Sewer Overflow/
Combined Sewer Overflow)
Supervision and Personnel Management/ Communication
Skills
Surface Water/Groundwater/Watershed Protection
Training/Teaching Skills
Water Conservation
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
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Appendix 2:
Water Distribution Systems Point Rating System
EPA will classify distribution systems according to population served and system characteristics.
EPA Regions may increase classification based on other system characteristics.
System Characteristics
Population = 3,300 or less
Distribution storage
Hypochlorination
Population=3,301 to 10,000
Gaseous and other chlorine disinfectant
Pressure zones greater than 5
Recycled water distribution
System is blending sources to meet MCL
Population > 10,000
Distribution system complexityi
Check all that apply
System Level
Level I
Level I
Level I
Level II
Level II
Level II
Level II
Level II
Level III
Level II-IV
Distribution system complexity=Conditions or characteristics that exist in a
distribution system, such as: pressure zones, booster stations, storage tanks, fire
protection, chlorination, non-residential consumer, cross connection potential
demand variations, size of pipes, total distance of pipes and/or total geographic area
that must be considered when classifying the distribution system.
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Appendix 3:
Water Treatment Plant Point Rating System
Item
Size
Design flow average day, or peak month's average day, whichever is larger (1 point per
0.5 MCD. Round up.) Design flow: Consider this to be the design capacity of the plant.
Examples: 9.2 MCD = 1 9 points 4.7 MCD = 1 0 points (20 points maximum allowed)
Water Supply Sources (Rating based on public health significance)
Seawater/s alt water
Croundwater
Croundwater under direct influence of surface water (CWI)
Surface water
Average Raw Water Quality Variation - Applies to all sources (surface and groundwater).
Key is the effect on treatment process changes that would be necessary to achieve
optimized performance.
Little or no variation^ no treatment^ provided except disinfection (0 po]nts)
Minor variation - e.g. "high quality" surface source appropriate for slow sand filtration
(1 point)
Moderate variation in chemical feed, dosage changes made: monthly (2 points),
weekly (3 points), or daily (4 points)
Variation significant enough to require pronounced and/or very frequent changes
(5 points)
Severe variation - source subject to non-point discharges, agricultural/urban storm
runoff, flooding (7 points)
Raw water quality subject to agricultural or municipal waste point source discharges
(8 points)
Raw water quality subject to industrial waste pollution (1 0 points)
Raw water quality is subject to:
Taste and/or odor for which treatment process adjustments are routinely made l
Points
Possible
Color > 1 5 CU (not due to precipitated metals) - see exceptions in Note 1 at end of table l
Iron or/and manganese > MCL: Fe (2 points), Mn (3 points) (3 points maximum allowed) -
see exceptions in Note 1 at end of table l
Algal growths for which treatment process adjustments are routinely made l
1 - 20
10
[ Deleted:
0-10
2 - 3
Chemical Treatment/ Addition Processes
Fluoridation
Disinfection/Oxidation (Note: Points are additive to a maximum of 1 5 points
allowed for this category.)
CHECK 0 ALL THAT APPLY:
Chlorination:
4
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Hypochlorites (5 points) D
If generated on site (add 1 point) D
Chlorine gas (8 points) D
Chloramination (1 0 points) D
Chlorine dioxide (1 0 points) D
Ozonation (1 0 points) D
UV Irradiation (2 points) D
Iodine, Peroxide, or similar (5 points) D
Potassium permanganate (4 points) D (If used with greensand filtration do not
give 4 points)
pH adjustment for process control (e.g. pH adjustment aids coagulation)
Stability or Corrosion Control (If the same chemical is used for both Corrosion
Control and pH adjustment, count points only once)
0-15
4
4
Coagulation/Flocculation & Filter Aid
Primary coagulant addition
Coagulant aid / Flocculant chemical addition (in addition to primary coagulant use)
Flocculation
Filter aid addition (Non-ionic/anionic polymers)
6
2
2
2
Clarification/Sedimentation
Sedimentation (plain, tube, plate)
Contact adsorption
Other clarification processes (air flotation, ballasted clarification, etc.)
Upflow clarification ("sludge blanket clarifier") 2
Filtration
Granular media filtration (Surface water/CWI) < 3 gpm/sq ft
Granular media filtration (Surface water/GWI) > 3 gpm/sq ft
Groundwater filtration
Membrane filtration
For compliance with a primary regulation (1 0 points)
For compliance with a secondary regulation (6 points)
Diatomaceous earth (pre-coat filtration)
Cartridge/bag
Pre-filtration (staged cartridges, pressure sand w/o coagulation, etc.): add one point
per stage to maximum of 3 points
Slow sand
4
6
6
8
10
20
6
6-10
10
5
1 - 3
5
Other Treatment Processes
Aeration
Air stripping (including diffused air, packed tower aeration)
1 on-exchange/soft en ing
Greensand filtration
Lime-soda ash softening (includes: chemical addition, mixing/flocculation/
clarification/filtration - do not add points for these processes separately)
3
5
5
10
20
Granular activated carbon filter (do not assign points when included as a bed layer
in another filter)
Powdered activated carbon
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Blending sources with significantly different water quality
To achieve MCL compliance (4 points)
For aesthetic reasons (2 points)
Reservoir management employing chemical addition
Electrodialysis
Other: Certification authority may assign 2 to 1 5 additional points for processes
not listed elsewhere in this document.
(Specify: )
2-4
2
1 5
2-15
Residuals Disposal
Discharge to surface, sewer, or equivalent ( 0 points) On-site disposal, land
application (1 point) Discharge to lagoon/drying bed, with no recovery/recycling -
e.g. downstream outfall (1 point) Backwash recovery/recycling: discharge to basin
or lagoon and then to source (2 points) Backwash recovery/recycling: discharge to
basin or lagoon and then to plant intake (3 points)
0- 3
Facility Characteristics
Instrumentation - Use of SCADA or similar instrumentation systems to provide
data, with:
Monitoring/alarm only, no process operation - plant has no automated
shutdown capability (0 points)
Limited process operation - e.g. remote shutdown capability (1 point)
Moderate process operation - alarms and shutdown, plus partial remote operation
of plant (2 points)
Extensive or total process operation - alarms and shutdown, full remote operation
of plant possible (4 points)
0- 4
Raw water quality is subject to:
Taste and/or odor for which treatment process adjustments are routinely made (2 points):
1) T&O issue has been identified in a pre-design report, etc., 2) a process has been installed to address,
and 3) operational control adjustments are made at least seasonally. Do not give points for T&O when there
is no specific additional impact on operation. E.g. if a system is already pre-chlorinating for disinfection, give
no points for T&O.
Color > 15 CU (not due to precipitated metals) (3 points) with following exceptions.
Color will be considered elevated and points assigned when levels exceed 75 Color Units (CU) for
conventional filtration, 40 CU for direct filtration, or 15 CU for all other technologies, except reverse osmosis
(no points given for color for reverse osmosis).
Iron and/or manganese > MCL: Fe (2 points), Mn (3 points) (3 points maximum allowed)
with following exceptions. Iron and manganese levels will be considered elevated and points assigned if
they are greater than the MCL, except for applications of manganese greensand filters. For applications of
manganese greensand filters, iron and manganese levels will be considered elevated when their combined
level exceeds 1.0 mg/L (3 points allowed).
Algal growths for which treatment process adjustments are routinely made (3 points): Raw
water will be considered subject to algae growths when treatment processes are specifically adjusted due to
the presence of high levels of algae on at least a weekly basis for at least two months each year.
2 Upflow clarification ("sludge blanket clarifier") - 8 points - Also known as sludge blanket
clarification. Includes such proprietary units as Super-Pulsator. These units include processes for
flocculation and sedimentation. Important note: these are not the same as adsorption clarifiers.
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Water Treatment Definitions
Definitions reprinted from "Master Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms,"
[http://www.owp.csus.edu/glossary/glossary.php], with permission from Office of Water
Programs, California State University, Sacramento.
Adsorption
The gathering of a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance on the surface or interface zone of
another material.
Aeration
The process of adding air to water. Air can be added to water by passing air through water or
passing water through air.
Air stripping
A treatment process used to remove dissolved gases and volatile substances from water. Large
volumes of air are bubbled through the water being treated to remove (strip out) the dissolved
gases and volatile substances.
Chloramination
The application of chlorine and ammonia to water to form chloramines for the purpose of
disinfection.
Diatomaceous earth
A fine, siliceous (made of silica) "earth" composed mainly of the skeletal remains of diatoms.
Direct filtration
A method of treating water which consists of the addition of coagulant chemicals, flash
mixing, coagulation, minimal flocculation, and filtration. The flocculation facilities may be
omitted, but the physical-chemical reactions will occur to some extent. The sedimentation
process is omitted.
Electrodialysis
The selective separation of dissolved solids on the basis of electrical charge, by diffusion
through a semipermeable membrane across which an electrical potential is imposed.
Reverse osmosis
The application of pressure to a concentrated solution which causes the passage of a liquid from
the concentrated solution to a weaker solution across a semipermeable membrane. The
membrane allows the passage of the water (solvent) but not the dissolved solids (solutes).
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SCADA system
The Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition system is a computer-monitored alarm, response,
control and data acquisition system used by drinking water facilities to monitor their operations
Stabilization
Processes that convert organic materials to a form that resists change. Organic material is
stabilized by bacteria which convert the material to gases and other relatively inert substances.
Stabilized organic material generally will not give off obnoxious odors.
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