Summary of
State Operator
Environmental Protection *
Certification
Programs
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Office of Water (4606M)
EPA 816-R-16-002
March 2016
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary 1
I: Summary of Existing State Operator Certification Programs 3
Alabama 4
Alaska 6
Arizona 8
Arkansas 10
California 12
Colorado 14
Connecticut 16
Delaware 18
Florida 20
Georgia 22
Hawaii 24
Idaho 26
Illinois 28
Indiana 30
Iowa 32
Kansas 34
Kentucky 36
Louisiana 38
Maine 40
Maryland 42
Massachusetts 44
Michigan 46
Minnesota 48
Mississippi 50
Missouri 52
Montana 54
Nebraska 56
Nevada 58
New Hampshire 60
New Jersey 62
New Mexico 64
New York 66
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North Carolina 68
North Dakota 70
Ohio 72
Oklahoma 74
Oregon 76
Pennsylvania 78
Puerto Rico 80
Rhode Island 82
South Carolina 84
South Dakota 86
Tennessee 88
Texas 90
Utah 92
Vermont 94
Virginia 96
Washington 98
West Virginia 100
Wisconsin 102
Wyoming 104
II: Summary Tables of Existing Operator Certification Programs 106
Implementing Authority 107
Coverage 110
Reciprocity 113
Certification Board or Equivalent Agency 116
Classification of Systems/Facilities 118
Renewal 122
Recertification 124
Enforcement 126
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Executive Summary
Under section 1419(b) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SOWA), EPA is directed to withhold 20
percent of the funds a state was otherwise entitled to receive under SDWA section 1452 (the
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program) unless the state adopted and began
implementing a program that meets the requirements of EPA 's Guidelines for the Certification
(and Recertification) of Operators of Community and Nontransient Noncommunity Public Water
Systems (64 Fed. Reg. 5915). In order to continue to receive funding, state operator certification
program adoption was required by February 5, 2001, (That is, 2 years after final publication of
EPA's Guidelines). Each state met this deadline and EPA approved all of the state programs,
allowing full funding of allocations under the DWSRF.
This document summarizes each state's response to Section 1419(b) of the SDWA. It is a
reference tool for making comparisons among state programs for certifying operators of
community water systems (CWSs) and nontransient noncommunity water systems (NTNCWSs).
The document is organized as follows:
I. State Summaries of Existing Operator Certification Programs, which provides a
detailed look at each state's program, including information on:
A. Authorization - Statutory and regulatory citations that authorize the Operator
Certification Program and the implementing agency or agencies.
B. Classification of Systems, Facilities, and Operators - Description of the method by which
the state classifies its water supply systems, such as by system type, complexity of system
components (for example, production, treatment, distribution), or size (for example,
population served or volume in either gallons per day (GPD) or million gallons per day
(MOD)).
C. Operator Qualifications - Qualifications required for certification. For example, most
states require a high school diploma (HSD) or equivalent, such as the General
Educational Development (GED) test. Some states offer an Operator-in-Training (OIT)
program for operators who receive temporary certification while working at a PWS as
they seek full certification. Also describes any applicable grandparenting requirements.
(Grandparenting, can provide an exception for operators to be certified even if they did
not meet the new or modified program requirements established by February 2001).
D. Enforcement - Description of the methods used by the state to enforce operator
certification requirements (including actions against systems, operators, or both), and the
agency or agencies that carry out enforcement actions.
E. Certification Renewal - Ongoing requirements that an operator must meet to maintain a
certification (for example, continuing education, contact hours, renewal period, and
experience).
F. Resources Needed to Implement the Program - List of funding sources, including fee
based programs, staffing resources, budget, and data management activities. Most
programs draw on a variety of state resources and staff that may not be clearly identified
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on program Web sites, such as data management or field inspection staff. These staff may
be funded through federal funds (such as set-aside funds from the DWSRF, the Public
Water Supply Supervision (PWSS) grant, or the Expense Reimbursement Grant (ERG))
or other state funding such as state general funds.
G. Recertification - Identification of recertification requirements to renew a certificate, or
loss of a certificate due to revocation or suspension.
H. Stakeholder Involvement - Description of stakeholder involvement in Operator
Certification Program implementation and review, including identification of any
advisory boards, committees, etc.
I. Program Review - Information on whether there is a regular formal review (internal or
external) process for the state's program.
II. Summary Tables of Existing Operator Certification Programs, which serve as quick
references and allow for easy comparison among the programs.
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I: State Summary of Existing Operator Certification Programs
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Alabama
Code of Alabama
1975: §22-22A, §
22-25-1 through
22-25-15, and The
Alabama
Department of
Environmental
Management
(ADEM) Admin.
Code R. 335-10-1.
Last amended in
2007.
ADEM's Permits
and Services
Division is
authorized to
implement the
Operator
Certification
Program.
Water distribution systems:
Grade 1C: Water
Distribution Systems.
Water treatment plants:
Grade II: Basic ground
water source (treatment
including aeration and
pressure filtration).
Grade III: Advanced ground
water (treatment using
flocculation & clarifier).
Grade IV: Surface water
source or groundwater
source under the influence
of surface water.
Applicants must score > 70 percent
on written exam. Minimum
experience required within 5 years
of passing exam:
Grade I: 12 months
Grade II: 18 months in a Grade II
facility or 24 months combined
Grade I, and II, III, or IV experience
Grade III: 24 months in a Grade III
facility or 36 months combined
Grade II, III, or IV experience
Grade IV: 24 months in a Grade IV
facility
Experience may be acquired in
applicable grade level or one grade
below, except Grade IV Water
which requires surface water
treatment experience. Approved
training programs, classes, or
seminars may substitute for up to 12
months of experience.
Operator Intern title applies to
people that have successfully passed
examinations but have not achieved
the required experience.
Grandparenting'. Not allowed.
The Director of the
Department may
revoke or suspend
certificates, and
initiate proceedings to
enforce the
requirements of Code
of Alabama 1975 22-
25-1 to 22-25-15.
Proceedings may
include: a notice of
violation; an
administrative order
directing compliance;
an administrative order
assessing a civil
penalty of between
$100 and $25,000; and
a civil or criminal
action.
Certificates must be
renewed every 3 years.
Operators must complete
24 continuing education
hours (CEH), per
certificate over the 3-year
period. For a list of
approved CEH sources, see
page 15 of:
http ://www. adem. state, al.u
s/alEnviroRegLaws/files/D
ivlOEff4-3-07.pdf.
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State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Alabama
Exam: $270
Certification: $105
Paper renewal: $80
Online renewal: $60
Late renewal: $180
Reciprocity: $150
Funding: Funded through fees.
Exam is administered by Applied
Measurement Professionals
(AMP).
A complete application for
renewal must be received at
least 30 days prior to the
expiration date of the
certificate. Operators who
fail to achieve CEH
requirements within the 3
year renewal period may,
upon approval, be granted
an additional 180 days to
acquire their CEHs.
For a late application
submittal, an operator may
apply within 180 days of the
certificate's expiration date
and pay a late fee in
addition to the certification
fee. The operator may not
practice as a certified
operator until the effective
date of the new certificate.
An operator who fails to
submit an application for
renewal within 180 days
after the certificate's
expiration must reapply and
take a new exam.
The Alabama Water Pollution
Control Association (AWPCA)
and the Alabama Rural Water
Association (ARWA) provide
preparatory certification training
courses and also CEH training for
certification renewal.
ADEM also holds an annual
training conference for operators.
Exams are reviewed by a Multi-
Branch ADEM Operator Certification
Committee every 5 years or more
frequently, based on examinee
feedback.
Internal Program Reviews are
conducted annually and External
Program Reviews are conducted on an
on-going basis through quarterly
meetings with Alabama certified
operator committees (AWPCA and
ARWA).
Program Web site: http://www.adem.state.al.us/programs/water/opCertification.cnt
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems, Facilities,
and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Alaska
Title 46,
Chapter 30 of
the Alaska
Statutes, and
Chapter 74,
Articles 1-3 of
the Alaska
Administrative
Code (AAC).
Last amended
in 2010.
The
Department of
Environmental
Conservation
(DEC)
implements the
Operator
Certification
Program.
Distribution systems are classified as
Class I-IV based on number of service
connections.
Distribution systems may be classified
one class higher than the classification
described above based on five or more
pressure zones and whether water is
circulated to prevent freezing.
Treatment system points are assigned
according to design capacity, source
water, and complexity of treatment, as
follows:
Class I: 1 - 30 points
Class II: 31 - 55 points
Class III: 56 - 75 points
Class IV: >76 points
Systems that serve fewer than 100
connections or fewer than 500 people,
or small treated or untreated water
systems using surface water or
GWUDI, are classified and treated
separately. More information on
system classification is available at:
http://dec.alaska.gov/commish/regulati
ons/pdfs/18%20AAC%2074.pdf.
All operators must have an HSD or GED, pass
an Association of Boards of Certification
(ABC) exam for the class of system for which
they will be certified, and have at least the
following experience:
Water Distribution
Provisional: 3 months or completion of course
Level I: 1 year
Level II: 3 years
Level III: 4 years, 1 additional year of
education
Level IV: 6 years, 1 additional year of
education
Water Treatment
Provisional: 3 months or completion of course
Level I: 1 year
Level II: 3 years
Level III: 4 years, 2 additional years of
education
Level IV: 4 years, 4 additional years of
education
Certain experience may be substituted for
education and certain levels of education can
be substituted for experience.
The DEC may
revoke a
certificate if the
following acts of
misconduct
occurred: fraud or
deceit in
obtaining the
certificate or plant
record keeping,
gross negligence
or a substantial
violation of
requirements.
Certification is valid
for 3 years
beginning on
January 1 of the year
of issue. Ten hours
of approved training
equals one
Continuing
Education Unit
(CEU). The number
of CEU's that each
level of operator
must complete
during the 3-year
period are as
follows:
Small, Untreated:
0.5
Small, Treated: 1
Provisional or Class
Level I-IV: 3
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State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Alaska
Application: $20
Exam: $30 ($40 for online exam)
Temporary certification: $35
Renewal: $50 ($35 for online renewal)
Operator training classroom course:
1 day: $75
2 day: $100
3 day: $150
4 day: $175
5 day: $200
Correspondence course: $20 per CEU
Reciprocal certificate: $100
Replacement certificate: $20
Funding: All fees are used to fund program
activities. Five staff are listed on the program
Web site.
Budget: Total collected fees amount to
approximately $57,000 annually.
The DEC will reinstate
certification within
180 days if requested.
After 180 days, the
Department may
require reexamination.
If certification has
lapsed for more than 2
years, the operator
must follow the
certification
procedures for new
applicants.
If the DEC has
revoked certification,
the operator must wait
1 year before
reapplying.
Stakeholder involvement is sought
mainly through trade
organizations and technical
assistance providers.
The Water and Wastewater Works
Advisory Board advises the
Department in matters pertaining
to operator certification. The
Commissioner of the DEC and
eight additional water/wastewater
professionals appointed by the
governor make up the Board. The
Board meets twice yearly.
Internal reviews are conducted
mainly through feedback collected
during the testing cycle.
External reviews are conducted when
an owner or operator appeals a
specific policy.
Neither type of review is carried out
on a regular basis.
Program Web site: www.dec.state.ak.us/water/opcert/index.htm
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Arizona
Arizona Revised
Statute 49-3 51
authorizes the
Department of
Environmental
Quality (the
Department) to
oversee the
Operator
Certification
Program.
The Arizona
Administrative
Code, Title 18,
Chapter 5,
Article 1
authorizes the
Program.
Last amended in
2009.
Distribution systems are
classified according to a point
system, taking into account
population served, pressure
zones, booster stations, storage
tanks, blending, fire protection
systems, cathodic protection,
control system technologies,
water quality, and treatment:
Grade 1: 0 points
Grade 2: 1 - 20 points
Grade 3: 21 - 35 points
Grade 4: > 35 points
Treatment plants are also
classified according to a point
system, taking into account
maximum treatment capacity,
population served, water
source, complexity of
treatment, and water quality:
Grade 1:1-25 points
Grade 2: 26 - 50 points
Grade 3: 51 - 70 points
Grade 4: > 70 points
Operators are classified
according to the systems they
are qualified to operate.
In order to become certified, operators
must have a HSD or GED, pass a
written exam with a grade of 70 percent
or above and meet the following
relevant experience and education
requirements.
Grade 1: No experience required.
Grade 2: 1 year as Grade 1 operator or
equivalent; or 2 years postsecondary
education and 1 year of experience,
including 6 months at a Grade 1 facility
or equivalent; or a Bachelor's degree
and 6 months of experience
Grade 3: 2 years of experience
including 1 year at a Grade 2 facility or
equivalent; or 2 years of post-secondary
education and 18 months experience at
a Grade 2 facility or equivalent; or a
Bachelor's degree and 1 year of
experience
Grade 4: 3 years of experience
including 1 year at a Grade 3 facility or
equivalent; or 2 years of post-secondary
education and 30 months of experience
including 1 year at a Grade 3 facility or
equivalent; or a Bachelor's degree and 2
years of experience
Grandparenting: Not permitted.
The Department can decide
whether to deny or revoke a
certificate if the operator:
operates a facility in
violation of federal law; is
negligent in their
supervision of facility
operation; fails to comply
with Department orders or
consent decrees; obtains a
certificate by fraud,
misrepresentation, or deceit;
knowingly prepares a false
or fraudulent report or
record on operation or
management of a facility;
endangers public safety,
health, or welfare; fails to
comply with the terms or
conditions of probation or
suspension; or fails to
cooperate with an
investigation by the
department including failing
or refusing to provide
information required by this
article.
Compliance is tracked
through the state's Safe
Drinking Water database.
Certificates are valid for
3 years. An operator
may renew his/her
certificate before 3
years, if the request is
made in writing.
Operators must
accumulate at least 30
Professional
Development Hours
(PDH) during the
certification period. At
least lOPDHsmustbe
specifically related to
the job function of the
operator. Instead of
completing PDHs,
operators may renew a
certificate by passing an
exam for the applicable
grade.
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State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Arizona
Fees: There currently are no fees.
In December 2014, the Department
submitted a Notice of Final Rulemaking to
the Governor's Regulatory Review Council,
which is the final step in the rulemaking
process, to establish fees which would cover
costs to administer the program, to be
deposited in the State General Funds.
Proposed fees:
Exam: $150 per early review (if requested
less than triennially)
Initial certificate: $65
Renewal: $150 plus $50 for each additional
renewal if expiration date is the same
Reciprocity: $250
Until fees are established, the program
continues to be funded through vehicle
emissions fees.
ADEQ contracts with Gateway Community
College (GWCC) to proctor ABC exams.
Data Management: ADEQ's Safe Water
Operator Certification System (SWCOS)
database contains detailed certified operator
and certificate-related information. Operator
information for regulated PWSs is
maintained in the SDWIS/State database.
An operator can renew a
certificate within 90 days
after its expiration. After
90 days, operators must
follow the procedure for
new applicants.
Operators whose
certificates have been
revoked may not be
certified.
Arizona Administrative
Code R18-5-103 establishes
an Operator Certification
Committee consisting of 11
members, including one
Department representative
and 10 stakeholders,
including operators,
engineers, academics,
municipal officials and
other representatives. The
Committee is to meet at
least twice a year to provide
recommendations, technical
advice, and assistance to the
Department.
The Department is required to review
all of its rules every 5 years to
determine whether any rules should be
amended or repealed. The Department
must prepare a written report
summarizing its findings and detailing
any courses of action. The report should
cover the rule's effectiveness, any
criticisms, and consistency of the rule
with other Department goals and rules.
Review of the Program may also take
place in Operator Certification
Committee meetings and may result in
recommendations for the Department.
Program Web site: www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/dw/opcert.html
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State
Authorization
Classification of
Systems, Facilities, and
Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Arkansas
Act 333 of 1957, last
amended in 1997.
Title 17, Chapter 51,
Sections one and two
of the Arkansas Code
provides the statutory
authority for the
program.
The Arkansas State
Board of Health's
Engineering Section
(the Board), within the
Arkansas Department
of Health's Center for
Local Public Health,
promulgated Operator
Certification Program
regulations.
Last regulation
revision was effective
January 1, 2003.
Treatment facilities are
assigned classifications
of T I-IV, based on
population served and
type of treatment.
Distribution systems are
assigned classifications
of D I-IV, based on
population served and
type of equipment used
in the distribution
system. PWSs serving
fewer than 500 people,
with a single pressure
plane water distribution
facility, are classified as
Very Small Systems.
OIT status is awarded to
people who pass the
exam but do not have
required experience.
All operators must have an HSD or
equivalent. However, the Drinking Water
Advisory and Operator Licensing
Committee (the Committee) may waive
this requirement on a case-by-case basis.
All operators must complete certain
training courses for each license grade and
type prior to examination. The total
training required can range from 40 contact
hours for the lowest license grades (Very
Small Systems and D-l) to 96 hours for the
highest license grades (D-3, T-3, T-4).
All operators then must pass a written
examination for each level of certification.
Each license level has a certain level of
experience that must be obtained prior to
the license being issued:
Grade I: 6 months
Grade II: 1 year
Grade III: 2 years
Grade IV: 3 years
Very Small System: No experience
requirement
Various educational achievements may be
substituted for partial experience credit.
Grandparenting'. Not permitted.
Operators may be
suspended, or their
licenses revoked, for
fraud, deception, not
acting with
reasonable care, or if
the Committee
decides the licensee
is incompetent. The
Department utilizes
notices of violation,
warnings of
administrative orders,
administrative orders
and administrative
penalties. Criminal
prosecution is also
available.
Operators in violation
of the regulations will
be guilty of a
misdemeanor and
fined $100 to $500.
To renew a
certification, an
operator must
complete at least 24
contact hours of
approved training
every 2 years. A
minimum of 12 of
these hours must be in
subjects directly
related to operating or
maintaining the water
system. The other 12
hours may be in
indirectly related
subjects, such as
safety, wastewater
treatment, plumbing
inspection and
laboratory processes.
A license that has not
been renewed within
90 days of expiration
is invalid.
10
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State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Arkansas
Exam: $25
License: $10
Renewal: $10
Late renewal: $15 (includes renewal fee
and $5 penalty)
Reciprocity: $25
Reinstatement of inactive license: $10 per
2-year renewal period up to $35
Reinstatement of revoked license: $10 per
2-year renewal period, plus license fee
Funding: All fees collected (about
$25,000) are dedicated to the Operator
Certification Program. In addition, funds
from the PWS service fees, state general
revenue funds, and the Federal PWSS
grant support the program.
Data Management: The Board has a
training attendance database for operators
to document their renewal and license
exam required course training attendance
online.
Certifications that have
lapsed for less than 1 year
can be reinstated upon
documentation that past
renewal training
requirements and fee
payments have been met.
Suspended certificates
must be renewed. The
operator must meet the
standard renewal
requirements, unless the
suspension order stipulated
additional renewal
requirements.
Revoked certificates
cannot be renewed. A
revoked certificate can
only be reinstated by
examination under time
frames stipulated in the
revocation order.
The Committee is the main avenue of
stakeholder involvement. This
Committee consists of seven members,
including water system managers, water
system operators, academics, consulting
engineers, and regulatory personnel. All
meetings are open to the public. The
Board makes appointments to the
Committee, with the exception of the
Department staff position. The
Committee advises the Board in all
matters relating to operator training
programs and certification. All operator
certification rules and regulations are
first submitted to the Committee for
review.
The Arkansas Environmental Training
Academy (AETA) and Arkansas Rural
Water Association (ARWA) contract
with the Board to conduct exam
trainings.
The Board also utilizes stakeholder
groups consisting of representatives of
field staff, water operator training
organizations, and licensed water
operators to develop exams from
validated ABC exams.
The Committee reviews the
program's activities each
quarter, including pass rates
for each exam category,
budget activity, and general
drinking water program
status.
Program Web site: http://www.healthv.arkansas.gov/programsServices/environmentalHealth/Engineering/operatorCertification/Pages/default.aspx
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems, Facilities, and
Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
California
Sections 106875 -
106910 of the California
Health and Safety Code,
Division 4, authorize the
California Department
of Public Health
(CDPH) to implement
the Operator
Certification Program.
Section 116271
transferred the program
from CDPH to the State
Water Resources
Control Board (State
Water Board) on July 1,
2014. The State Water
Board established the
Office of Operator
Certification to
administer the
regulations.
Title 22 California Code
of Regulations (CCR)
Chapter 13 specifies
water treatment and
distribution operator
requirements and
Chapter 15 Article 2
describes system
classification.
There is a five-level system classification
for distribution and treatment systems.
Distribution systems are classified as Dl
to D5 by population served and system
complexity. The population categories
are:
Dl:< 1,000
D2: 1,001 - 10,000
D3: 10,001-50,000
D4: 50,001 - 5 million
D5: > 5 million
Distribution systems can be upgraded one
level due to complexity, using a point
system which takes into account: number
of pressure zones, storage reservoirs and
uncovered storage reservoirs, treatment,
the size of the largest pump utilized, and
customers with a nonpotable water supply
connection.
Treatment systems are classified as TI-
TS, according to a point system that takes
into account various source water
characteristics, maximum capacity and
treatment techniques.
Section 64413.1, Classification of Water
Treatment Facilities, describes the point
system in the regulations at:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking
water/certlic/occupations/documents/opce
rt/OperatorCertificationRegulations.pdf.
Applicants must have an HSD
or GED, pass the relevant
certification exam, and meet
education and experience
requirements, which vary by
system class.
California's education and
experience requirements are
complex. For complete
regulations, see
http://www.waterboards.ca.go
v/drinking water/certlic/occu
pations/documents/opcert/Ope
ratorCertificationRegulations.
Edf.
Minimum qualifications for
operator certification are
included below:
Water treatment:
http://www.waterboards.ca.go
v/drinking water/certlic/occu
pations/documents/opcert/MQ
sforexamcert.pdf
Water distribution:
http://www.waterboards.ca.go
v/drinking water/certlic/occu
pations/documents/opcert/Dist
ributionQualifications.pdf
Grandparenting: Not allowed.
The State Water
Resources Control
Board (State
Water Board)
initiates
proceedings due to
failure to meet
renewal
requirements, or if
an operator does
not properly or is
unable to perform
his or her duties;
conducts
fraudulent actions;
fails to use
reasonable care or
judgment in
performing his or
her duties or
causes or allows
violations of the
SDWA.
The State Water
Board can
suspend, revoke,
and refuse to
renew, or refuse to
grant certificates.
The Board also
can place on
probation or
reprimand the
certificate holder.
Certification must be
renewed every 3
years, or at least 120
days, but not more
than 180 days, before
the expiration date.
An application
including the renewal
fee and list of
completed contact
hours must be
submitted.
Contact hour
requirements for each
certification:
D1,T1: 12 hours
D2, T2: 16 hours
D3,T3: 24 hours
D4, T4: 36 hours
D5,T5: 36 hours
Up to 25 percent of
contact hours can be
fulfilled by
completing safety
training.
12
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State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
California
Fees listed below include 1) exam, 2)
reexamination, 3) certificate, 4) triennial
renewal and 5) discount certification and
renewal for operators with both a water
treatment and water distribution
certificate, respectively. Note:
discounted certification and renewal fee
is paid for each certification.
Dl, Tl: $50, $30, $70, $70, $55
D2, T2: $65, $45, $80, $80, $60
D3, T3: $100, $70, $120, $120, $90
D4, T4: $130, $95, $140, $140, $105
D5, T5: $155, $120, $140, $140, $105
Late renewal penalty: $50 if submitted
after the renewal due date, but at least 45
days prior to the expiration date or $100
if submitted less than 45 days prior to the
expiration date, but within 1 year of the
expiration date
Funding: The Operator Certification Unit
is fully funded from fee revenue.
The unit utilizes two FileMaker Pro
databases (for distribution and treatment,
respectively) that work together to record
operator certification information.
Operators may renew
certificates after the renewal due
date within one year of
expiration and must pay a
penalty fee.
Certificates are revoked one
year past their expiration date.
Once revoked, operators must
follow requirements for new
certification.
The State Water Board sponsors
and participates in an operator
certification stakeholder's group,
which meets biannually to discuss
implementation of operator
certification regulations.
Membership includes U.S. EPA,
California-Nevada Section of
AWWA, Local Union 39
(representing Stationary
Engineers), California Rural
Water Association (CRWA),
Rural Community Assistance
Corporation, water distribution
and treatment instructors, and
operators from large and small
water systems.
The California Technical
Assistance Providers Stakeholders
Group offers training assistance to
small systems operators and
includes the State Water Board
personnel as well as
representatives from CRWA,
RCAC, California-Nevada Section
of the AWWA and academia.
The stakeholder's group
provides ongoing program
review, including changes
to contact hours needed,
specialized training courses
required, and the definition
of "operator experience."
The State Water Board
sponsors workshops
attended by subject matter
experts to review, revise,
and validate exam
questions.
The committee will review
contact hours for content,
relevance, and quality of
instruction, and recommend
changes and additions. The
committee meets every 6
months to review the
regulations and advise
implementation practices.
Program Web site: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking water/certlic/occupations/DWopcert.shtml
13
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems, Facilities, and
Operators
Operator
Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Colorado
Colorado Revised
Statutes (CRS) Title
25 Article 9 sections
101 et. seq.
authorizes the
Operator Certification
Program and creates
the Water and
Wastewater Facility
Operators
Certification Board
(the Board).
The provisions of the
statute are
implemented through
the Water and
Wastewater Facility
Operators
Certification
Requirements,
Regulation 100, 5
Code of Colorado
Regulations § 1003-2.
(Last amended
August 2014.)
Colorado requires certified operators for water,
domestic and industrial treatment facilities, water
distribution, and wastewater collection systems.
Treatment facilities are classified based on design
features or characteristics, plant design flow,
source water and complexity of treatment unit
processes as Class A , B, C, or D, where A is the
highest.
Distribution systems are classified based on
population:
Class 1: serving < 3,300
Class 2: serving 3,301 - 25,000
Class 3: serving 25,001 - 100,000
Class 4: serving > 100,000.
Operator classification is based on the level of
certificate issued which correspond to the facility
classifications. The division may change
classification based on system specific factors.
The Board has authorized combined certificates for
small and very small systems. A Class S certificate
(combined Class D treatment and Class 1
distribution) authorizes operator to serve as the
certified operator in responsible charge for systems
that serve less than 3,300 people.
A Class T certificate (combined Class D treatment
and Class 1 distribution) authorizes an operator to
serve as the certified operator in responsible
charge for systems that are classified as Class D
treatment and Class 1 distribution, as transient
noncommunity water systems, serve < 100 people,
and treat only with non-gaseous chlorine.
Applicants must have
a high school diploma
or GED to apply for
examination.
Applicants must pass
a validated written
exam and must meet
minimum experience
requirements for each
exam level.
Education may
substitute for
experience. Exams
must be taken in
sequential order.
Minimum experience
requirements:
Class T: none
Class S: 1 month
Class D or 1: 1 month
Class C or 2:2 years
Class B or 3: 3 years
Class A or 4: 4 years
Grandparenting: Not
allowed.
The Water Quality Control
Division (the Division) of
the Department of Public
Health and Environment
(CDPHE) has primary
responsibility for
enforcement for
enforcement of the
certified operator
requirements. Enforcement
actions may include
notices of violation and
consent agreements, with
or without civil penalties.
The Division investigates
all certified operator
related disciplinary
actions, and makes
recommendations to the
Board.
The Board makes all
decisions regarding
certified operator
disciplinary actions. The
Board may issue a formal
reprimand, suspend or
revoke the certificate(s) of
an operator who violates
the requirements of the
statute or regulations.
All certified
operators must
earn training units
to qualify for
certificate renewal.
Certificates must
be renewed every 3
years:
(1 unit = 10 contact
hours)
Class T: 1.2 units
Class S: 1.8 units
Class D: 1.2 units
Class C: 1.8 units
Class B: 2.4 units
Class A: 3 units
Class 1: 1.2 units
Class 2: 1.8 units
Class 3: 2.4 units
Class 4: 3 units
14
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Colorado
Application: $15
Paper exam: $45
Online exam: $80
Administration fee: $55
Renewals: $85
Reciprocity: $90
Penalty for late renewal: $50
Funding: The Board contracts (non-monetarily)
with Colorado Environmental Certification and
Testing, Inc. (CECTI) to administer certification
exams, certification renewals, reciprocity and
certification-related record keeping functions.
Funding through the above fees are paid directly
to the organization. CECTI supplies
approximately 1.5 FTEs of volunteer hours and
subcontracts daily operations of the program.
The Division is funded through state general
funds, general program fees and various federal
grants. The Division dedicates 1.0 FTE as staff
to the Board. Compliance and enforcement staff
perform roles listed under Enforcement. The
Engineering and Field services sections of the
Division conduct sanitary surveys, facility
classifications, and design approvals. The
Division's data system, management and
administrative teams are also available to the
program.
A certificate is valid for 3 years
from the date of issuance.
Operators may renew for up to 2
years after it expires, by paying
the renewal fee and meeting all
applicable requirements.
Certificates not renewed within
2 years of issuance are revoked.
Any operator with a revoked
certificate will be treated as a
new applicant and must meet all
initial certification requirements.
The Water and Wastewater Facility
Operators Certification Board (the Board)
oversees the operator certification program
in Colorado. The Board members are
volunteers appointed by the Governor.
They are operators, managers and industry
professionals.
CECTI represents water treatment
operators and the Certification Council
represents water distribution operators to
administer testing, certification, renewals,
training approvals, reciprocity, etc. Both
groups are made up of certified operators.
The Board and the Certification Council
Board meet monthly and the CECTI Board
meets bi-monthly. Meetings are open to
interested parties.
The Division began the regulation revision
process in May 2013. 8,000 people were
invited to participate in the stakeholder
process. Proposed amendments continued
to August 2014.
The Safe Drinking Water Program
publishes a quarterly newsletter that is
distributed to approximately 3,200 system
owners, operators and others each quarter
and contains at least one article specifically
focused on operator certification
requirements and any changes to regulation
or policy.
The Division
conducts periodic
reviews of its
processes,
procedures and
data management.
The Division
implemented
changes to the
operator
certification
program and the
drinking water
compliance and
enforcement
groups in late
2013. Internal
review of the
Program is an on-
going process.
The Board
undergoes a
legislative sunset
review every 7-9
years with the
next review due
in 2020.
Program Web site: http://www.ocpo Web.com/index.cfm
15
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Connecticut
Connecticut
General Statute
25-32n
authorizes the
Operator
Certification
Program, and
Connecticut
Public Health
Code 25-32-7a
through 25-32-
14 authorizes the
Department of
Public Health
(DPH) to
implement the
Program.
EPA approved
Connecticut's
Operator
Certification
Program in
November 2001.
Classification of treatment
systems is based on the
ABC's point system which
ranks treatment complexity,
plant size, and water source:
Class I: 30 points or less
Class II: 30 - 55 points
Class III: 56 - 75 points
Class IV: 76 points or higher
Classification of distribution
systems is based on
population served:
Class I: 1,000 - 5,000
Class II: 5,001 - 50,000
Class III: > 50,001
Small Water Systems (SWS):
Systems serving fewer than
1,000 people that do not
provide treatment; or provide
non-chemical treatment,
process adjustment,
backwashing, or media
regeneration by an operator.
All operators must have an HSD or
GED. All operators must pass an exam,
and have at least the following length of
experience:
Treatment Plant (TP) Operators
Class I - 1 year at class 1
Class II - 2 years at class 2 or 2 yrs. in
Direct Responsible Charge (DRC) of
Class 1
Class III - 3 years at class 3 or 3 yrs. in
DRC of Class 2
Class IV - 4 years at class 4 or 4 yrs. in
DRC of Class 3
Distribution System (DS) Operators:
Class I - 1 year at a DS
Class II - 2 years at a DS
Class III - 4 years at a DS
Education beyond 12 years may be
substituted for the experience
requirements for TP and DS Operators.
Small Water System Operators:
6 months or substituted by 20 hours of
approved training
Grandparenting: Not allowed.
Public Health Code Section 25-
32-13 allows the DPH to take
certain disciplinary actions
against an operator (as outlined
in Connecticut General Statute
19a-17) for: fraud or deception
in procuring certification or in
the performance of an
operator's duties; incompetent,
negligent, or illegal
performance of the operator's
professional activities;
conviction of an operator for a
felony; and failure of an
operator to complete the
required training for renewal.
DPH also may take informal
and formal enforcement actions
(violation letters, consent
orders, orders and notices of
violation with civil penalties)
against systems for failure to
have an operator.
Certificates must be
renewed every 3
years. To qualify for
renewal, operators
must complete a
required number of
training hours.
Training hours may be
fulfilled through
CEUs or college
credits
(http://www.ct. gov/dp
h/lib/dph/drinking wa
ter/pdf/Certified Oper
ator Renewal Requir
ements.pdf):
Class I (TP and DS)
and SWS: 10 hours
Class II (TP and DS):
20 hours
Class III (TP and DS)
and IV (TP): 30 hour
16
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Connecticut
Application: $224
Exam: $41, paid to ABC
Funding: The Program is funded
through state funds and supported
by DWSRF Set Asides.
A reciprocity agreement may be
established if DPH deems the
requirements of the other state or
ABC are at least as stringent as
those in Connecticut.
The Drinking Water Section
implemented an E-Licensure
program which allows
certification activities to be
completed online.
The Grants & Administration
Unit provides technical assistance
on operator certification
problems.
An operator certification
may be renewed up to 6
months following the
expiration of the
certificate if all
requirements for renewal
are satisfied. This renewal
certificate will have an
expiration date of 3 years
following the expiration
date of the prior
certificate.
Operators must follow
procedures for new
applicants if more than 6
months has passed since
certificate expiration.
Any disciplinary action
taken against an operator
may specify the
conditions for renewing a
revoked or suspended
certification (determined
on a on a case-by-case
basis).
Primary stakeholder involvement
occurs through the Operator
Certification Committee (CT
Section, AWWA), which serves
as an advisory group to the
Program and provides input on
regulation development, exams
and program administration. The
6-person Committee meets
monthly and consists of certified
operators of water systems and
the DPH.
State water association
representatives also contribute to
regulatory revisions.
Exams are reviewed by the Operator
Certification Committee every 2 to 3 years, or
more frequently, based on examinee feedback.
Evaluation of SWS operator training curriculum
is ongoing. Compliance is reviewed daily by the
Drinking Water Section and annually by EPA.
The Drinking Water Section budget is prepared
annually and periodically reviewed.
Program Web site: http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?q=387328
17
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Delaware
16 Delaware Code,
Section 122(3)(c)
provides the statutory
authority for the
Program.
Regulations for the
Licensing and
Registration of
Operators of Public
Water Supply Systems
can be found at
http://dhss.delaware.go
v/dph/hsp/files/watrop
regs031101final.pdf.
Last amended March
2014.
The Advisory Council
for certification of
PWS Operators (the
Council) within the
Division of Public
Health (DPH) of the
Department of Health
and Social Services
(DHHS) implements
the Operator
Certification Program.
Systems are grouped into
six endorsements according
to treatment techniques:
disinfection, chemical feed,
filtration, surface water
operations, other specified
treatment and distribution.
Each endorsement has
several sub-endorsements.
There are six classifications
of operators: base level,
limited, distribution, OIT,
circuit rider, and
grandparented.
Operators must pass the exam
with a minimum score of 75
percent for each endorsement
category. Additional qualifications
are as follows:
Base Level and Distribution
System Operators: HSD or GED
and 1 year of experience, or 3
years of experience.
Limited License: Same as Base
Level, but license is non-
transferable to another water
system.
OIT: Does not meet above
requirements, but passed the
written exam.
Circuit Rider: Must be certified
for all systems for which they are
in direct responsible charge,
conduct at least three visits each
week at each water system that
he/she is in direct-responsible-
charge (number may be adjusted
by Council upon yearly review)
and be within 2 hours of each
system.
Reciprocity: Must demonstrate
equivalent requirements, but no
exam is required.
Grandparenting'. Ended July 1,
2001 and is no longer allowed.
Licenses are site-specific and not
transferable.
The state may take
action against systems
that fail to use a certified
operator, and against
operators who have
acted fraudulently,
engaged in illegal,
incompetent, or
negligent conduct in the
provision of water
system operation or have
violated the regulations.
The state has the
authority to impose
probation and fines, and
can suspend or revoke
certification licenses.
An investigation
conducted by the
Council occurs upon
notice of violation. The
Council forwards
recommendations to
Dept. Secretary for
hearing and final
enforcement actions.
Operators can request a
hearing upon receipt of a
notice of violation.
Licenses are valid for 2
years, except OIT licenses
are valid for 1 year.
Operators must have the
following number of contact
hours in each 2-year period:
All operators: 20 hours
At least 50% of training (10
educational contact hours)
must be obtained in classes
directly related to
waterworks operation,
treatment or distribution.
Grandparented operators
must meet the same
requirements.
18
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Delaware
Exam: No charge
Initial annual license: $50
Renewal of annual license: $50
License valid for 2 years and
operators are billed $100 for initial
license and renewed license.
Funding: Fees are deposited into
an account dedicated to the
Operator Certification Program.
Additional funding is from EPA
grants, primarily the DWSRF 10
percent set-aside.
Reciprocity: Regular license fee
Data Management: Provided by
the Office of Drinking Water staff.
Testing: Administered by operator
certification staff with assistance
from the Delaware Technical
Community College (DTCC). The
Council has delegated approval of
training to the Program
Administrator of DPH's Office of
Drinking Water (ODW).
ODW provides investigative
support for enforcement actions.
Certification can be
reinstated without
reexamination within 1 year
of expiration.
An individual whose license
was revoked must wait at
least 1 year before re-
applying.
The Council was created to
administer the Operator
Certification Program and advise
the Secretary of DHHS. It is made
up of nine members, appointed by
the Secretary and representing the
public, municipalities, business or
industry, public water utilities, and
certified operators. The Council
meets at least quarterly.
The Council proposes any needed
changes to the program.
Program has internal and external
reviews per EPA guidelines.
Program Web site: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph/hsp/odwprogs.html
19
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems, Facilities, and
Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Florida
Chapter 403,
Sections .865-.8S,
Florida Statutes
(last amended in
2012), provides the
statutory authority
for the Program.
Regulations are
found at Chapter
62-602, Florida
Administrative
Code (last amended
in 2012).
The State of
Florida,
Department of
Environmental
Protection (FL
DEP) implements
the Operator
Certification
Program.
Water treatment plants (including CWSs
and NTNCWSs) are classified as Category
I-V based on treatment type and flow rate.
Each category is further divided into
classification levels A, B, C, or D based on
permitted design flow. Water treatment
system classifications are described at:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wff/ocp/d
ocs/ocp handbook.pdf.
Water Distribution Systems are classified
as Category I or II and further divided into
levels 1 through 4).
Category I Distribution System connected
to a Class A, B, or C water treatment plant
with:
Level 1: Serving 100,000 or more people.
Level 2: Serving at least 10,000 and less
than 100,000 people.
Level 3: Serving at least 1,000 and less
than 10,000 people.
Level 4: Serving less than 1,000 people.
Category II Distribution System is
connected to a Class D water treatment
plant with:
Level 4: No minimum population served.
All applicants must have an
HSD or GED and score at least
70 percent on FL DEP's
Class/Level-specific
examination. To be eligible to
take the examination for any
license classification the
candidate must document
successful completion of an
approved training course
within 5 years of filing an
application (course is optional
for Level 4).
The required experience is:
Class A/Level 1: At least 5
years (10,400 hours) and an
active Class B/Level 2 license
Class B/Level 2: At least 3
years (6,240 hours) and an
active Class C/Level 3 license
Class C/Level 3: At least 1 year
(2,080 hours)
Class D/Level 4: At least 3
calendar months or completion
of an approved course and one
hour of experience
Grandparenting'. Not allowed.
FL DEP has jurisdiction in
enforcement actions
against operators and
systems. Disciplinary
proceedings may be
brought for operating a
plant without a valid
license, submitting false
information, operating a
plant in a manner
inconsistent with Standard
Operating Procedures
(SOPs), or otherwise
violating regulations or a
lawful order of the FL
DEP.
The state's enforcement
actions may include:
bilateral compliance
agreements, administrative
orders and civil and
criminal penalties. FL DEP
may impose monetary
penalties of up to $1,000,
and may suspend or revoke
licenses; place a license
holder on probation or
refuse to issue, renew, or
reactivate a license.
Licenses must be
renewed every 2 years.
Licenses expire on
April 3 Oof odd
numbered years
(renewal notices are
mailed 90 days before
an active license
expires).
To be eligible for
renewal the operator
must pay a fee and
document completion
of an appropriate
number of continuing
education units (CEU)
based on the
class/level of license
being renewed.
FL DEP notifies
operators upon
renewal or denial of
renewal.
20
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Florida
ClassA, B, &C exam: $100
Class D/Level 1-4 exam: $75
Class A, B,&C license: $100
Class D/Level 1-4 license: $50
Class A, B, & C active license renewal: $75
Class D/Level 1-4 active license renewal:
$50
Renewal (inactive license): $175-$250, based
on length of time after expiration date.
Reciprocity: Not available.
Budget: The Program's annual budget
averages about $446,000.
Funding: The program is entirely funded by
fees which are deposited into a dedicated
fund.
Data Management: A database has been
developed for the Operator Certification
Program compliance and enforcement staff
which includes operators' exams,
applications, license history, and
enforcement actions.
The Florida Rural Water Association
(FRWA) contracts with FL DEP to provide
technical assistance to operators in the form
of training sessions and exam preparation
courses.
After the expiration date, a license
becomes inactive and an applicant must
pay up to $250 to reactivate. An
inactive license may be reactivated
within 2 years. After 2 years the license
is expired and an applicant must reapply
as a first-time applicant.
Operators who have their certificates
revoked cannot be recertified.
Florida requires stakeholder
involvement in the
development of any new rules
or modifications to existing
rules. A Technical Advisory
Committee of at least five
members, consisting of at least
two licensed operators,
regulators, and interested and
affected parties provides
guidance for the development
of the rules. The general public
can participate in workshops
and public comments are
incorporated into the rules as
appropriate.
The Office of the
Inspector General
reviews Florida's
Program every 5 years.
The Technical
Advisory Committee
can conduct any
additional reviews, as
necessary.
Program Web site: www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wff/ocp/
21
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of
Systems, Facilities,
and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Georgia
Title 43, Chapter
51 Official Code
of Georgia
Annotated
authorizes the
program.
Chapter 750-1 to
750-10 of the
Rules of the
Georgia State
Board of
Examiners for
Certification of
Water and
Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Operators and
Laboratory
Analysts (the
Board) provides
regulations.
Last amended
February 2012.
The Professional
Licensing Boards
Division of the
Office of the
Secretary of State
implements the
Operator
Certification
Program.
PWSs are classified as
Class I-IV or
Distribution based on
source water (surface
water, ground water,
or distribution only),
population (for ground
water systems),
treatment complexity,
and plant capacity.
Class IV systems are
very small ground
water systems serving
fewer than 1,000
people.
All applicants must have at least an HSD or GED; pass
a written exam; have a certain amount of experience
based on license Class; and, complete a certain number
of hours of course work (identified as advanced or
basic), depending upon license class.
Applicants for Public Water Supply System Operator
Classes I & II, and Biological Wastewater Treatment
System Operator Classes I & II, must have completed
experience requirements in actual system operation
before taking the exam.
Applicants for Public Water Supply System Operator
Classes III & IV, Biological Wastewater Treatment
System Operator Classes III & IV, Industrial
Wastewater Treatment System Operator, Water &
Wastewater Laboratory Analysts, Water Distribution
System Operator, and Wastewater Collection System
Operator may take the exam before completing
experience requirements, but cannot apply for the
license until completion of the requisite experience in
actual system operation.
Experience requirements include:
Class I: 3 years, Associate degree and 2.5 years, or
Bachelor of Science and 2 years. Also current Class II
certification.
Class II: 2 years, Associate degree and 1.5 years, or
Bachelor of Science and 1 year. Also current Class III
certification and 48 hours advanced course work.
Class III: 3 months experience and 40 hours course
work.
Class IV: 1 month experience and 6 hours course work.
Grandparenting: Not allowed.
The Board handles
enforcement against
operators while the
Environmental
Protection Division of
the Dept. of Natural
Resources enforces the
requirements for
systems.
The Board may revoke
or suspend the
certificate of an
operator following a
hearing conducted in
accordance with the
Georgia Administration
Procedure Act.
The state's enforcement
actions may include
court orders,
administrative orders,
bilateral compliance
agreements, and civil or
criminal penalties.
The Board may
investigate the actions
of any operator, or
anyone who shall
assume to act in such
capacity, if the Board
believes a violation has
occurred.
Certificates must be
renewed every 2
years prior to the
expiration date, and
expire on June 30 of
odd-numbered years.
Continuing
education
requirements:
Class IV: 6 points
Class III: 12 points
Class II: 18 points
Class I: 24 points
Certificates may be
renewed within 3
months of expiration
with a $115 late fee.
An operator with
dual certificates
must obtain a
minimum of 25
percent required
continuing education
points in each
discipline.
22
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Georgia
Exam: $75
Application: $25
Renewal: $65
Late renewal: $115
Certificate reinstatement: $165
Reciprocity: $100
Funding: The Board is self-
supporting. However, fees first go
to the state general fund and must
be re-appropriated to the Program.
Applied Measurement
Professionals (AMP) administers
the Board examinations.
Failure to renew within 3 months
of expiration of a renewal year has
the same effect as revocation of
the certificate.
Within 2 years of expiration, the
Board may reinstate a certificate
to an applicant who submits the
appropriate reinstatement
application, fee of $165, and proof
of continuing education.
After 2 years, the Board may
reinstate certification if the above
requirements (for reinstatement
within 2 years), are fulfilled and
the exam is retaken and passed.
The Board consists of 6 members
(5 are active in the profession and 1
from the public), and meets 6 times
per year.
All rule revisions are open for
public comment.
The Georgia Water and Wastewater
Institute (GWWI) develops
guidance on rule revisions.
The Board reviews the operator
certification rules and approved
courses for basic and continuing
education during meetings.
External reviews are provided by
the House Industry Committee on
an ongoing basis.
Program Web site: http://www.gawp.org/?page=WaterWastewaterOper
23
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Hawaii
Title 19, Hawaii
Revised Statutes
340F authorizes
the Operator
Certification
Program, and
§340F-4
authorizes a
Board of
Certifications
(the Board) under
the Department
of Health (DOH)
to implement the
Program.
Hawaii
Administrative
Rules, Title 11,
Chapter 25
provide the
regulations for
the program. Last
amended May
2002.
Water treatment plants
(WTP) are classified as
Grade 1 - Grade 4,
according to complexity of
treatment. Grade 1 WTPs
(for example, slow sand
filtration; chlorination,
fluoridation, etc.), are the
simplest to operate. Grade 4
(for example, conventional
treatment or direct
filtration), are the most
complex.
Distribution systems (DS)
are classified according to
population served:
Class 1:< 1,500
Class 2: 1,501 - 15,000
Class 3: 15,001 -50,000
Class 4: > 50,001
Operators are classified
according to the system they
are qualified to operate.
Applicants must have an HSD or
GED and pass a certification exam
with a minimum grade of 70 percent.
For DSs only, an eighth grade
education plus 4 years of work
experience can be considered to be
the equivalent of a GED.
Experience requirements:
OIT: No experience.
Grade 1: 1 year.
Grade 2: Grade 1 certification and 1
year; 2 years with a HSD; or 1 year
with a Bachelor's degree. 1 year of
experience must be at Class 2 or
higher WTP.
Grade 3: Grade 2 certification and 1
year; 3 years and HSD; 2 years and
Associate's degree; or 1 year and
Bachelor's degree. Must include one
year at a membrane filtration, Class 3
or 4 WTP, with one month at a Class
3 or 4 WTP.
Grade 4: Grade 3 certification and 1
year at Class 3 or 4 WTP; 4 years and
HSD, 3 years and Associate degree;
or 2 years and Bachelor's degree.
Must include one year at a membrane
filtration, Class 3 or 4 WTP and 1
year at a Class 3 or 4 WTP.
Grandparenting: Allowed until Dec
31, 2003. No longer allowed.
The Board may suspend,
revoke, or refuse to renew
certification for fraud or
deceit in obtaining
certification or in
performing duties; failure
to use reasonable care,
judgment, or the
application of knowledge
or ability in the
performance of duties;
being unable to perform
duties. Within 20 days of
receiving notice from the
Board, an operator may
request a hearing.
The Board can seek,
through legal action, an
injunction and the
imposition of civil
penalties of up to $25,000
per day for a continuing
violation.
False statements,
representations, or
certifications may be
prosecuted as
misdemeanors.
Certificates must be
renewed every 3 years. The
Board will send a courtesy
renewal notice to the
license holder.
Renewal is contingent on
completion of continuing
education units (CEUs)
every 2 years. 10 hours are
required for each CEU.
Grade 1 or 2: 0.8 CEUs.
Grade 3 or 4: 1.6 CEUs.
One month after
expiration, the operator can
no longer perform duties of
an operator, until he/she
has applied for renewal.
For the second through
twelfth months following a
certificate's expiration,
renewal fees are doubled.
24
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State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Hawaii
Application fee regular certification: $20
Exam fee regular certification: $30
Application fee reciprocity certification: $50
Application fee temporary, provisional or
conditional certification: $40
Application fee OIT: $40
Renewal: $10 per year for up to 3 years
Funding: All fees collected by the Program
are deposited into the state's general fund.
DWSRF funds support both the Operator
Certification position and all operating costs
for the Program.
Data Management: The Safe Drinking Water
Branch maintains an Access database of
certified operators with information such as
name, grade, certification ID, and address. An
Access database is maintained with CEUs
earned by each operator.
An operator who does not
renew his or her certificate
within 1 year after its
expiration will have to
follow the procedure for new
applicants.
Hawaii did not provide
information on the
recertification of revoked or
suspended licenses.
A Stakeholder Committee was
formed in 1999, consisting of
representatives of small and
large water purveyors, military
water purveyors, and
organizations, such as AWWA
and Rural Community
Assistance Corporation
(RCAC). The Committee
reviewed the revisions to state
rules at meetings held from
1999 through 2001, and
provided input on proposed rule
changes.
The Board, which consists of
members representing all islands
and both the public and private
sector, now review the rules and
propose changes. The Board
meets quarterly.
The Hawaii Rural Water
Association (HRWA) runs a
continuing education training
program for operators, funded
by U.S. EPA and the DOH
(using DWSRF). The program is
designed to be self-sustaining.
The American Water Works
Association (AWWA)
eLearning Program is approved
for CEUs in Hawaii.
The Program is reviewed annually
during the preparation of an annual
report. Informal reviews occur
throughout the year, covering state
rules, rule implementation,
compliance, training, and exam
passing rates.
The Board provides external reviews
of the Program. The main function
of the review is to revise the
Program rules to meet new operator
certification guidelines.
Program Web site: http://health.hawaii.gov/sdwb/operatorcert/
25
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State
Authorization
Classification of
Systems, Facilities,
and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Idaho
Idaho Code, Chapter
1, Title 39, Section 39-
105 provides statutory
authority for the
Operator Certification
Program.
Idaho Statute Title 54
Chapter 24 provides
the regulations for the
program. The
Department of
Environmental Quality
(DEQ) contracted with
the Idaho Water and
Wastewater Operators
Certification Board,
Inc. (the Board) to
implement the
Program.
The Board entered into
an agreement with the
Idaho Bureau of
Occupational Licenses
(IBOL) to review and
recommend
applications,
administer exams,
collect fees and issue
operator licenses.
Classification of
treatment systems into
Class I-IV is based on
system complexity,
size, and source water.
Classification of
distribution systems
into Class I-IV is
based on system
complexity and size.
A Very Small System
is a CWS or
NTNCWS that serves
500 or fewer people
and has no treatment
other than disinfection
or has only treatment
which does not require
any chemical
treatment, process
adjustment, and
backwashing or media
regeneration by an
operator.
OIT status is awarded
to people who pass the
exam but do not have
required experience.
All operators must have an HSD or GED and
must pass a written exam with a minimum score
of 70 percent. The following onsite experience
requirements apply:
Class I restricted: 260 hours of experience during
12 consecutive months at a specific system and
16 hours of continuing education. After 1,600
hours of supervised experience, will be eligible to
upgrade to Class I.
Class I: 1 year of experience
Class II: 3 years of experience at a Class I or
higher system
Class III: 2 years of post-high school education
and 4 years of experience at a Class II or higher
system, including 2 years in charge of a major
segment of a system in same or next lower class
Class IV: 4 years of post-high school education
and 4 years of experience at a Class III or higher
system, including 2 years in charge of a major
segment of a system in same or next lower class
Very Small System: 88 hours of experience; plus
a 6-hour water treatment course, chlorination
course, or combination and a 6-hour water
distribution course
OIT: No further requirements
Some education can be substituted for
experience, and some experience can be
substituted for education.
Grandparenting: No longer allowed.
The DEQ may use
administrative orders,
bilateral compliance
agreements, and civil
and stipulated penalties
against public water
system owners for the
failure to have a
properly licensed
operator. The state may
use also impose
criminal penalties.
The Board may revoke,
suspend, refuse to issue,
refuse to renew or
otherwise limit any
license or certificate for
fraudulent or false
activities, negligence of
incompetence, or any
other violations of the
program rules and
regulations.
The Board may impose
a civil fine of up to
$1,000.
Certifications must be
renewed annually.
Operators must
complete 0.6 continuing
education units (CEUs)
(6 contact hours).
A reinstatement fee is
required of operators
who fail to renew their
license prior to
expiration, in addition
to proof of continuing
education or required
documentation.
The Board conducts
annual audits to ensure
compliance with
continuing education
requirements.
26
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State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Idaho
Water & Wastewater Operator
applicant
Application fee: 25.00
Original license fee: 30.00
Endorsement fee: 30.00
Exam fee: 37.00
Drinking Water Operator
License/renewal - current year:
30.00
Reinstatement penalty - current
year: 25.00
Duplicate license fee :10.00
Fees are described in more detail
at:
https://secure. ibol.idaho.gov/eIBO
LPublic/BoardFees.aspx?Bureau=
WWP&BureauLinkID=120.
Funding: The Program is self-
supporting.
Administration: The Board is
responsible for data management
and testing. IBOL collects fees
and issues operator licenses.
Operators whose
certification has expired
for less than 5 years may
renew the certification by
paying a renewal fee and
providing proof of CEUs
earned during the period
the certificate was lapsed.
Operators who have failed
to renew or failed to
qualify to renew beyond 5
years, must reapply
according to requirements
for new applicants and
meet with IBOL for an
examination.
The Board consists of seven
members, including operators,
backflow assembly testers, public
citizens, and the DEQ Director or
designated agent.
DEQ's Drinking Water Advisory
Committee (DWAC) is the
mandated stakeholder involvement
group. This group includes
representatives from different size
system, professional groups,
public health officials, and elected
officials. The DWAC will make
quarterly reports to the Board on
issues relating to the Operator
Certification Program. (The
DWAC last met in 2011.)
The accuracy of Community and
Nontransient Noncommunity Water
System classifications are reviewed on a
monthly basis. A review of operator
certification compliance is conducted
quarterly.
Program Web site: https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-qualitv/drinking-water/pws-classification-licensure/operator-resources.aspx
27
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Illinois
415 Illinois Combined
Statutes (ILCS) 45
authorizes the Operator
Certification Program for
CWSs. 20 ILCS 2305
gives the Department of
Public Health (DPH) the
authority to adopt
regulations related to the
sanitary practices of
drinking water.
35 IL Administrative
Code Part 681 (last
amended in 2014)
authorizes the Illinois
Environmental Protection
Agency (IEPA) to
implement the program
for CWSs. 77 IL
Administrative Code
900.45 extends the
operator certification
requirements to
NTNCWSs. The DPH
administers this program.
CWSs are classified as Class
A, B, C, or D, according to
source water and complexity
of treatment:
Class D: Distribution, storage,
pumping
Class C: Ground water that
utilize chemical feed only
Class B: Ground water that
includes filtration, aeration
and filtration or ion exchange
Class A: Surface water or
ground water under the direct
influence (GWUDI) that
include coagulation, lime
softening or sedimentation
An Operator-in-Training
status is awarded to a person
who passes the exam but does
not have required experience.
NTNCWSs are classified by
the DPH.
Operators are classified
according to the systems they
are certified to operate.
Applicants must have an
HSD or GED, pass an
exam with a minimum
score of 70 percent for a
specific class of system,
and meet the following
experience requirements:
Class A and B: At least 3
years of experience or
training
Class C: At least 1 year of
experience or training
Class D: At least 6
months of experience or
training
NTNCWSs: At least 12
hours of training
Grandparenting'. No
longer permitted.
Certificates can be
revoked or suspended.
Anyone can initiate a
sanction procedure by
filing a complaint with
IEPA. If the operator
requests a hearing, the
Water Supply Operator
Certification Advisory
Board (the Board)
reviews the hearing
transcript and makes a
recommendation to
IEPA as to whether the
certificate should be
suspended or revoked.
The ultimate decision
lies with the Director of
IEPA.
The state has the
authority to enter into
bilateral compliance
agreements with
systems that operate
without a certified
operator; and impose
civil, criminal, and
stipulated penalties.
Certificates must be renewed
every 3 years.
Class A and B operators are
required to accumulate 30 hours
of drinking water-related
training within this period.
Class C and D operators must
accumulate 15 hours of training.
NTNCWS operators must attend
a DPH-approved recertification
training.
Renewal applications must be
submitted to IEPA before June
30th of the expiration year.
A one-month grace period is
granted before the restoration
fee for a late renewal is
assessed.
28
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Illinois
Application: $30
Exam, reciprocal certificate,
renewal or restoration, duplicate
certificates: $10
Funding: The Program is funded by
fees, which are deposited into the
Environmental Protection Permit
and Inspection Fund. Fees are
handled by Operator Certification
Program and Fiscal Services staff.
Data Management: IEPA keeps a
database to track operator and
facility inventories, certification
levels and compliance, exam
processing, continuing education,
and certificate renewals.
Certification exams are given by
Field Operations staff every month.
If an operator's certificate
has been expired for less
than 2 years, it may be
renewed upon payment of
the restoration fee and
demonstration that the
required training hours have
been completed during the
certificate's effective
period.
If an individual's certificate
has been expired for over 2
years, he or she must pass
the relevant exam to
become recertified.
Individuals whose
certificates have been
revoked must wait 1.5-4
years, depending on the
revocation period, before
reapplying.
The five-member Board helps
IEPA to formulate and review
policies and program changes.
IEPA keeps the Board informed of
all policies, events, and
developments concerning operator
certification and state water supply
issues in general. The Board must
meet at least once a year.
The Drinking Water Examination
Review committee is comprised of
educators and system operators,
and meets annually to provide the
IEPA with advice on all aspects of
the certification exams. This
includes a review of exam
questions and development of
exam criteria.
Internal reviews of certification
compliance and enforcement are
conducted monthly. Reviews of training
(fee processing, relevancy, and needs),
are conducted at least annually. Reviews
of the data management system, budget,
and staffing are conducted on an ongoing
basis by program staff. Illinois EPA
internal auditors conduct reviews as
needed to evaluate compliance with
statutory mandates.
External reviews are performed every six
months by the Board. The Illinois
Auditor General conducts audits every 2
years to evaluate program efficacy with
respect to statutory mandates. The
Drinking Water Examination Review
Committee meets at least annually to
review examination questions and testing
information. Generally, these reviews
look at fee processing, task analysis,
exams, questions, and statistics.
Program Web sites: CWSs: http://www.epa.illinois.gov/topics/drinking-water/operator-certification/index
NTNCWSs: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/icar/admincode/077/077009000000450R.html
29
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Indiana
Indiana Code 13-18-
11 authorizes the
Operator
Certification
Program.
327 Indiana
Administrative Code
8-12 authorizes the
Indiana Department
of Environmental
Management
(IDEM) to
implement the
Program.
Distribution systems are
classified as:
Small (DSS): Serving 3,300
or fewer people, and having
only basic components.
Medium (DSM): Serving
3,301 to 10,000 people with
minimal components.
Large (DSL): Serving more
than 10,000 people with more
complex components.
Treatment systems are
classified as WT 1 through
WT 6, according to
population served, type of
treatment, character of wastes
or water to be treated and
other physical conditions.
A Facility Specific Operator
(FSO) may be given to
systems that are NTNC DSS,
or WT 1 small community
systems with population of
100 or less.
OIT status is awarded to
people who pass the exam but
do not have required
experience. They have up to 3
years (one certification cycle)
to obtain the necessary
experience.
Applicants must have an HSD or
equivalent; score of 70 percent or
higher on the exam; demonstrate
knowledge about operation of
treatment or distribution; and have
the following hands on experience
in operation at the specific class
level (may substitute up to 2 years
using college credit at levels WT 3
and above) but must have at least 1
year of hands on experience at each
class level:
DSS: 1 year at DSS
DSM: 1 year at DSM or 2 years at
DSS
DSL: 1 year at DSL, 3 years at
DSM, or 5 years at DSS
WT1: lyearatWTl
WT 2: 1 year at WT 2 or 2 years at
WT 1
WT3:2yearsatWT3
WT 4: 2 years at WT 4 (may
substitute 2 years at a WT 3 for 1
year at a WT 4)
WT 5: 3 years at WT 5 or 5 years at
WT 4 and 2 years at WT 3 may
substitute for 1 year of experience
with a maximum of 2 years
substitution
WT 6: qualifications are plant-
specific
Grandparenting'. No longer
allowed.
The Commissioner of
the IDEM may
suspend or revoke the
certification of any
operator following a
hearing if the operator
has practiced fraud or
deception; failed to use
care, judgment,
knowledge, or ability
in the performance of
duties or if the
operator is
incompetent or unable
to properly perform his
or her duties.
The operator may have
to pay a penalty, in
addition to the
suspension or
revocation depending
on the violation.
Certification cards expire on
June 30 of the third year after
issuance. Continuing
education unit (CEU)
requirements vary according
to system:
DSS,WT1: 10 hours
DSM,DSL,WT2: 15 hours
WT3: 25 hours
WT4, 5, 6: 30 hours
A notice of certificate
expiration is sent to operators
one month prior to expiration.
FSO operator certificates are
valid for 3 years. To renew,
these operators must have
CEUs for their classification.
30
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Indiana
Certification, certification for
new classification, reciprocity,
renewal: $30
Duplicate or replacement
certificate, replacement card:
$15
Fees are deposited with the
Indiana Treasurer of State.
Funding: From fees
Operators who fail to renew
their certification cards when
due may renew within one
year after expiration upon
payment of fee and
demonstration that CEU hours
have been completed. Failure
to renew within this grace
period, requires the applicant
to re-take and pass the exam.
Operators who have had their
certifications revoked or
suspended must abide by the
terms of the settlement which
may include a permanent ban
or a suspension for a specified
period. Recertification
conditions, if recertification is
allowed, are established in the
settlement.
Stakeholder involvement is sought
on an as needed basis during
development of new rules or
modifications to rules.
Indiana is currently developing
new operator certification exams.
A stakeholder workgroup has been
formed to assist in the project. The
workgroup consists of operators,
IDEM staff, and professional
association staff including the
Indiana Section of AWWA,
Indiana Rural Water Association
and the Alliance of Indiana Rural
Water.
IDEM is an active member of
numerous committees in the
professional associations.
Program review is done annually in-house
and in preparation of the annual report due
to EPA.
Program Web site: http://www.in.gov/idem/5091.htm
31
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator
Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Iowa
The Iowa Department of
Natural Resources
(IDNR) is authorized by
the Iowa Code Section
455B.213 and Chapter
81 of the Iowa
Administrative Code
(IAC) Part 567 to run the
Operator Certification
Program (last amended
in 2007).
Treatment facilities are classified
as I-IV based on treatment type
and average daily pumpage.
Water distribution systems are
classified as I-IV, based on the
average daily pumpage. Rural
water districts are classified by
miles of pipe.
See 81.4(1) of Chapter 81 IAC for
system classification details,
available at:
http ://www. iowadnr. gov/InsideDN
R/RegulatorvWater/Certification/
WaterWastewaterOperators.
A Grade A classification was
created for small CWSs (serving <
250 people) and NTNCWSs
(serving < 500 people). Grade A
systems provide no treatment
except for hypochlorination or
treatment that does not require any
chemical addition.
Applicants must pass a
written exam and meet
the following
requirements:
Education
A, I, and II - HSD or
GED
III - 2 years post HS
IV - 4 years post HS
Experience
A - DNR training
course
I - 1 year
II - 3 years
III - 4 years
IV - 4 years with 2
years as OIRC at a III
Experience and
education substitutions
are listed in IAC
Chapter 81.7(1).
Grandparenting: Not
permitted.
IDNR Central and Field
Offices can take
disciplinary action for
fraud; incompetence;
making false,
misleading, or
deceptive statements;
habitual intoxication or
addition to drugs; or
felony convictions
related to a license.
Actions may include
the suspension or
revocation of the
license; probation;
additional education,
training, and
examinations; and the
imposition of civil
penalties not to exceed
$1,000.
IDNR will also deny an
application or suspend a
license for non-
compliance with child
support orders.
Certifications are valid for
2 years.
Certificates of operators
not meeting continuing
education requirements by
March 31 of the 2-year
period, expire on June 30
of each odd-numbered
year.
Grade III and IV
operators must earn 2
units, or 20 contact hours
per certificate, every 2
years to renew. All other
operators must earn 1
unit, or 10 contact hours
per certificate, every 2
years.
32
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Iowa
Exam: $30
Oral Exam: $90
Certification: $20 for every 6
months
Reciprocity: $30
Renewal: $60
Late renewal: $78
These fees are adjustable up to 20
percent annually to cover the costs
of administering the Program.
Funding: All fees go into a
dedicated fund for the Operator
Certification Program.
IDNR is using a dedicated
database to track operator
certification data, including exam
and renewal applications as well
as continuing education. The
database is also linked to the Safe
Drinking Water Information
System (SDWIS).
IDNR has contracted with ABC to
provide electronic testing services.
An operator must
recertify if the
certification is expired for
more than 60 days.
An applicant can re-
certify after 2 years of a
revoked certificate.
There are two advisory groups, the
SDWA Advisory Group and the
Iowa Joint Operator Certification
and Training Coordination
Committee. The former is a
diverse group of associations and
agencies that reviews and
comments on new regulations.
The latter is a more select group
which provides advice only to the
Program.
Internal reviews occur annually prior
to an internal report to EPA and are
ongoing to address issues that arise
during routine functions of the
program.
Iowa's program was the first to
undergo an external review according
to ABC's Model Standards
Conformity Assessment Service in
2013 and will continue to have an
external review at least once every 5
years.
Program Web site: https://programs.iowadnr.gov/opcert Web/pages/opmenu.aspx
33
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems, Facilities,
and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Kansas
Chapter 65, Article
45 of the Kansas
Statute Annotated
authorizes the
Kansas Department
of Health and
Environment
(KDHE) to
implement the
Operator
Certification
Program.
The regulations for
the Program are
found in the Kansas
Administrative
Regulations 28-16-
30 through 28-16-
36. Last amended
in 2001.
Systems are classified based on
source, population, and complexity of
treatment.
(Population served in parentheses)
Small System: Distribution system
only (all) or chlorination of ground
water (<501)
Class I: Chlorination of ground water
(501 - 1,500) or treatment of ground
water (<501)
Class II: Chlorination of ground water
(1,501 - 5,000), treatment of ground
water (501 - 2,500) or treatment of
surface water (<2,501)
Class III: Chlorination of ground
water (5,001 - 20,000), treatment of
ground water or surface water (2,501
- 10,000)
Class IV: Chlorination of ground
water (>20,000), treatment of ground
or surface water (> 10,000)
OIT status is awarded to people who
pass the exam but do not have
required experience.
All operators must have an
HSD or GED, be employed at
a PWS, and accrue points
based on education,
experience, and training for
each system class:
HSD or GED: 12 points
2-year environmental
technology degree: 6 points
College: 1 point/year
10-hour course: 0.25 points
California State University
correspondence course: 1 point
Semester course (54 hours):
1.5 points
Point requirements:
Small System: 12.5 points, 6
months of experience
Class I: 13 points, 1 year of
experience
Class II: 14 points, 1 year of
experience
Class III: 16 points, 2 years of
experience
Class IV: 18 points, 2 years of
experience
Grandparenting'. Not allowed.
KDHE has primary
enforcement authority
and can impose
administrative
penalties and enter
into bilateral
compliance
agreements with
systems that operate
without a certified
operator, and can
revoke or suspend an
operator's license
following a hearing.
People in violation of
the regulations will
be charged with a
misdemeanor and
shall pay a fine of
$500.
Compliance is
checked during
regularly scheduled
facility inspections.
Certificates are valid for 2
years.
In order to renew, all
operators (except small
system operators) must
complete a minimum of 10
hours of training. Small
system operators must
complete 5 hours of training
during each 2-year period.
KDHE sends a renewal
reminder to operators 60
days prior to certificate
expiration. Following the
expiration date, operators are
no longer permitted to
operate and are removed
from the database.
34
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Kansas
Exam:$25
OIT one-year certificate: free
OIT one-year renewal: $5
2-year renewal: $20
Reinstatement of lapsed certification
after:
1 year: $15
2 years: $25
1-year reciprocity: $25
Funding: The Kansas Legislature
appropriates funds for the Operator
Certification Program. Additional
support is provided through the KDHE
Capacity Development program.
The Certified Operator Database tracks
renewal dates and continuing education
hours.
Operators may reinstate
lapsed certifications if the
appropriate training
requirements are met and
the certification has lapsed
for less than 2 years. The
new certificate will expire 2
years from the date of
expiration on the previously
held certificate.
Operators whose
certification has been
revoked must wait 1 year
and then reapply and meet
initial certification
requirements.
Several schools (Ft. Scott, Salina,
and Dodge City), Kansas Section
American Water Works
Association, Kansas Rural Water
Association (KsAWWA), Midwest
Assistance Program, and the
Kansas Environmental Training
System (KETS) are involved with
operator training and certification.
KsAWWA provides training
through its Operator Training
Committee and works with the
program to coordinate activities.
The Committee reviews fees, on-
site technical assistance, and
standards for the Program, as well
as other matters related to the
Program.
During each budget cycle, KDHE
Technical Services Section staff
evaluate the effectiveness of the
Program as part of the reporting
requirements on performance
measures mandated by the Kansas
Legislature.
Kansas maintains reciprocity with
states that use ABC exams. Kansas
considers reciprocity from other states
to be external review of their
program. If other states agree to grant
Kansas operators reciprocity, then
Kansas assumes that other states have
reviewed and validated their program.
Program Web site: http://www.kdheks.gov/water/www.html
35
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Kentucky
Kentucky Revised
Statutes (KRS)
Chapters 223 and 224
authorize the
program.
The regulations for
the program appear in
401 Kentucky
Administrative
Regulations (KAR)
8:030 and 11:050
which were last
amended in February
2010.
The Kentucky
Department of
Environmental
Protection
implements the
Program.
There are 4 classes of water
treatment plants (Class I, II,
III, or IV) with 2 subclasses
for treatment type (A or B).
Classifications of treatments
plants are based on the
following assigned design
capacity:
Class I: < 50,000 GPD
Class II: > 50,000 to <
500,000 GPD
Class III: >500,000 to <
3,000,000 GPD
Class IV: > 3,000,000 GPD
There are 4 classes of water
distribution systems (Class I,
II, III, or IV). Distribution
systems are classified based
on population served:
Class I: < 1,500
Class II: > 1,500 to < 15,000
Class III: > 15,000 to <
50,000
Class IV: > 50,000
Combined treatment and
distribution classifications
also exist for Class I and II
systems: Class IA-D, Class
IB-D, and Class IIB-D.
Applicants must score > 70
percent on a class-specific
exam.
All water treatment and water
distribution operators are
divided into Classes I, II, III, or
IV, each with 12 subclasses.
Operators must have a HSD or
GED and:
Class I: 1 year of experience
Class II: 2 years of experience
Class III: 3 years of experience
Class IV: Bachelor's degree
from an accredited college and 1
year of experience
Experience can be substituted
for education, and education
may be substituted for
experience (except for 1 year of
base experience).
No substitutions for Class I or
IV.
Grandparenting: Not permitted.
The Energy and Environment
Cabinet (EEC), in
consultation with Kentucky
Board of Certification of
Water Treatment and
Distribution System
Operators, may take
disciplinary action against an
operator including probation
not to exceed 1 year;
suspension not to exceed 4
years; revocation of the
certificate; the imposition of
civil penalties not to exceed
$1,000; the imposition of an
additional $1,000 per day
penalty for operation
thereafter; and criminal
penalties.
Violations may be discovered
through written complaints to
EEC or unannounced
inspections by EEC.
Certificates must be
renewed every 2 years
and expire on June 30
of even-numbered
years.
Certifications terminate
if not renewed on or
before December 31 of
the year the certification
expired.
Operators must meet
continuing education
requirements during the
2 year period
immediately prior to the
certificate expiration
date.
Class I and II: 12 hours
of training
Class III and IV: 24
hours of training
If an operator holds
more than one
certificate, he/she is
only required to obtain
the training hours for
the higher certificate.
36
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Kentucky
Application fee: $100
Paper renewal: $100
Online renewal: $50
Late fee (renewal): $250 (in
addition to renewal fee)
Reexamination: $100
Reciprocity: $500
Training fees are set by EEC
each year. Currently, the fees
are at $5 per credit hour.
The E-Search application allows
operators to track continuing
education requirements and
renew their certificates.
Certifications terminate on or before
December 31 of the year the
certification expired. If not renewed
before this time, an operator can
reapply according to the requirements
for new applicants.
If disciplinary action has been taken
against an operator's certificate, he/she
may file a petition for a hearing to the
EEC. Recertification of such certificates
will be at the discretion of EEC.
If a certification is revoked, the operator
shall be ineligible for future
certification.
The Kentucky Board of
Certification of Drinking Water
Treatment and Distribution
System Operators is a five-
member Board created to
provide guidance to the
Department with regard to the
certification of drinking water
operators. The Board consists of
two operators, one municipal
manager, a member from
academia, and one EEC
member.
The EEC and the Kentucky
Board of Certification of Water
Treatment and Water
Distribution System Operators
advise on all aspects of the
Program.
Internal reviews occur
annually and are ongoing to
address issues that arise during
routine functions of the
program.
The Board is involved in
ongoing review and revision
of the Operator Certification
Program.
Program Web site: www.dca.ky.gov/certification/
37
-------
State
Louisiana
Authorization
40 Revised Statutes
1141-1151 authorizes
the Operator
Certification
Program, and
Louisiana
Administrative Code,
Title 48, Part V,
Subpart 21, Chapter
73 contains the
regulations for the
Program.
The Louisiana
Department of Health
and Hospitals'
(DHH) Office of
Public Health
implements the
Operator Certification
Program.
Program was
approved June 1,
2001.
Classification of
Systems, Facilities,
and Operators
Systems are classified
by water production,
water distribution, and
water treatment, and
then by the size of the
population served:
Class 1:< 1,000
Class 2: 1,001 - 5,000
Class 3: 5,001 -25,000
Class 4: > 25,000
Operator Qualifications
All operators must have an approved HSD or
GED and pass a written exam with a score of
70 percent or higher. Operators are eligible for
different classes of operation based on a point
system that takes into account experience,
education, and training:
For more information on the point system, see
sections 7309 and 7311 of the regulation at:
http://www.dhh.la.eov/assets/oph/Center-
EH/operator/04-20-
20020peratorCertificationRule.pdf.
Grandparenting'. Limited certificates were
awarded prior to April 2002 and are site-
specific and non-transferable.
Enforcement
DHH has the authority
to issue civil
administrative
penalties and
stipulated penalties,
and can suspend or
revoke a certification
with the
recommendation of
the Committee of
Certification.
Certification
Renewal
Certifications are
valid for 2 years.
Renewal is contingent
upon completion of a
minimum of 1 6
contact hours of
training for one or two
certificates for the 2-
year period, or a
minimum of 24 hours
in the 2-year period
for all three
certificates.
Limited certificates
shall be renewable
upon application
provided the
requirements for
renewal without
reexamination for
certificates of the
grade are satisfied.
38
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Louisiana
Exam: $5
First certification: $20
Each additional certificate: $10, or
$40 for all three certifications
(Treatment, Production and
Distribution).
People granted limited certificates
and renewals of limited certificates
shall pay the same fees as required
for mandatory certificates of grade.
Renewal: Same as initial
certification fees.
Reciprocity: Same as certification
fees
Duplicate/Replacement Certificates
and IDs: $5
Funding: Fees partially support the
program with the remainder
coming from the state general fund.
Applicants may renew
their certification within 2
years of expiration
without having to
completely recertify.
An individual who wishes
to renew a certificate that
has been expired for over
2 years must follow
procedures for new
applicants.
Additional requirements
for operators whose
certification has been
revoked will be made by
the Committee of
Certification on a case-
by-case basis.
The Louisiana Committee of
Certification (the Committee), is
composed of nine appointees from
the state health officer, including
representatives from the municipal
waterworks operators, municipal
sewage treatment plant operators,
and investor-owned waterworks or
sewerage works operators, and
one ex officio member from the
DHH. The Committee is charged
to develop exams, examine
candidates, maintain records,
establish fees and make
recommendations about rules and
policies governing its work. The
Committee holds an annual
examination, regular meetings that
are open to the public, and may
schedule additional meetings if the
committee deems it necessary.
Committee members are unpaid,
but travel and incidental expenses
associated with attending meetings
are reimbursed.
No information provided, or publicly
available.
Program Web site: http://www.dhh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/416
39
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Maine
Maine Statutes Revised
and Annotated §2628
authorizes the Operator
Certification Program.
Rule 90-429 authorizes the
Board of Licensure of
Water System Operators to
implement the Program.
Program approved
February 1,2001.
Latest rule revision
November 15,2011
Distribution systems are
classified according to
population served:
Class I: < 1,500
Class II: 1,501 - 15,000
Class III: 15,001 - 50,000
Class IV: > 50,001
Treatment systems are
classified as Very Small Water
System (VSWS) (if population
served is less than 500), Class
I, Class II, Class III, and Class
IV according to a point system
that takes into account
treatment complexity,
population served, flow, water
supply sources and facility
characteristics. For
classification details, see
"Rules" at:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/me
cdc/environmental-
health/dwp/professionals/water
Operators.shtml.
Operators are classified
according to the system they
are qualified to operate.
Applicants must have an HSD or
GED and pass an ABC exam for
the class of system for which they
will be certified and have at least
the following experience:
VSWS: 6 months in VSWS or
higher, or 1 year related
experience
Class I: 1 year at Class I or higher,
or 2 years related experience
Class II: 2 years at Class I or
higher, or 4 years related
experience
Class III: 3 years at Class I or
higher, or 6 years related
experience
Class IV: 4 years at Class I or
higher, or 8 years related
experience
OIT status is awarded to people
who pass the exam but do not
have required experience.
Grandparenting'. Restricted
certificates are only available to
operators of VSWSs who
qualified for the education waiver
in the years 2007-2011 and are
site-specific and non-transferable.
The Board of Licensure
of Water System
Operators (the Board)
certifies operators and
can revoke or suspend
an operator's license for
misconduct.
The state's enforcement
capabilities include
administrative orders;
and civil,
administrative,
stipulated, and criminal
penalties.
Certificates are valid for
2 years and must be
renewed within 60 days
of expiration. Renewal is
contingent upon
completion of a
designated number of
training contact hours:
VSWS: 6 hours
Class I: 12 hours
Class II: 18 hours
Class III: 24 hours
Class IV: 24 hours
40
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Maine
Application: $75
Paper exam: $95
Online exam: $75 for VSWS and $93 for
Class I-IV Treatment and Distribution
Renewal and Reciprocity: $75 per 2-year
cycle
Upgrade license: $20
Funding: Sources include the PWSS grant,
DWSRF and exam and license renewal fees.
(The online exam is administered by a third
party and the fee is paid to them. The Board
collects the paper exam fee for hosting the
exam.)
Licensing fees support a clerical position (0.5
FTE). The licensing officer is supported
through DWSRF set-asides Additional
resources from the DWP are provided for
Information Management Services to help
with the Web site and database, and for 9
field inspectors who confirm PWS
classification and operator license
classification matches the system type and
processes in place at time of sanitary survey
or other inspection.
Lapsed certificates may be
renewed within 2 years of
expiration, upon payment
of a reinstatement fee,
renewal fee and proof of
completion of training
contact hours. An
individual who wishes to
renew a certificate that has
been inactive for over 2
years must follow
procedures for new
applicants. Individuals
whose certificates have
been revoked must wait at
least 3 years from the date
of revocation before
reapplying for
certification. Requirements
for initial certification
must then be met.
The Board is composed of nine
appointees from the governor,
including representatives from
operators, system representatives
by size category and type, industry
professionals, the public, water
management representative; and the
Drinking Water Program (DWP).
The Board usually meets four times
per year, and additional meetings
may be scheduled at the Board's
discretion. The Board helped to
develop the state's understanding of
federal operator certification
regulations, and sent members to
conferences to remain up-to-date on
operator certification issues. DWP
also works with the Maine Rural
Water Association and the Maine
Water Utilities Association to raise
awareness of drinking water and
operator certification issues.
The Board is involved in
ongoing review and revision of
the Operator Certification
Program, including licensing
fees.
Program Web site: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/dwp/professionals/waterOperators.shtml
41
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator
Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Maryland
Title 12 of the
Environment Article of
Maryland Annotated
Code authorizes the
Operator Certification
Program.
Title 26, Department of
the Environment,
Subtitle 06 of the Code
of Maryland
Regulations authorizes
the Maryland
Department of the
Environment (MDE) to
implement the Program.
Program approved July
1,2001
Systems are classified based on
the type of treatment provided:
Class 1: Disinfection
(chlorination)
Class 2: Chemical treatment
(chlorination, pH control and
fluoridation)
Class 3: Simple iron removal
(chlorination, pH control,
fluoridation, filtration and iron
removal utilizing ion exchange or
contact oxidation processes)
Class 4: Complete treatment
(chlorination, pH control,
fluoridation, aeration, coagulation,
sedimentation, filtration and
complex iron removal)
Class 5: Site-specific (any
alternative technological plants
not covered under the
classification system)
Class D: Water distribution
Class G: No chemical treatment
(well, storage tanks, or UV
disinfection)
Each applicant for
certification must have
an HSD or GED,
minimum experience
specified by the level of
certification sought and
take an exam that is
provided by the ABC. A
passing score is at least
69.5 percent.
OITs with temporary
certification must work
under a certified
operator.
Grandparenting: Not
allowed
MDE's State Board of
Waterworks and
Wastewater System
Operators (the Board)
may take action against
an operator or system
owner who is in violation
of the Operator
Certification Program.
When applicable,
enforcement actions
against systems will be
coordinated with other
enforcement actions
against the system.
Enforcement actions
include bilateral
compliance agreements;
administrative orders and
civil, administrative and
criminal penalties.
The triennial renewal requires
completion of a specified
number of hours of Board-
approved training, noted
below. Each hour of training
is equal to 1.5 units, once an
attendee passes the exam for
the course.
Class D: 16 hours
Class G: 7 hours
Class 1: 16 hours
Class 2: 16 hours
Class 3: 30 hours
Class 4:30 hours
Class 5: Determined by the
Board
For Classes 3, 4, and 5, a
minimum of 50 percent of the
training units submitted for
issuance or renewal of a
certificate shall be process
related.
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Maryland
Application: $100
Exam: $100 (online exams may cost
an additional $46-$82)
Renewal for first certificate: $100
Late renewal: additional $100
Renewal for each additional
certification category: $100 each,
capped at $200 in any 3-year renewal
period
Reciprocity: $200 for each
classification
Funding: Fees and additional funding
through MDE.
MDE funds the Maryland Rural Water
Association and Maryland Center for
Environmental Training to provide
training for small water systems
serving < 3,300 persons.
Recertification is required
for all operators whose
certification has lapsed
for more than 2 years.
Suspensions may not
exceed 1 year. After more
than 1 year following
revocation of a certificate,
the person may apply for
a new certificate subject
to a new examination and
review by the Board.
The Board is comprised of 11 stakeholders
appointed by the Governor or the Secretary of
the MDE, and includes representatives from the
public at large, waterworks and waste system
operators, state, county, and municipal
governments. The Board meets monthly.
The Maryland Program
Evaluation Act (sunset law)
requires the Maryland House
and Senate to review the
Board and the program and
vote whether to reauthorize
and extend the program's
termination provisions for
another period. The Office of
Legislative Services also
reviews the statutory and
regulatory authority of the
Board and makes program
recommendations. The most
recent regulation changes
were finalized on June 27,
2014 and the current sunset
provisions extend the program
through July 1,2020.
Program Web site: http://mde.marvland.gov/programsAVaterAVater Supplv/Pages/Operatorlnformation.aspx/Pages/OperatorGuidance.aspx
43
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
General Law
(MGL) Chapter
13, Section 66B
creates the
Board of
Certification of
Operators of
Water Supply
Facilities
Regulations
authorizing the
program are 236
CMR1.00-
5.00
Regulations
citing staffing
requirements for
PWSsare310
CMR22.11B
Department of
Environment
Protection
(DEP) is
responsible for
the classification
ofPWSs.
Facilities are classified as
treatment (T) distribution
systems (D), and Water Vending
Machines with or without
treatment (VND-T or VND-D).
Distribution systems are
classified according to
population served:
Very Small Systems (VSS): <
500
ID: 501 - 1,500
2D: 1,501 - 15,000
3D: 15,001 -50,000
4D:> 50,001
Treatment Systems are classified
according to a point system,
based on complexity of
treatment: I-T, II-T, III-T, or IV-
T.
VNT/D are classified according
to GPD:
No treatment: 1D-VND and 2D-
VND
With treatment: I-VDT, II-VDT,
III-VDT, or IV-VDT
Operators grades include: VND
(vending), VS (very small
system), and Grade I to IV for
treatment and distribution
systems.
All applicants must pass an exam and must have
an HSD or GED. Applicants for Grade 2 or
higher level exams must satisfactorily complete
training requirements in order to sit for the exams.
Grade 2 or higher level distribution exams require
applicants to complete a Basic Distribution
Training Course approved by the Board. Grade 2
treatment exams require applicants to complete a
Basic Treatment Training Course approved by the
Board. Grade 3 or 4 treatment exams require
applicants to complete an Advanced Training
Course approved by the Board.
Minimum experience requirements:
VSS: 6 months of experience operating a VSS
Grade 1: 2 years of experience operating a Grade
1 system
Grade 2: 3 years of experience operating a Grade
2 system; or a Grade 1 Full certificate with 1
additional year experience operating a Grade 1 or
higher system after certification
Grade 3: 5 years of experience operating a Grade
3 system; or a Grade 2 Full certificate with 2
additional years of experience operating a Grade
2 or higher system after certification
Grade 4: A certificate of competency in water
treatment technology or 1 or more years of
college with 5 years of experience operating a
Grade 4 system; or a Grade 3 Full certificate with
1 additional year experience operating a Grade 3
or higher system after certification.
Education may be substituted for experience in all
grades.
VND-T/D: Class 1T-4T and 1D-2D: 3 months of
experience or a certificate of proficiency
Grandparenting'. Not allowed.
The Board
responds to
operator
misconduct
complaints. If
misconduct is
proven, then
disciplinary action
is taken by the
Board. An
operator may be
reprimanded or
have his or her
license suspended
or revoked.
The Board may
use administrative
orders, bilateral
compliance
agreements,
criminal penalties,
civil or
administrative
penalties, or
stipulated
penalties against
operators.
Certificates
must be
renewed every
2 years. During
this 2-year
period,
operators must
accumulate the
required
number of
Training
Contact Hours
(TCH):
VSS and VHD:
5 or more
Grades 1 and 2:
10 or more
TCH
Grade 3: 15 or
more TCH
Grade 4: 20 or
more TCH
44
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State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Massachusetts
Application: $28
Exam:$131
License (after passing exam): $42
License Renewal Fee: $42
Late Renewal Charge: $57
Certification of Registration: $15
Duplicate License: $17
Name Change: $27
Wall Certificate: $27
Duplicate Wall Certificate: $27
Charge for Returned Checks: $23
Public Information CD-ROM: $30
Reciprocity: $70
Upgrade from OIT to full license: must pay
application and license fees
Temporary Emergency Certification
Application: $28
Provisional Certification Application: $28
Funding: Program funding comes from state
general funds.
Data Management: The Division of
Professional Licensure maintains a database
of all operators and issues the licenses. DEP
maintains information on the PWSs.
An individual can
reinstate a lapsed
license within 2 years,
if all training contact
hours are completed
and a fee is paid. After
this 2-year window,
individuals must
follow the procedure
for new applicants.
Revoked or suspended
licenses are dealt with
on a case-by-case
basis.
The Board is chaired by the
Commissioner of the Department of
Environmental Protection or his
designee and consists of the
chairman of the water resources
commission or his designee. The
Commissioner of the Department of
Public Health or his designee and
four members to be appointed by the
governor (a professional engineer
engaged in the practice of sanitary
engineering, a member of the
Massachusetts Labor Organization, a
qualified operator recommended by
the executive committee of New
England Water Works Association,
and a qualified person recommended
by the executive committee of
Massachusetts Water Works
Association). The Board reviews the
Program at each monthly meeting,
and by correspondence and phone,
as necessary.
The New England Water Works
Association Certified Operator
Committee meets quarterly to
discuss updates, concerns, and new
ideas on each New England state's
Operation Certification Program.
DEP's drinking water program
director and staff regularly
review the Operator
Certification Program. DEP's
drinking water regulations are
reviewed as needed.
The Board reviews its own
regulations periodically.
An external review was
conducted in 2014.
Program Web site: http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/dw/
45
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Michigan
Michigan Compiled
Laws Section
325.1009 authorizes
the Operator
Certification Program.
Administrative Rules
for Water and
Distribution System
Operators Act 399,
P.A. 1976 Part 19
authorizes the
Department of
Environmental Quality
(DEQ) to implement
the Program.
Program approved
July 1,2001.
Distribution systems are classified
according to population served,
from Class S-l to Class S-5:
S-l: CWSs serving > 20,000
S-2: CWSs serving 4,000 - 20,000
S-3: CWSs serving 1,000 - 4,000
S-4: CWSs serving < 1,000
S-5: NTNCWSs or CWSs with no
treatment and limited distribution
system
Treatment systems are classified as
Class D (limited treatment) or F
(complete treatment):
D/F-1: For CWSs serving > 20,000
or with a rated treatment capacity
(RTC) > 5 MOD
D/F-2: For CWSs serving 4,000 -
20,000 or with an RTC of 2-5
MOD
D/F-3: For CWSs serving 1,000 -
4,000 or with an RTC of 0.5-2
MOD
D/F-4: For CWSs serving < 1,000
or with an RTC of < 0.5 MOD
D/F-5: Noncommunity supplies
Operators are classified according
to the system they are qualified to
operate.
Systems may be placed into a
different classification based on the
complexity of treatment performed
within the plant.
Applicants must meet
education and experience
requirements, which vary
according to system
classification, and pass an
exam. An applicant must
have a certain number of
points (determined by
education level and
experience level) and take
the required exams for
each system. Full details
are available in the rules
at
http://www.michigan.gov/
documents/deq/deq-ess-
otu-dw-
Requirements 257401 7.
Bdf.
Grandparenting: Must
have occurred before
March 8, 2003 and
applied only to systems
newly classified as S-5,
D-5, or F-5. Certification
is site-specific and non-
transferable.
Under certain
circumstances, the
Director of the DEQ
may, after a hearing,
suspend or revoke a
certificate or place an
operator on probation.
The state has the
authority to issue
administrative orders,
enter into bilateral
compliance agreements,
and impose civil and
criminal penalties.
The Advisory Board of
Examiners act in
advising capacity to the
DEQ in dealing with
matters of enforcement.
Certificates must be renewed
every 3 years. To qualify for
renewal, operators must
accumulate approved training or
continuing education hours:
System levels 1, 2, and 3: 24 or
more hours of which 18 hours
must be technical or managerial
training
System level 4: 12 or more
hours of which 6 hours must be
technical or managerial
System level 5: 9 or more hours
with no categorical requirement
An expired certificate may be
renewed within 1 year of
expiration if the operator has
completed the necessary
prorated training/continuing
education requirements for
renewal.
46
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Michigan
Exam: $70 per exam for Levels 1-
4, $45 per exam for Level 5
Renewals: $95
Reciprocity: same as a applicable
exam (operator must take first
available exam)
Funding: An operator training and
certification fund within the state
Treasury receives money from
fees and earns interest from
investments directed by the state
treasurer.
Continuing Education Credit
(CEC) course approvals: $75 per
course (paid to course providers)
CEC course renewals: $50 per
course (paid to course providers)
hi addition to these operator fees,
Michigan utilizes DWRF set-aside
funding to support the operator
training and certification program.
If a certificate is not reinstated
within 1 year, the individual
must re-test for the desired
certification.
Operators whose certificates
have been revoked must
follow the procedures for new
applicants in order to become
recertified. However, they
may not apply for
examination until 5 years after
the date of revocation.
Operators whose certificates
have been suspended may
renew their certificates if all
requirements for renewal have
been met. Individuals wishing
to appeal a decision or action
of the department may request
a hearing.
The Advisory Board of Examiners
must meet at least twice a year to
advise the DEQ on program
implementation and any revisions to
the Program. Members are appointed
by the director.
The Advisory Board advises the DEQ
on program revision.
Program Web site: http://www.michigan.gOv/deq/0.1607.7-135-3308 3333 4171-.00.html
47
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of
Systems, Facilities,
and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Minnesota
Minnesota
Statute 115
authorizes the
Operator
Certification
Program.
Chapter 9400 of
the Minnesota
Administrative
Rules authorizes
the Department
of Health to
implement the
Program for
water system
operators.
Program
approved July 1,
2001.
Water systems are
classified (Class A, B,
C, D, or E) according to
a point system which
takes into account
source water,
complexity of
treatment, storage
capacity, number of
wells, and population
served. Full details are
available in chapter
9400.0400 of the
Minnesota
Administrative Rules,
available at:
https://www.revisor.mn
.gov/rules/?id=9400.04
00.
System operators are
classified according to
the system they are
qualified to operate.
All applicants must have an HSD or GED, pass an
examination with at least a 70 percent score, and meet
the following conditions:
Class A: 2 years in management of Class A or B
system, 2 years certification at Class B, and 8 years'
experience; or Bachelor's degree and 4 years'
experience
Class B: 1 year certification at Class C, and 6 years'
experience operating Class A, B, or C; or Bachelor's
degree and 2 years' operating Class A, B, or C
Class C: 3 years' experience operating Class A, B, or C;
or Bachelor's degree and 1 year operating Class A, B,
C, orD
Class D: 1 year experience operating Class A, B, C, D,
or E; or completion of postsecondary courses in water
or wastewater technology
Class E: 3 months experience operating Class A, B, C,
D, or E; or completion of postsecondary courses in
water or wastewater technology
Operators may be issued a 3 year conditional certificate
to allow the current operator with direct responsibility
of a system to gain necessary years of experience after
passing all exams required to receive certification at the
facility's higher level.
For information about substituting experience for
education, see:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=9400.0800.
The Commissioner of
Health may deny, refuse
to renew, revoke or
suspend an operator's
certificate.
The state has the
authority to issue
administrative orders;
enter into bilateral
compliance agreements
with systems operating
without a certified
operator and impose
civil, administrative, and
stipulated penalties.
Certificates must
be renewed every
3 years, within 30
days of the
expiration date.
Operators must
have received
credit for the
following number
of contact hours:
Class A: 32 hours
Class B: 24 hours
Class C: 16 hours
Class D: 8 hours
Class E: 4 hours
At least 50 percent
of these hours
must be direct
water operations
training. Training
is co-sponsored
between MDH and
Minnesota
AWWAand
Minnesota RWA.
Grandparenting: Not allowed.
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Minnesota
Exam: $32
Certification: $23
Reciprocity: $40
Funding: DWSRF set-aside funding
is used in part to sustain the
Program. In addition, there is a
dedicated fund for the Program.
Individuals with expired certificates
may apply for reinstatement within 1
year of the certificate's expiration date.
The certificate will be reinstated
provided all necessary continuing
education requirements have been met.
If more than 1 year has elapsed since
the certificate's expiration, an
individual must follow the procedure
for new applicants.
If a certificate has been suspended, it
can be reinstated providing the terms
of the suspension order have been
fulfilled and all other requirements for
obtaining a certificate have been met.
An individual whose certificate has
been revoked may not apply for
recertification before the expiration
date of the revocation or for at least 1
year after receiving written notice of
revocation.
The Water Supply Systems and
Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Advisory Council advises the
Department of Health and
Pollution Control Agency on
classification of systems,
qualifications and evaluation of
operators, and any other
procedures related to the
operation of water systems and
wastewater treatment facilities.
The 11 -voting member council
comprised of two regulators, six
water and wastewater operators,
one municipal organization
representative, and two public
members meets quarterly.
The Council periodically
reviews the regulations
governing the program.
Program Web site: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/water/wateroperator/index.htm
49
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Classification is based on
the type of treatment
provided by the system:
Class A: Surface water
treatment, lime softening,
or coagulation and
filtration for the removal
of constituents other than
iron or manganese
Class B: Two or more
Class C treatment facilities
of different types; or with
iron or manganese removal
facilities breaking pressure
or requiring flocculation,
sedimentation, or both.
Class C: Aeration, pH
adjustment, corrosion
control, or closed pressure
type treatment facilities,
including zeolite softening
or iron removal
Class D: No treatment
other than chlorination or
fluoridation or both, or
direct chemical feed such
as polyphosphate
Class E: Purchases water
and does not provide
additional treatment.
Responsible for O&M of
distribution.
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Mississippi
Municipal and
Domestic Water and
Wastewater System
Operator Certification
Act of 1986,
Mississippi Code
Section 21-27-20 let.
seq., and Title 15 -
Mississippi Department
of Health Part 20-
Bureau of Public Water
Supply Subpart 72 -
Public Water Supply
Chapter 02 -
Regulation Governing
the Certification of
Municipal and
Domestic Water System
Operators
The Mississippi
Department of Health,
Bureau of Public Water
Supply (BPWS)
implements the
Operator Certification
Program.
Program approved
January 3 0,2001.
All operators must have an HSD or
GED, take an exam and receive a score
of at least 70 percent and have the
following experience:
Class A: A Bachelor's degree in
engineering or applied sciences from an
accredited college or university with 1
year under a Class A certified operator
or 6 years in a Class A or B water plant,
of which 1 year must be in a Class A
water plant;
Class B: 3 years under a certified
operator in a Class A, B, or C water
plant, of which 1 year must be in a
Class A or B water plant
Class C: 2 years while working under a
certified operator in a Class A, B, C, or
D water plant, of which 1 year must be
in a Class A, B, or C water plant
Class D: 1 year under a certified
operator with a Class D or higher
license
Class E: 1 year while working under a
certified operator with a Class E or
higher license
Grandparenting'. Certificates issued
prior to 1986, are site-specific, non-
transferable, and only valid if system
does not change class or as long as the
operator does not allow his/her
certification to expire.
The Mississippi State
Board of Health (the
Board) has jurisdiction
over enforcement
actions against
operators and systems.
The Board may issue a
notice of violation or
administrative order,
impose civil penalties
of$25,000/dayper
violation, or require
the system to provide
injunctive relief if
public health is
threatened in any way.
Certificates must be
renewed every 3 years
and may be renewed
without examination.
Operators who have
been continuously
licensed less than 9 years
must complete 48 hours
of related CEUs per
renewal period with at
least 12 hours of these
CEUs in approved
regulation and
compliance training
programs.
Operators who have
been continuously
licensed for 9 years or
more are required to
complete 24 hours of
related CEUs per
renewal period with at
least 12 hours of these
CEUs in approved
regulation and
compliance training
programs.
All training must be
approved by the BPWS.
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Mississippi
Exam: $35
Certification: $50
Application for renewal: $30
Reciprocity: $50
Funding: Appropriations come from
the Water Division's budget,
allocated from the state general
fund. Fees go into the Water
Division's certification direct credit
fund.
CEUs are tracked in a database
maintained by the Mississippi State
University Extension Service. For
more information, see:
http://msucares.com/water.
Operators may renew
their certification up to 30
days after expiration.
After 30 days, operators
must take and pass
appropriate exams and
apply for a new
certificate.
An operator's
certification will not be
suspended or revoked
without notice to the
operator and an
opportunity for a hearing.
In the event an operator's
certification is suspended
or revoked, he/she will
have ten days to appeal.
A five-member Advisory Committee
reviews the Program and discusses
its status. The committee meets at
least annually, and includes
representatives from various
government and non-government
stakeholder groups.
Internal reviews discuss exam questions,
changes or improvements to the
Program, enforcement, and compliance
of the exam process.
An external review is provided by the
Advisory Committee. The committee
provides a review report annually.
BPWS Web site: http://www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/ static/44.0.76.html
51
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of
Systems, Facilities,
and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Missouri
Missouri Revised
Statutes 640.100
authorizes the Operator
Certification Program.
Title 10 Missouri Code
of State Regulations
(CSR), Division 60,
Chapter 14, provides
regulations for the
program.
The Department of
Natural Resources
(DNR) Water
Protection
Program/Public
Drinking Water Branch
administers the
program.
Treatment systems are
classified A-D, based
on treatment facility
complexity, source of
water, type of
treatment performed
and, for surface water
systems only, size.
Distribution systems
(DS) are classified I-
III based on
population served and
complexity of the
system.
For additional details,
see the Water
Treatment System
Classification Table
and the Water
Distribution System
Classification table at:
http://www.sos.mo.go
v/adrules/csr/current/1
All operators must be at least 18 years
old, have an HSD or GED (which may
be substituted for with 6 months of
additional experience), and pass an
exam (score at least 70 percent).
Operators are required to have the
following number of years of
operational experience (the numbers in
parentheses are the number of years
that can be equivalent experience):
Class A: 5.5 years (2 years)
Class B: 3.5 years (1 year)
Class C: 1.5 years (1 year)
Class D: 6 months (all)
DS-III: 3 years (1 year)
DS-II: 1 year (6 months)
DS-I: 6 months (all)
For additional details, see the
Equivalent Experience Table at:
http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/cur
rent/10csr/10c60-14.pdf
Grandparenting: Ended in 2008.
Ocsr/10c60-14.pdf
DNR may deny an
application, suspend a
certificate for up to a year or
revoke the certificate(s) of an
operator found to have
practiced fraud or deception;
exhibited gross negligence,
malpractice, or incompetence
in operating the system;
sabotaged the system; misled
or lied to a government
official; participated in sample
tampering or selective
sampling; or falsified facility
operating records or reports.
DNR may issue administrative
orders, assess administrative
penalties, and enter into
bilateral compliance
agreements. At the request of
the Department, the Missouri
Attorney General can bring
injunctive or other appropriate
actions and impose penalties.
Certificates are valid for 3
years. For operators of
Class A-C and DS-III
systems, 30 hours of
training is required to
renew. Class D and DS-II
operators must complete
20 hours of training. Class
DS-I operators must
complete 10 hours of
training.
52
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Missouri
Application (includes exam): $45
Repeat exam (if failed): $20
Reciprocal certification: $65
Renewal: $45
Late renewal fee: $10/month up to $20
Fees directly related to certification,
testing, and renewal go into the Safe
Drinking Water Fund.
Funding: Funding comes from the PWSS
grant and the DWSRF Capitalization
Grant.
A new electronic database was developed
to help with operator certification tracking
and training, and to help systems without
operators to acquire one.
The Missouri Department of Natural
Resources provides funding to assist
operators who work for systems serving
populations of 3,300 or less renew their
certifications.
A certification that has been
expired for less than 2
months may be renewed
under regular recertification
procedures (if all renewal
training has been completed
prior to expiration).
An operator must wait 1
year before reapplying after
certificate revocation.
The Safe Drinking Water
Commission is a citizen advisory
board that advises the Operator
Certification Program. In addition,
Missouri has an extensive public
participation process, including
many stakeholders around the state.
Operators are able to provide input
to training through the operator
certification and training voucher
program.
Internal reviews include annual
planning and budget submission, as
well as resource need projections.
Reviews of other aspects of the
Program occur periodically by
system personnel. Stakeholders who
are subject matter experts participate
in examination review and
validating workshops. Every training
voucher includes course evaluations.
Program Web site: www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/opcert/oprtrain.htm
53
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Montana
State Statute 37-42-101
authorizes the Operator
Certification Program.
37-42-301 authorizes the
Department of
Environmental Quality
(DEQ) to implement the
Program.
Program approved
December 1, 2000.
Distribution systems are classified
according to the population
served:
Class 1:> 20,000
Class 2: 2,500 to 20,000
Class 3: 500 to 2,499
Class 4: 100 to 499
Class 5: < 100
Treatment systems are classified
according to complexity of
treatment, and, in some cases,
population served:
Class 1: Surface water using
chemical coagulation, filtration,
and disinfection
Class 2: Surface water not using
chemical coagulation
Class 3: Well water serving >
2,500 with or without disinfection
Class 4: Well water serving 100-
2,500 with or without disinfection
Class 5: Well water serving < 100
with or without disinfection
All operators must hold an
HSD or equivalent, unless
granted an exception by the
DEQ.
Applicants for certification
for Class 1-5 water systems
(distribution or treatment)
must pass the DEQ's
certification exam for the
specific classification.
Required experience:
Class 1: 2 years
Class 2: 1.5 years
Class 3: 1 year
Class 4: 6 months
Class 5: 3 months
Grandparenting'. Only
permitted for operators who
were working before initial
requirements were in place
(July 1, 1967).
DEQ can initiate an
investigation whenever a
written complaint is
filed, or if the
Department believes that
a certified operator has
violated 37-42-321 of the
Montana Code. DEQ
may initiate hearings if
there are grounds for
revoking certification.
DEQ can revoke or
suspend certification or
reprimand an operator.
The Department's
enforcement options
include: administrative
orders, bilateral
compliance agreements,
and civil administrative,
criminal, and stipulated
penalties.
Certified operators must
earn continuing
education credits (based
on Class) during each 2-
year period beginning on
July 1 of each even-
numbered year:
Class 1: 2 credits per
certificate held
Class 2, 3, 4: 1 credit per
certificate held
Class 5: Minimum 4
contact hours of seminar
training per 2-year
renewal period
(1 credit =10 contact
hours)
Certificates are valid
from July 1 for 1 year.
54
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Montana
Annual application: $70
Exam:$70
Annual renewal: $30
Reciprocity: $70 (also must pay
application fee)
Renewal of suspended license: Additional
$30
Duplicate certificate: $10
Funding: Application and certification fees
are deposited into a special state revenue
fund, and are used to pay the DEQ and the
Water and Wastewater Operators'
Advisory Council.
Data Management: There is an operator
certification database that tracks
applicants, operators, certification, exams,
compliance and training information.
Certificates not renewed by July 1
are suspended, and revoked if the
suspension lasts more than 30 days.
Operators whose certificates are
revoked due to a personal error may
reapply and may be required to take
an exam. Operators who move out
of state, or otherwise terminate
employment as an operator, may
renew a certificate annually for up
to 2 years beyond the expiration
date of the current certificate by
paying the renewal fee. Beyond 2
years, there are further DEQ
requirements for renewal.
Operators whose certificates are
revoked must follow the same
procedures for new applicants, for
recertification, and may be required
to retake the certification exam.
The Water and Wastewater
Operators' Advisory Council is
composed of seven members
appointed by the governor,
including certified operators, a
college professor, municipality
representatives, and DEQ staff.
The Council takes part in exam
validations, material revisions,
continuing education policy review,
raising fees, and administering
exams.
The Continuing Education Credit
Review Committee (CECRC) is
made up of Council members, DEQ
staff, operators, trainers, and
faculty members, and gives advice
to the Council and certification
staff on training course approval
and policy.
There are regular reviews of
exams, regulations,
compliance and
enforcement, and the
budget.
A compliance status report
is compiled monthly,
showing the status of all
non-compliant systems and
follow-up activities by DEQ
staff. The budget is
reviewed monthly, and a
presentation on the budget
is given at the Council
meetings.
Program Web site: http://deq.mt.gov/wqinfo/opcert/default.mcpx
55
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Nebraska
Nebraska Revised
Statutes Sections 71-
5301 to 71-5313
contain the Nebraska
SDWA and the
statutory
authorization for the
Operator Certification
Program.
Title 179 Nebraska
Administrative Code
10 contains the
specific regulations
governing the
Operator Certification
Program.
The Department of
Health and Human
Services (the
Department)
implements the
Program.
The Program was
approved September
1,2001.
Water systems are classified
as follows:
Class I: Serves over 15,000
people and filters its raw
water, or serves over 50,000
people
Class II: Serves between
2,000 and 15,000 people and
filters, or serves between
15,000 and 50,000 people
Class III: Serves fewer than
2,000 people and filters, or
serves between 2,000 and
15,000 people, or CWSs that
purchase water in whole or in
part to serve more than 15,000
people
Class IV: Serves fewer than
2,000 people and no filtration,
or CWSs that purchase water
to serve fewer than 15,000
people
Class V: All other water
supply systems including
TNCWSs
Operators must obtain a Grade
I - V license.
Reciprocity is not allowed.
Qualifications for operators of CWS
and NTNC are sequential and build
from the previous grade, beginning
with Grade IV. All operators must
meet general requirements,
including age, academic, physical,
and character requirements.
Applicants for Grade I - V must pass
the grade-specific exam, provide
documentation of having passed the
exam of the previous grade, and
meet other grade-specific
requirements, including level of
education and years of responsible
charge or demonstrated competency.
Applicants for Grade VI (backflow
prevention) must complete a 32-hour
course, which includes a hands-on
portion and written test.
Provisional: This license may be
issued to an applicant for Grade I -
IV license while experience is being
acquired. All education, training
substitutions, and experience
requirements for Grade must be met
during provisional period. It is non-
renewable and site-specific.
For additional details, see the on
Procedures to Apply for Licensure
section at:
http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Page
s/crl res water water, aspx.
The Department has
primary enforcement
responsibility for the
Program. The Department
may seek injunctions, issue
administrative orders, enter
into bilateral compliance
agreements, issue
probationary terms and
impose civil administrative
penalties against systems.
For operators, the
Department may deny,
suspend, revoke or refuse
renewal of any such license
for due cause. The holder of
a water operator license
may also be placed on
probation by the Director
for due cause.
Licenses expire every
odd year on December
31. For renewal,
operators must have at
least 10 hours of
continuing education.
Grade V operators do
not need to complete
continuing education or
renewal requirements.
Grandparenting: Not allowed.
56
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Nebraska
Initial and Renewal Fees for Grades I-FV and VI:
$115
Initial Fee for Grade V: $31 (no renewal required)
Reinstatement Fee (in addition to renewal fee to
reinstate an expired or inactive certification): $35
Department course (Grade IV): $80 (includes exam,
also offered as correspondence format)
Department course (Grades I-III): $200 (includes
exam)
Individual exam (scheduled separately from course
offered by Department: $50
No fee is charged for the Grade V exam.
Certification of License Fee: $25
Verification of Credential Fee: $5
Duplicate Credential Fee: $10
Administrative Fee (retained from the licensing fee
when a credential is denied or application is
withdrawn): $25
Funding: Fees fund the program.
Data Management: SDWIS is used to maintain data
on systems. Data on operators is maintained by the
Department's Licensure Unit.
Training and examination: Exam and training
approval are completed by Department staff.
There is no grace period for
operators whose license has
expired. They must apply
for reinstatement and have
obtained 10 hours of
continuing education within
the preceding 24 months or
pass the applicable exam.
An individual whose license
was suspended or limited
may apply for reinstatement
at any time. An individual
whose license was revoked
may apply for reinstatement
after 2 years.
The Advisory Council on
Public Water Supply serves as
an advisory body to
implementation of the
Nebraska SDWA. The seven-
member council meets at least
once a year and is made up of
a professional engineer, a
licensed physician, consumers
of public water, and certified
operators. In addition,
Nebraska requests input from
licensed operators and other
interested groups during
revision of the Program.
Internal reviews are
conducted every 3 years,
although some aspects are
reviewed more frequently.
Training needs and
scheduling, for instance, are
reviewed every 3 months for
relevancy by the Nebraska
Water Operator Training
Coalition, which is an
informal group made up of
representatives from the
Department and numerous
technical assistance
providers, industry groups,
educators and associations.
Program Web site: http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/crl res water water.aspx
57
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Nevada
Nevada Revised
Statute 445A.875
and 445A.880
authorizes the
Operator
Certification
Program.
Nevada
Administrative
Code Chapter
445A 617-652,
provides the
specific rules and
regulations for the
program.
The Department
of Conservation
and Natural
Resources,
Nevada Division
of Environmental
Protection (the
Division)
implements the
Program.
Systems are classified using a
point system. There are two
different point systems for
PWSs using only ground water
or water provided by another
PWS and not providing any
treatment other than
chlorination (Distribution 1-4);
and for PWSs that use surface
water or GWUDI, or use
groundwater and provide
treatment other than
chlorination (Treatment 1-4).
The point system takes into
account population served,
source, complexity of
treatment, and other
characteristics.
More detailed information
about the classification system
can be found in the regulations
at NAC 445A. 629
(http://www.leg.state.nv.us/nac
/nac-445a.html).
Applicants must be at least
18 years of age, pass an
exam with a score of at
least 70 percent, and meet
the following
requirements:
Education:
Grade I & II: HSD or GED
Grade III: 2 postsecondary
courses
Grade IV: 4 postsecondary
courses
Experience:
Class 1: 6 months
Class 2: 1 year
Class 3: 2 years
Class 4: 4 years
Operators who pass the
exam but do not meet
experience requirements
can receive OIT
certification.
Grandparenting: Not
permitted after December
31,2000.
NAC445A.646 The Division
can deny an application,
suspend or revoke a certificate,
or issue a civil or criminal
penalty or administrative fine if
an operator: has made any false
statement in the application for
certification or material to the
administration or enforcement
of the operator certification
chapter; is negligent or
incompetent or commits
misconduct; demonstrates
disregard for public health or
safety; acts outside the rights
and privileges of the certificate
they hold; has been convicted of
a violation relating to water
quality or a crime involving
moral turpitude, dishonesty, or
corruption; or has failed to
renew certification.
Certificates must be renewed
by December 31 of the first
calendar year after the calendar
year for which they are issued.
Class 1 and 2: 0.5 credits (5
hours) of CEUs during the 2
years immediately preceding
the application renewal date.
Class 3 and 4: 1 credit (10
hours) of CEUs during the 2
years immediately preceding
the application renewal date.
OIT certifications expire on
December 31 of the first
calendar year after the calendar
year in which they are issued
and cannot be reinstated.
58
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder
Involvement
Program Review
Nevada
Full certification: $84
OIT certification: $57
Provisional certification: $30
Converting OIT certification to full
certification: $30
Renewal: $30
Reinstatement and renewal of full certificate:
$100
Reciprocity: $57
Funding: Fees and additional funding.
Testing: Nevada has contracted with AWWA
to administer, grade, and evaluate the exams.
An operator may reinstate a certificate,
upon payment of a fee, within 6 months
after its expiration. A provisional or an
operator-in-training certificate cannot
be reinstated.
An operator who can provide
documentation of health problems that
made it impossible meet CEUs can
request reinstatement and renewal of
certification up to 2 years after the
certificate expired.
An operator who can provide
documentation of military duty that
made meeting CEUs impossible, may
request reinstatement and renewal of
certification up to 4 years after
expiration.
An operator who fails to renew a
certificate within these timelines must
meet new applicant requirements.
The Nevada Water and
Wastewater Operator's
Forum (Forum) discusses
issues regarding the
education, training and
testing of operators, and
disseminates exchanges
information. The Forum
is consolidated from the
Water Operator
Certification Advisory
Board, the Certified
Drinking Water Operators
Forum, and the Water and
Wastewater Training
Coalition; and includes
technical assistance
providers; operators; and
a member of the general
public.
The Forum meets quarterly.
The Operator Certification
Regulations that became
effective on October 31, 2005
will serve the program for the
foreseeable future. No
amendments are currently
proposed. The BSDW believes
that the Nevada operator
certification program and the
regulations meet all applicable
US EPA guidance requirements.
There is no official external
review process
The DEP must review each
PWS's classification at least
once every 3 years.
Program Web site: ndep.nv.gov^sdw/cert home.htm
59
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
New
Hampshire
New Hampshire
Statute, Chapter 332-
E:3 authorizes the
Operator Certification
Program, and
regulations at Part Env-
DWs 502 authorize the
Department of
Environmental
Services' (DES)
Drinking Water and
Groundwater Bureau
(DWGB) to administer
the state's Operator
Certification Program.
A section of Env-Dw
502 also authorizes the
DES to approve
drinking water operator
training courses.
Program approved
February 1,2001.
Treatment systems are classified
as Grade I-A, I, II, III, or IV,
based on treatment complexity,
as well as population served and
fire protection for Grade 1 and
Grade 1-A. For more
information, see:
http://des.nh.gov/organization/co
mmissioner/legal/rules/document
s/env-dw502.pdf
Distribution systems are
classified according to population
served:
Grade I-A: < 500 people or 200
service connections for CWS
with no fire protection, or NTNC
without fire protection for any
size population
Grade I: < 1,500 (except I-As)
Grade II: 1,501-15,000
Grade III: 15,001 -50,000
Grade IV: > 50,001
System operators are classified
according to the system they are
qualified to operate. OIT status is
awarded to people who meet all
requirements for Grades I - III
except required experience.
All applicants must have an
HSD or GED, be able to read
and write in English, and meet
physical requirements.
Applicants must pass an exam
with at least a 70 percent and
meet experience requirements
(at least 50 percent of
experience requirements must
be actual operating experience
in a plant or system classified
at no more than one grade
below the grade desired):
Grade I-A: 6 months
experience or completion of a
Department sanctioned course
Grade I: 1 year experience
Grade II: 3 years' experience
Grade III: 2 years of post-
secondary education and 4
years' experience
Grade IV: 4 years of post-
secondary education and 6
years' experience
Substitutions for education or
experience can be found at
Env-Dw 502.19.
Grandparenting: Not allowed.
DES has enforcement
responsibility for the
Program. If the
Department receives
information that
indicates that there may
be cause to suspend or
revoke an operator's
certificate, it may take
steps to do so.
The state has the
authority to issue
administrative orders
and administrative
penalties. The state can
refer cases to the
Attorney General if a
judicial remedy is
recommended. This can
result in the imposition
of criminal penalties.
Certificates must be
renewed every 2 years. In
order to renew a
certificate, distribution or
treatment system
operators must
accumulate training
contact hours:
Grade 1-A: 5 hours
Grades I to IV: 20 hours
Operators certified for
both treatment and
distribution need only
accumulate the contact
hours required for
renewal of one certificate.
60
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State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
New
Hampshire
Application/Exam: $50
Renewal for treatment or distribution
certification (and combined
distribution/treatment Grade 1-A) or
both: $50, $100 if both certifications
are held for Grades I - IV
Funding: The application and renewal
fees for operators contribute to a
dedicated fund associated with the
state Program. DES also collects a
small fee ($50) to cover the expenses
of the training programs that it
sponsors.
DES administers the ABC exam for
Grades I - IV and developed a New
Hampshire-specific exam for Grade
IA.
If a certificate is not renewed
within 90 days of its
expiration date, it becomes
invalid. An individual with
an invalid certificate must
follow the procedure for new
applicants in order to become
recertified.
A revoked or suspended
certificate will not be
reinstated until the
Department determines that
the initial reason for
revocation or suspension has
been corrected to conform to
necessary requirements, and
the operator submits a
written request for
reinstatement.
DES continually interacts with
local and regional groups
composed of industry and
operational professionals as
well as with fellow regulatory
personnel. These associations
allow for a continual dialogue
as it relates to industry
dynamics, regulatory changes
and training needs.
DES also encourages public
participation in its decision-
making process.
The ABC reviews and updates exams as a
service to its members. DES staff review
exams and investigate comments following
each exam session.
Revenues and expenditures are reviewed
every 2 years, at which time fee
adjustments may be proposed. Staffing
issues are addressed when necessary. The
Program's coordinator annually reviews
compliance issues, rule changes, evaluation
forms, and test results. The purpose of this
review is to determine training
requirements for the upcoming year and
ensure the relevance and helpfulness of the
training for operators.
Program Web site: http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/dwgb/op cert/index.htm
61
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
New Jersey
New Jersey
Statutes
Annotated
58:11-64-
58:11-73
authorizes the
Operator
Certification
Program.
NJ
Administrative
Code Title 7,
Chapter 10 A,
provides the
regulations for
the Program.
The New Jersey
Department of
Environmental
Protection (NJ
DEP)
implements the
Program.
Distribution systems (W) are
classified as Wl -W4, based
on population served:
Wl:> 100 service
connections and < 1,501
people
W2: 1,501 - 15,000 people
W3: 15,001 - 50,000 people
W4: > 50,000 people
Treatment systems (T) are
classified as T1-T4, based on
a point system which can be
found at:
httpV/www.ni.gov/dep/rules/r
ules/njac7 10a.pdf.
VSWS are CWSs serving 100
or fewer dwellings or
properties and having no
treatment; or NTNCWSs
having no treatment,
disinfection only, or some
limited types of passive
treatment, or both.
All operators must have at least a HSD
or GED, pass an exam, take a course
approved by the DEP, and have:
VSWS: 6 months experience
Class 1: 1 year experience
Class 2: 3 years' experience, or
Associate's and 2 years' experience, or
Bachelor's and 1.5 years' experience
Class 3: 6 years' experience (with 3
years in DRC), or Associate's and 4
years' experience (with 2 years in
DRC), or Bachelor's and 3 years'
experience (with 1.5 years in DRC)
Class 4:10 years' experience (with 4
years in DRC), or Associate's and 7
years' experience (with 3 years in
DRC), or Bachelor's and 5 years'
experience (with 2 years in DRC).
Grandparenting'. Site-specific
grandparenting is if systems are
reclassified by the NJ DEP. The
licensed operator of the reclassified
system may continue as the licensed
operator, except that a VSWS operator
shall not operate a system reclassified
as a T or W system. Grandparenting
was not allowed to initially certify
existing personnel.
The NJ DEP may issue
Administrative Orders
(AOs) for refusing or
prohibiting immediate
entry and inspection;
false statements or
representations; or for
intentional or deliberate
willful acts or omissions.
AOs may include the
imposition of civil
penalties according to a
regulatory structure, to
suspend or revoke a
license, or for injunctive
relief.
Additional information
on the imposition of civil
penalties appears at:
http://www.ni.gov/dep/ru
Ies/rules/njac7 10a.pdf.
Operators must renew
certificates every year by
September 30.
Effective October 1, 2003,
licensees must demonstrate
that they have accumulated
the required number of
Training Contact Hours
(TCHs) every 3 years, as
follows:
VSWS: 12 TCHs
Class land 2: 18 TCHs
Class 3 and 4: 36 TCHs
62
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
New Jersey
Application: $70
Initial license: $50
Annual license renewal: $50
Late renewal: $20
Funding: Appropriation from
state's general fund. This Program
is also partially funded by the
DWSRF operator certification set-
aside. Penalties for violating the
operator certification program are
paid into the state's Environmental
Services Fund.
Training: Courses are offered
through State universities,
community colleges and vocation
technology schools. Alternatively,
individuals may complete
California State University
correspondence courses to satisfy
the training requirements to
qualify for an exam.
If an operator does not submit the
renewal fee within 1 year after the
September 30 expiration date, he/she
must meet the current requirements
for the license and successfully pass
another qualifying exam.
Any person whose license has been
revoked for the first time shall be
ineligible for an exam for a new
certificate for a period of 1 year
from the effective revocation date.
Legislation has established a Board of
Examiners that advises and assists the
Department in the preparation and
administration of exams. The Board
consists of three Department
personnel, three drinking water
operators, and three actively engaged
licensed wastewater operators having
at least 5 years of experience and
possessing a current Class 4 license for
one or more systems.
An Advisory Committee on Water
Supply and Wastewater Operator
Training was also established to advise
the Board with respect to the
instructional process for certification
and further educational advancement
of licensing. The committee is directed
to meet at least once a year.
Internal review is conducted
on an annual basis by the
Board of Examiners and the
Advisory Committee, who
may recommend policy and
regulation changes to the NJ
DEP. Stakeholder groups,
that include educational
institutions, professional
associations, and
environmental groups, are
represented on the Advisory
Committee.
NJ DEP may adopt changes
to the existing regulations at
any time. In addition, the
regulations expire every
7years and must undergo a
full review and re-adoption
in order to remain effective.
Recommended changes are
subject to a public comment
and response period to
assure full stakeholder
participation.
Program Web site: http://www.nj.gov/dep/exams/wsw.htm
63
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State
Authorization
Classification of
Systems, Facilities,
and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
New Mexico
The Utility
Operators
Certification Act of
1973 is the
governing statute.
The regulations are
located at 20.7.4 of
the New Mexico
Administrative
Code.
The Water Quality
Control Commission
has delegated most
responsibilities for
implementing the
Program to the
Utility Operator
Certification
Program (UOCP) of
the Surface Water
Quality Bureau,
which is a part of the
Water Protection
Division of the New
Mexico
Environment
Department
(NMED).
Program approved
October 1,2001.
Systems are classified
from 1-4 based on the
size of the system and
the treatment processes
involved. In addition,
there are two classes of
small systems based on
the types of treatment
processes.
Distribution systems are
also rated according to
the size of the system
and the type of water
that is being distributed
(for example,
chlorinated, ground
water, treated surface
water).
Water Sample Tech 1 &
Water Sample Tech 2
certifications exist
strictly for taking BAC-
T and chemical/
radiological water
samples, as required by
SDWA.
Details can be found in
the regulations
(20.7.4.12) at:
http://164.64.110.239/n
mac/parts/title20/20.00
7.0004.pdf.
All operators must pass the exam for
the type and class of certification for
which they are applying, and must
have an HSD or GED. In addition, to
be certified, operators must have the
following:
Class 1 and Small Systems: 1 years'
experience and 10 training credits
Class 2: 2 years' experience plus 30
training credits
Class 3: 4 years' experience plus 50
training credits
Class 4: 1 year experience as a Class 3
certificate holder plus 80 training
credits
Water Sample Tech 1: 0 years'
experience plus 5 training credits
Water Sample Tech 2: 0 years'
experience plus 10 training credits
Various amounts of education
(college, vocational school, etc.) can
count towards experience.
Grandparenting'. Not allowed.
UOCP may revoke or suspend
an operator's certificate for
fraud, gross incompetence,
dereliction of duty, performing
duties for which the operator
was not certified and
conviction of violating any
state or federal water quality
requirement.
Administrative orders, bilateral
compliance agreements, civil
penalties and the referring of
criminal cases to the Attorney
General's Office are all
possible enforcement actions.
Operators must be
recertified every 3
years. Renewal is
contingent upon
demonstration of 30
training credits during
the 3 years that the
operator has been
certified.
64
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
New Mexico
Exam: $30 (small water systems are
$25)
Renewal of certificate: $20, $25, $30
Reciprocity (or endorsement): $30
Replacement certificate: $5/certificate
Replacement Operator ID: $5/card
All exam, certification & reciprocity
fees are collected and transferred into a
dedicated fund for the UOCP in
accordance with 61-33-5 NMSA 1978.
Funding: State general funds, and state
fee programs fund the Program.
Data Management: Supported by the
Bureau's System Analyst.
UOCP conducts testing, enforcement,
administration, and training approval
in-house.
If certification has lapsed, it
can be reinstated within 30
days without penalty. Within
1 year, a payment of $10 per
month per certificate beyond
the certification expiration
date will reinstate an
operator's certificate. Both
methods are contingent upon
showing the same 30 credits
of training. After 1 year,
reexamination is required.
If certification is revoked, an
operator must reapply for
certification after the period of
revocation set by the Water
Quality Control Commission.
The Commission may also
suspend an operator's
certification for a specified
period of time.
The Utility Operators
Certification Advisory Board
was created by the governing
statute and its accompanying
regulations. It is made up of
seven certified operators and
two alternate members (also
certified operators). It holds
regular open public meetings to
discuss the Program and
advises UOCP on program
directions.
The Program is reviewed by UOCP,
NMED, and the Advisory Board.
Program Web site: http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/swqb/UOCP/
65
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
New York
Public Health
Law, Article 2,
Sec. 225
authorizes the
sanitary code to
prescribe
qualifications
for drinking
water system
operators.
Chapter I State
Sanitary Code,
Subpart 5-4:
provides the
regulations for
the Operator
Certification
Program.
The Department
of Health's
(DOH) Bureau
of Water Supply
Protection
implements the
Program.
Grade IA: Plant > 2.5 MOD
surface water or GWUDI of
surface water that provides
filtration
Grade IIA: Plant < 2.5 MGD
surface water or GWUDI of
surface water that provides
filtration
Grade IB: Plant > 2.5 MGD
groundwater (excluding GWUDI
of surface water) or surface water
system with filtration avoidance
without facilities for clarification
Grade IIB: < 2.5 MGD
groundwater (excluding GWUDI
of surface water) or surface water
system with filtration avoidance
without facilities for clarification
Grade C: Water treatment plant
or distribution system serving <
1,000 people
Grade D: Distribution system
serving > 1,000 people or
purchasing water system
A Grade D certificate is needed
along with Grade A or B for
operating a plant and distribution
system serving >1000 people.
All operators must have at least a
HSD or GED; pass the appropriate
exam; and complete training courses
or demonstrate equivalent training,
education, experience. Operators can
substitute higher education for years
of experience for Grade IA or IB.
Experience or relevant training, or
both may be substituted for a HSD
or GED for Grades C and D.
Experience requirements:
Grade IA: 10 years with 1 year at
Grade IA facility plus 1 year at
Grade IA or IIA facility
Grade IIA: 1 year at filtration plant
Grade IB: 10 years at plant, 2 years'
experience a minimum of a Grade B.
Grade IIB: 1 year at a treatment
plant
Grade C: 6 months at a minimum of
a C plant
Grade D: 1 year at Grade D facility
Specific training requirements are
included in Table 5-4.3 at:
https ://www.health.ny. gov/regulatio
ns/nycrr/title 10/part 5/subpart 5 -
4.htm.
Grandparenting: No longer
permitted.
DOH can revoke or suspend a
certificate for fraud or
misrepresentation; gross
incompetence; negligence; or
mental or physical incapacity of
the operator.
A suspension term will last for a
period not to exceed 3 years and
will be based on factors such as:
number of acts committed,
degree of physical or
environmental harm resulting
from acts, degree of cooperation
and other relevant information.
Three suspensions in any three-
year period, time period starting
with the effective date of the first
suspension, will result in an
automatic revocation. A
revocation may be permanent or
have a defined term, depending
on the circumstances.
A certificate may be reinstated
upon request from the
suspended/revoked operator after
the operator serves his/her
suspension period and has
completed necessary training and
other suspension/revocation
conditions prescribed by the
State.
Fines can be up to $2,000 per
violation.
Operators must renew
certificates every 3
years.
Must successfully
complete Continuing
Education Unit (CEU)
within the previous 3
years from a list of
acceptable training.
Grades A and B must
complete 3.0 CEUs.
Grade A operators must
complete a 0.5 CEU
laboratory refresher
course as part of the
total.
Grades C and D must
complete 1.5 CEUs
66
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
New York
Fees: There are no fees.
Funding: Revenue for the
Program comes from the
state general purpose fund
and two federal grants:
Public Water System
Supervision grant and
Drinking Water State
Revolving Fund. The
federal Operator
Certification Expense
Reimbursement grant that
supported the majority of
the DOH-offered training
programs expired in 2012
and no additional funds
have been allocated to
support that training.
An individual who allows a
certification to lapse for more than 1
year is required to repeat the
experience and training required for
that grade of certification.
A certificate may be reinstated upon
request from the suspended operator
after the operator serves his/her
suspension period and has completed
necessary training and other
suspension conditions prescribed by
the State.
Revocations can be reinstated when
conditions set by the department are
met.
The DOH has an established stakeholder
committee for the implementation of the
New York State Program. This group is
comprised of water operators, government
agencies, training providers, local health
departments, industry associations, and
engineering firms. The DOH also has an
Education and Outreach stakeholder
committee to guide work on promoting
the value of water and the importance of
water operators.
The committees meet regularly to
evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness
of the Program and outreach efforts, and
make the necessary changes to improve
the Program.
The DOH follows an internal
controls process to continually
review and update its Operator
Certification Program. The DOH
also tracks operator certification
performance measures and
processing metrics on a monthly
and annual basis. Budgetary
reviews are conducted on an annual
basis. The Program is also reviewed
during the preparation of the annual
report to EPA.
The DOH solicits comments from
the local health departments,
district offices, and external parties
several times per year. The
comments are reviewed and
adjustments are made to improve
the Program, as necessary. Review
of the Program may also take place
in stakeholder and outreach
committee meetings and may result
in recommendations for the DOH.
Program Web site: http://www.health.state.nv.us/environmental/water/drinking/operate/opcertfs.htm
67
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator
Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
North
Carolina
Article 2 of the
General Statutes
(G.S.) (90-A-20
through 90-A-32),
and North Carolina
Administrative Code
Title 15 A,
Subchapter 18D,
Sections .0100-.070
1.
The North Carolina
Water Treatment
Facility Operators
Board of
Certification (the
Board) under the
Department of
Environment and
Natural Resources
(DENR),
implements the
Program.
Program approved
August 10, 2001.
Treatment facilities are
classified as Class A, Class B
or Class C, by a point system
based on water source,
treatment type, plant capacity,
population served and on-site
quality controls. For more
information, see 15ANCAC
18D .0203 at:
http://www.ncwater.Org/files/p
ws/ncwtfocb/Facility Operator
Rules.pdf.
Distribution system
classification is based on the
number of service connections:
Class D: < 100 with no fire
protection
Class C: 101 -1,000 with no
fire protection
Class B: 1,001 -3,300, or any
system with < 1,000 with fire
protection
Class A: > 3,300
Operators are certified by grade
for each system class:
Surface (A, B, C)
Well (A, B, C, D)
Distribution (A, B, C, D)
Cross-Connection
Operators must be at
least 18 years old.
Qualification includes a
combination of
experience, education,
attendance at an
approved training
course, and passing
score on the appropriate
exam. For more
information, see 15A
NCAC 18D .0201 at:
http://www.ncwater.org/
files/pws/ncwtfocb/Facil
itv Operator Rules.pdf.
Apprentice status is
awarded to people who
pass the exam but do not
have required
experience.
Grandparenting:
Available until July 1,
1981. Certificates are
site-specific and not
transferable.
The Board has jurisdiction in
enforcement actions against
operators. DENR has jurisdiction in
enforcement actions against system
owners.
Upon recommendation of the Board,
an administrative civil penalty may
be imposed upon any person,
corporation, company, association,
etc., who owns or operates a water
treatment facility without a duly
certified operator. Each day of
violation is a separate offense. The
penalty cannot exceed $100 per day.
In addition, DENR has authority to
impose fines of up to $25,000/day
for violation of the state's drinking
water regulations. The Certification
Board administrative staff has the
authority to issue an administrative
order for persistent non-compliance.
Violations may be discovered by
sanitary surveys, public complaints,
and through a cross-comparison of
water supply system records and the
records on operators.
Certificates must be
renewed annually.
All certificates expire on the
last day of the calendar
year.
Certified operators are
required to obtain 6
professional growth hours
(PGHs) each year for annual
renewal.
If renewal fees are not paid
annually by the first day of
February, or if operator fails
to obtain 6 PGHs,
certification will expire.
68
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
North
Carolina
Exam and certificate: $50
Upgrade apprentice to Class C, D
or CC certificate: $50
Temporary certificate: $50
Renewal charges: $30
Reciprocity: $50
Late fees: $30
Funding: All fees are dedicated to
operator certification. The Program
is self-supporting.
Budget: The operator certification
expenditures in 2013 were
$282,964.
FTEs: 4.0
An operator whose certification
has expired may seek
reinstatement within 2 years of
expiration by paying any
renewal fees in arrears,
including late fees, and passing
another examination of that
grade.
Any person having a
certification expired for more
than 2 years or revoked must
apply to the Board for approval
to be eligible for any further
certification or reinstatement of
certificate.
The North Carolina Program is
controlled by the 8-member Board,
which consists of stakeholders
appointed by the Governor. Members
include a water treatment facility
operator, three people in management
positions in a state municipality, one
member of the private sector
responsible for the operation or
supervision of a water supply and
treatment facility, one academic, one
employee of the DENR, and one
uncertified individual representing the
public.
The Board reviews the
regulations and solicits public
comment.
An annual report on the Program
is provided to the Governor.
Program Web site: http://www.ncwater.org/?page=61
69
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
North Dakota
North Dakota
Century Code
(NDCC) 23-26-01
authorizes the
Operator
Certification
Program and North
Dakota
Administrative
Code (NDAC) 33-
19-01 provides the
regulations for the
Program and
authorizes the
Department of
Health to
implement it.
The Municipal
Facilities Division
of the Department
of Health (DOH)
oversees the
Operator
Certification
Program.
Water treatment facilities
and distribution systems
are classified as Class 1A,
I, II, III, and IV based on
population served, design
population, type of
treatment/distribution
system, raw water quality
and volume of water to be
treated/handled, and
complexity of sludge
handling units.
See the full details at:
httpV/www.ndhealth.gov/m
f/forms/Operator Certificat
ion Information.pdf
Operators are classified
according to education
level, experience, and
years in DRC of a system.
Operators must pay an exam fee,
pass the certification exam with a
score of 70 percent or higher, and
must satisfy the education and
experience requirements, or their
equivalents.
Must have at least an HSD or GED.
The number of years of experience
correlates to the level of education
obtained (such as, an HSD/GED
requires more experience while a
BA requires less). One year of
acceptable experience may be
considered equivalent to one year of
high school. Experience applied to
the educational requirement may not
also be applied to the experience
requirement.
For specific details see NDAC 33-
19-01-12 at:
http://www.legis.nd.gov/information
/acdata/pdf/33-19-01.pdf
Grandparenting'. Not permitted.
Violating the provisions of
NDCC 23-26-0 lor the
regulations adopted
thereunder is a class A
misdemeanor.
DOH may revoke or
suspend a certification for
fraud, deception, changing
records, or by omission;
failure to take corrective
action, required samples
protect the public health or
water resources; or for lack
of reasonable care, in the
performance of the duties.
Certificates must be
renewed annually and
expire on the first day of
July of the year after
which it was issued.
Operators are required to
earn 12 Continuing
Education Credits every 3
years.
70
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State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
North Dakota
Exam:$10
Yearly renewal: $5
Reciprocity: $10
Funding: All receipts from the
fees are deposited in the state
treasury to be credited to a special
fund to be known as the
"Operators' Certification Fund" to
be used by DOH to administer and
enforce the Program and in
conducting operator training
programs. Any surplus at the end
of the fiscal year shall/can be
rolled-over for future
expenditures.
Expired certificates may be
renewed within 1 year of
expiration if the continuing
education requirements are
satisfied, and all delinquent
fees are paid. Certificates
that have been expired for
more than 1 year can only
be renewed by following
the procedure for new
applicants.
If certification is revoked
or suspended, a new
application may be
considered after the
conditions upon which
revocation or suspension
were based, have been
corrected.
The State Water Pollution Board,
State Health Council, and Operator
Certification Advisory Committee
review the Operator Certification
Program and related rules.
The make-up of the Advisory
Committee includes:
One member from the DOH, one
member from the North Dakota
Water and Pollution Control
Conference, one member from the
general public, four members who
are certified operators, one member
from a technical assistance provider,
and one member who is a utility
manager.
The State DOH conducts annual
internal reviews and the Advisory
Committee conducts annual external
reviews.
Program Web site: www.health.state.nd.us/MF/dw.html
71
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State
Ohio
Authorization
Chapter 6 109
Ohio Revised
Code authorizes
the Operator
Certification
Program.
Ohio
Administrative
Code (OAC)
Chapter 3745 -7
authorizes the
Ohio
Environmental
Protection
Agency (Ohio
EPA) to
implement the
Program.
Classification of
Systems, Facilities,
and Operators
Operators of all types
ofPWSs(CWS,
NTNCWS and
TNCWS) must be
certified.
Distribution Systems
are classified I or II
based on population.
Treatment plants are
classified A and I-IV
based on source of
supply, quality of
source, complexity of
treatment, design
capacity and the
system's potential for
health hazards.
Ohio's system for
classifying treatment
systems is complex.
For a link to the
regulation, see:
http://www.epa. state. o
h.us/portals/28/docum
ents/rules/Final/3 745 -
07-01 effective 07-
23-12 pdf
Operator Qualifications
Operators of any water system classification level
must pass a written exam; have an HSD (or
equivalent) or appropriate vocational training; and
meet the following minimum operating experience
requirements:
Class A: 1,040 hours
Class I: 12 months
Class II: 36 months
Class III: 60 months, including 12 months as a
Class II operator.
Class IV: 36 months as a Class III operator, with 24
months management experience at a Class III or IV
facility.
Individuals applying for Class A, I, or II level
certification without sufficient experience may take
the exam. With a passing score, they become an
OIT and have 48 months to fulfill the appropriate
experience requirement. OIT is not available for
Class III or IV certification.
For specific information on the types of operating
experience that can be used toward the experience
credit requirement, please visit:
http://www.epa. state. oh.us/Portals/28/documents/o
pcert/How%20to%20become%20operator%20facts
heet.pdf.
Grandparenting: Applied to eligible operators
through February 12, 2003
Enforcement
The Director of Ohio
EPA (the Director)
may revoke or suspend
certificates of
negligent operators, or
work with county
prosecutors in the
event of falsification
of data.
Ohio EPA has the
authority to issue
administrative orders;
enter into bilateral
compliance
agreements and
impose civil,
administrative and
stipulated penalties in
response to operator
certification rule
violations.
Ohio EPA has the
ability to pursue
criminal charges.
Certification Renewal
Operators must renew
their certifications every 2
years.
December 3 1 of the
second year.
A minimum number of
contact hours are required
for renewal of
certifications and based
on the level of
certification:
Class A: 8 hours
Class I: 12 hours
Class II, III, IV: 24 hours
For specific information
on requirements for
contact hours, please visit:
s/portals/2 8/documents/ru
les/Final/3745-07-
15 effective 02-23-
12.pdf.
72
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State
Resources Needed To Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder
Involvement
Program Review
Ohio
3rd party and reciprocity certification Fee: $45
Paper Exam:
Class A: $80 ($50)
Class I: $105 ($70)
Class II: $120 ($80)
Class III: $130 ($90)
Class IV: $145 ($100)
Starting on December 1, 2016, the fees for the
above written essay exams will change to the values
in parentheses. (This is a sunset provision and only
kicks in if Ohio EPA does not renew the fees)
On-line ABC exam: $110
Renewal (written essay exam):
Class A: $25
Class I: $35
Class II: $45
Class III: $55
Class IV: 65
Add $20 for late renewal payment (>30 days but <
one year after expiration date).
Funding: Ohio funds its program through fees
collected under the Operator Certification Program.
Ohio EPA holds Class A-IV exams only twice a
year (May and November). In addition, Ohio EPA
has approved the Association of Boards of
Certification (ABC) to provide the Class A through
Class III computer based exams more frequently
than twice a year at several locations throughout the
state.
To renew a certification, operators must
submit an application for renewal, pay the
required renewal fees, and prove contact
hour courses (if requested by the Director)
before the expiration date of the certificate.
Lapsed certificates may be renewed within
1 year of expiration upon submission of a
complete application for the exam, payment
of the required fees, and passing grade on
the exam required for an initial applicant.
An individual who wishes to renew a
certificate that has been expired for over 1
year must follow procedures for new
applicants.
Individuals whose certificates have been
suspended may submit a request for
reinstatement no earlier than 30 days before
the end of the suspension period, pay the
renewal fee and meet requirements for
contact hours required for renewal. The
Operator Certification Advisory Council
(the Council) may recommend either
reinstatement or an extension of the
suspension period to the Director.
Revocation of a certificate is permanent.
The Operator
Certification Advisory
Council (Council), an
eight member group
established by OAC Rule
3 745-7-10, provides
guidance and input to
Ohio's water and
wastewater operator
certification program.
Members of the Council
are appointed by the
Director and include four
Class III or IV operators,
two actively employed
sanitary or environmental
engineers, and two Ohio
EPA members.
The Council is
responsible for
providing an
informal review of
the Program not less
than every 5 years.
Program Web site: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/ddagw/opcert.aspx
73
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State
Authorization
Classification of
Systems, Facilities, and
Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Statute
(O.S.)27A-2-l-101,
(O.S.) 59-1101, and
Federal Register
Volume 64 No. 24
(1999) authorizes
the Operator
Certification
Program.
Oklahoma
Administrative Code
Title 252, Chapter
710 authorizes the
Department of
Environmental
Quality (DEQ) to
implement the
Program.
Operators of all types of
PWSs (CWS, NTNCWS
and TNCWS) must be
certified.
Facilities are classified
based on population
served, size (MOD),
number of service
connections, complexity
of treatment, and source
of supply. For more
information, see:
http://www.deq.state.ok.
us/rules/710.pdf
The classifications
include Class A, Class
B, Class C, and Class D,
with Class A serving the
largest population and
responsible for the most
complex treatment, and
Class D serving the
smallest population
without treatment
responsibilities.
Operators must have an HSD, GED or
appropriate experience or training to substitute
for the educational requirement, or both; pass a
written exam and comply with the
documentation requirements for citizenship or
immigration status of the state's immigration
law. There are additional experience and
training requirements for each class:
Class A: 5 years of experience (< 2 years as
operator), and 200 hours of training (< 40 hours
of DEQ-approved courses)
Class B: 3 years of experience (< 1 year as
operator) and 100 hours of training
Class C: 1 year of experience and 36 hours of
training
Class D: 16 hours of training
Equivalencies for experience and training are
listed at OS 252:710-3-36.
Temporary certification for Class D operators:
Must be under supervision of an appropriately
certified operator and valid for one year from
date of employment.
Grandparenting'. Not allowed.
The DEQ has
enforcement
authority. It can
revoke or suspend
certification, seek
monetary penalties,
and recommend
bringing criminal
charges.
The DEQ has the
authority to seek
administrative orders
and consent orders, as
well as assess civil
and criminal
penalties. Stipulated
penalties may also be
assessed as part of a
consent order.
Certification must
be renewed every
year.
A minimum of 4
hours of approved
training per year is
required for
renewal and
experience may not
be substituted for
this required
training.
74
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Oklahoma
Application: $62
Temporary certification: $62
Late payment of application fee: $8
per month after 120 day grace
period following date of
examination. After 180 days
without payment, the applicant
must reapply and pass the validated
exam.
Renewal: $46
Reinstatement penalty: $8 per
month for each month certification
is expired
Non-certified helper
registration/renewal fee (for
individual with a suspended
certificate): $23
Funding: All fees collected enter a
dedicated fund for the Operator
Certification Program. The
Program also receives funding
from other sources.
An operator whose certification has
expired for a period exceeding 2 years
must reapply, pass the required exam
and complete continuing education
requirements. DEQ will also consider
previous experience and training.
An operator with a suspended
certificate may be reinstated by the
DEQ if the operator submits a proper
application, pays all back fees and
completes all reinstatement
requirements, including completion of
continuing education requirements
and reexamination with exam score of
at least 70 percent (applicants who
fail to receive this passing grade may
not retake the exam for one year).
They also may work as a non-
certified helper under the supervision
of an individual certified by DEQ.
After certificate revocation, an
operator must wait 1 year before
applying for any new certification.
The Water Quality
Management Advisory
Council (WQMAC) reviews
and approves water quality
rules and recommends
changes to the Environmental
Quality Board. The council is
made up of twelve members,
appointed for three-year terms,
representing local government,
industry, oil and gas, geology,
engineering, agriculture, rural
water districts, environmental
groups, the general public,
private laboratory, operator of
a municipal waterworks or
wastewater works facility and
operator in rural water and
sewer district. Four members
are appointed each by the
Governor, the Speaker of the
House, and the President Pro
Tempore of the Senate. It
typically meets 3 times each
calendar year in January, May
and October. However,
additional meetings are
sometimes scheduled in order
to address a rule change that
does not fit the regular
meeting schedule.
The Operator Certification Staff,
with DEQ Legal Staff, conducts
program reviews prior to the
annual session of the Oklahoma
State Legislature.
All fees shall be automatically
adjusted every 5 years to
correspond to the percentage by
which the Consumer Price Index
(CPI) for the most recent calendar
year exceeds the CPI for the
calendar year immediately
preceding the start of that five-year
period.
Program Web site: www.deq.state.ok.us/wqdnew/opcert/index.html
75
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Oregon
Oregon Revised
Statutes (ORS)
448.131 provides
the statutory
authority for the
Operator
Certification
Program.
Administrative
Rules Chapter
333, Division
061 contain the
regulations of
Oregon Drinking
Water Services
(DWS), which
implements the
Operator
Certification
Program.
Small Water Systems (S) are
ground water systems that serve
fewer than 150 connections or
purchase water without adding
any additional treatment.
Water Distribution (WD)
System classification is based
on population served:
WD Level 1: < 1,500 and not S
WD Level 2: 1,501-15,000
WD Level 3: 15,001-50,000
WD Level 4: > 50,000
Water Treatment (WT) System
classification is based on a point
system for WT Levels 1 -4 for
all systems that are not
classified S. Points are assigned
based on system size, water
source, treatment type, residuals
disposal and facility
characteristics instrumentation.
For more information on
Oregon's point system, see:
http://public.health.oregon.gov/
HealthyEnvironments/Drinking
Water/Rules/Documents/61 -
0210.pdf
Individuals applying for a WD or WT certification at
any level (1-4) must pass the ABC exam for
certification. To qualify for the exam, applicants must
have at least a HS diploma or GED or a 2 yr., AA
degree, 4 yr. degree or masters and the following:
Level 1: 1 year of experience or an Associate's
degree in water technology, which may be substituted
for 6 months of required experience.
Level 2: 3 years of experience or 1 year of relevant
post-high school education and 2 years of experience.
Level 3:1-3 years of relevant post-high school
education combined with 3-5 years of experience,
with 1.5-2.5 years of operational decision making
(ODM).
Level 4: 2-4 years of relevant post-high school
education, and 4-6 years of experience with 2-3 years
of ODM.
Filtration endorsements (FE) for treatment systems
only: Must be Level 2 certified water treatment
operator or higher with 1 year of experience at a
Level 2 (or higher) plant with conventional filtration.
Small Water System Operation (SWSO): Must have
an HSD or GED and complete required training
course every 3 years. Any individual with a WD or
WT certification, may operate an "S" system
contingent on submitting the appropriate application.
For more detail on these requirements, please visit:
http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/
DrinkingWater/OperatorCertification/Levels 1 -
4/Documents/l to4grade .pdf.
The Department can
issue notices of
violation, remedial
orders, and issue civil
penalties. In addition,
statutory penalties are
available.
Level 1-4
operators must
renew certification
and accumulate 20
hours of approved
credits (or 2 CEUs
every 2 years).
Small ground
water system
operators must
renew their
certification every
3 years and
produce evidence
of completing 6
hours of
Department-
approved free
small water
system training
course during the
3-year period.
76
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Oregon
Initial Exam Application:
Level 1: $50
Level 2: $70
Level 3: $90
Level 4: $110
Note: no fees are required for "S" or "SWSO"
certification.
Certification renewal (biennial) $80
Combination certification: $40 for each
additional certification or renewal
Exam: $95 (They pay AMP directly)
Reciprocity review: $100 for each
certification
Reinstatement: $50 plus renewal fee
Document replacement fee: $25
FE certification: extension of a water
treatment certification so no additional annual
fee is required to maintain the endorsement.
Funding: Program is self-funding through fees
for Level 1 -4 certification and EPA
Oregon's Drinking Water
Services may grant
certification renewal without a
reinstatement fee within one
month of the expiration date
of the certification. After the
month long grace period, the
individual recertifying must
pay a reinstatement fee, in
addition to any appropriate
renewal fees, and provide
documentation of CEUs.
After 1 year, the operator
must retake all exams to
recertify.
After certification has been
revoked or suspended, an
operator must wait 1 year
before reapplying for
certification.
A SWSO certification expires
July 31 of every third year and
can be renewed by attending
an approved small water
system training course.
The Drinking Water Advisory
Committee (DWAC) advises
Drinking Water Services on policies
related to the protection, safety and
regulation of public drinking water,
including best management practices
for water systems and suppliers. The
DWAC consists of 15 members who
serve 3-year terms, meet at least 4
times each year, and represent a
variety of communities, advocacy
groups, and professional
organizations.
The Oregon Environmental Services
Advisory Council (OESAC) evaluates
non-credit educational programs and
assigns CEUs. For more information,
see: http://www.oesac.com/.
ABC provides the exams for all
system certifications.
The Department must report
every 2 years to the
legislature on program
actions and their
effectiveness.
The Secretary of State's
Audits Division may conduct
periodic performance audits.
The Drinking Water
Advisory Committee reviews
issues raised by stakeholders.
Program Web site: http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthvEnvironments/DrinkingWater/OperatorCertification/Pages/index.aspx
77
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of
Systems, Facilities, and
Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Pennsylvania
Section 4(c) of the
Water and
Wastewater
Systems Operators'
Certification Act
(63 P. S. §1004(c))
authorizes the
program. Water and
Wastewater
Systems Operators
Certification
Program
Regulations are
authorized in the
Pennsylvania Code
in Chapter 3 02 (71
P.S. §510-20,
Section 1920-A).
Department of
Environmental
Protection (DEP)
and the State Board
for Certification of
Water and
Wastewater
Systems Operators
(the Board)
administer the
Program.
Pennsylvania classifies
systems and facilities by
capacity and treatment
technology:
Class A: > 5 MOD
Class B: 1 to 5 MOD
Class C: 100,000 GPD to
1MGD
Class D: < 100,000 GPD
Class E: Distribution and
consecutive systems
DC - Small Systems
(serving <500 people or
<150 connections) using
disinfected groundwater
only
Dn - Small Systems with
no treatment
Each Class is linked to
the treatment
technologies used at the
system. These
technologies have been
divided into 15
categories; 6 for
filtration, 4 for chemical
treatment, 4 for
disinfection, and 1 for
laboratory supervisor.
Each applicant must have a HSD or GED.
Operators of any class level must pass both a
General exam and system-specific exam and have
the following minimum operating experience:
Class A: 4 years
Class B: 3 years
Class C: 2 years
Class D: 1 year
Class E: 1 year
Class DC: 6 months
Experience requirements are reduced significantly
if an applicant has completed a DEP approved
certificate program, has an Associate's degree
with a focus in water or wastewater or an
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in an associated
field of science or engineering.
Successful completion of 10 hours of DEP-
approved water or wastewater training is
considered equal to 1 month of operating
experience.
Certified operators for any system classification
must also complete DEP's system security course.
The course must be completed by the end of the
operator's first full 3-year cycle that begins on or
after October 1, 2010. Failure to complete the
course results in the loss of an operator's license.
Grandparenting'. A one-time opportunity for
NTNC water systems and wastewater collection
systems with pump station(s).
DEP can assess
criminal and
civil penalties
against an owner
or an operator of
a system after an
order has been
issued and the
owner or
operator violates
that order. DEP
can also petition
the Board to
modify, revoke
or suspend and
operator's
license.
Certification must be
renewed every 3 years.
Operators must complete
a specific number of
continuing education
hours during each 3-year
period, depending on the
type of system.
The values below
represent the number of
training hours required
for an operator's first 3-
year cycle and
subsequent 3-year
cycles, respectively:
Class A: 15,30
Class B: 15, 30
Class C: 15, 30
Class D: 8, 15
DC: 4, 9
Dn: 3, 6
78
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Pennsylvania
Initial certification and
reciprocity: Class A, B, C, D
-$150, Class DC, Dn and E-
$100
Certification renewal: $60
Examination fee for both
initial certification and
certain license upgrades: $35
per exam
Training provider approval
application: $90
Approved Exam providers:
$400-$800 (based on number
of exam sessions per year)
Course approvals: $115
(brief) $300 (full)
Continuing Education: $240-
$900 by approved training
provider; $ 10 per contact
hour (classroom), $30 per
contact hour (online), or
$ 1,600 (onsite) for
Department training
Annual system service fee :
$65-$500 (varies by class)
Fees are deposited into a
restricted Safe Drinking
Water Account in the
General Fund, which is
administered by DEP.
Certificates are renewable without
examination if the operator pays all
processing fees, meets continuing
education requirements for the period
prior to expiration, and submits a
completed application.
If certification has lapsed, it can be
reinstated without examination within
24 months by paying all prior years
processing fees, meeting all continuing
education requirements for the period
prior to expiration, and submitting a
completed application.
If certification has lapsed for more than
2 years, the operator must apply for
initial certification and re-take the
appropriate examinations.
If certification has been suspended, it
will be reinstated by the Board after the
term of the suspension has expired and
operator has met any requirements of the
Board.
The Board reviews the rules and
regulations proposed by the
Environmental Quality Board (EQB)
and conducts the review of all
certification applications. The 7-
member Board includes a
representative of the DEP, two
operators, two system owners, an
academic involved in environmental or
sanitary engineering, and a public
member.
The Certification Program Advisory
Committee (CPAC) consists of 10
certified operators, an academic in
civil, environmental, or sanitary
engineering, four system owners, a
professional engineer, and a public
member.
The Small Systems Technical
Assistance Center Advisory Board
(TAG) consists of representatives of a
number of local and state agencies and
industry associations involved in small
drinking water system operation.
Both CPAC and TAC provide
comments to DEP and the Board on
regulatory proposals, guidance and the
implementation of the Operator
Certification Program.
Recently, significant changes
to the business processes were
made as a result of internal and
external review of the Program
during regulatory
development.
The Board completes an
annual review of the exam and
exam administration protocols.
Protocols for extensive
external program review for
subsequent reviews on a 3-5
year basis are now under
development.
The regulations are subject to
a sunset review, which
requires the Department to
determine whether the
regulations effectively fulfill
the goals for which they were
intended.
The Department reviews the
adequacy of the fees to
administer the program at least
triennially and provides a
written report to the EQB
which makes
recommendations for
adjustments, where needed.
Program Web site: http://www.dep Web.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/communitv/operator certification/21067
79
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Puerto Rico
Constitution of
Puerto Rico Section 6
Article IV, and Act
No. 53, as amended
Treatment systems are
classified based upon a point
system that takes into account
design flow, population,
treatment units, and treatment
type-
Category I: < 45 points
Category II: 36 - 75 points
Category III: 76-100 points
Category IV: > 101 points
Operators are classified based
upon the category of system
they operate, education, and
experience.
Operator I: Can operate a
Category I system, and needs an
HSD and 1 year of experience.
Operator II: Can operate a
Category I or II system, and
needs an HSD and 1 year as a
certified Operator I.
Operator III: Can operate a
Category I, II, or III system, and
needs an HSD and 1 year as a
certified Operator II; or 30
credit hours in chemistry,
biology, physics, or
mathematics.
Operator IV: Can operate a
Category I, II, III, or IV system,
and needs an HSD and 1 year as
a certified Operator III; or
Associate's degree in a related
field.
Grandparenting: Not permitted.
The Examining Board
of Operators of
Drinking Water and
Wastewater Treatment
Systems and Plants (the
Board) can suspend, or
revoke certificates of
negligent operators, or
after failure to meet the
requirements of Act 53,
as amended.
Puerto Rico also has the
authority to issue
administrative orders.
Permanent licenses must be
renewed every 3 years and
provisional licenses are
issued for 1 year.
In order to renew a
certificate, operators must
complete CEUs:
Operator I: 10 CEUs
Operator II: 15 CEUs
Operator III: 20 CEUs
Operator IV: 25 CEUs
80
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Puerto Rico
Fees are deposited into the
General Fund of the
Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico.
Funding is available
through the
DWSRF/PWSS Program.
FTEs: There is a seven-
member board and
additional DOH staff are
available for specific
activities of the Program.
Operators are allowed to request a license
renewal within 1 year of the expiration
date. After 1 year, operators must retake
the certification exam.
Licenses may be denied, suspended or
revoked by the Board after written
notification of a failure to meet the
requirements of Act 53, as amended.
The Board consists of seven
members, including the
Secretary of Health, the
President of the
Environmental Quality
Board, the Executive Director
of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct
and Sewer Authority, the
Secretary of the Department
of Environmental and Natural
Resources, and three
community members (1 of
which must be a licensed
operator). This Board is
appointed by the Governor,
and reports to the Governor
annually on its actions.
The DOH is undertaking internal
reviews and is considering external
reviews by a group of stakeholders or
an advisory council on a 5-year basis.
Program Web site: Not available.
81
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State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Rhode
Island
Chapter 23-65 of
the General Laws of
Rhode Island
authorizes the
Operator
Certification
Program.
RI Rules and
Regulations R23-
65-DWQ authorize
the Department of
Health's (DOH)
Board of
Certification for
Drinking Water
Operators (Board)
to implement the
Program.
Water supply and
distribution systems (D)
are classified according to
population served:
VSSD: < 500
Class ID: 501 - 1,500
Class 2D: 1,501 - 15,000
Class 3D: 15,001 -40,000
Class 4D: > 40,000
Treatment facilities (T) are
classified according to a
point system, which takes
into account population
served, source water,
design flow, average raw
water quality, complexity
of treatment,
sludge/backwash water
disposal, and laboratory
control:
VSST:< 10 points
Class IT: 10-30 points
Class 2T: 31-55 points
Class 3T: 56 - 75 points
Class 4T: > 75 points
For more information on
Rhode Island's point
system for treatment
facilities, see Appendix A
ofR3-65-DWQat:
http://sos.ri.gov/documents
/archives/regdocs/released/
pdf/DOH/7064.pdf.
For all system classes, applicants must pass an exam
prepared by the Association of Boards of Certification
(ABC), have an HSD or GED, and meet the experience
requirements specific to each system class:
VSST/D: 3 months operating class VSST/D or higher;
experience or training can be used to satisfy the
educational requirement.
Class 1T/D: 6 months full-time experience at Class 1
T/D facility or higher.
Class 2T/D: Full Class 1T/D certification and 1 year
full-time experience at Class 1 T/D after certification or
2 years full-time experience at Class 1T/D or higher.
Class 3T/D: Full Class 2T/D certification and 2 years
full-time experience after certification, or 4 years full-
time experience at Class 2T/D or higher, or Associate's
degree in physical or biological science and 2 years
full-time experience at Class 2T/D or higher, or
Bachelor's degree in physical or biological science and
1 year full-time experience at Class 2T/D or higher.
Class 4T/D: Associate's degree (see above) and 4 years
full-time experience at Class 3T/D or higher, or
Bachelor's degree (see above) and 2 years full-time at
Class 3T/D or higher, or having been employed by a RI
PWS Class 3T/D or higher and 5 years continuous full-
time at Class 3T/D or higher (For Class 4T only: 14
semester credits of post-high school education in
physical, and biological science, or both).
Grandparenting: Permitted for operators at CWSs
serving > 500 if employed as of June 25, 1997, and for
operators at CWSs serving < 500; or operators at non-
GWUDI or non-surface water NTNCWSs employed as
of July 1, 1999.
Enforcement is
initiated by DOH
staff and brought
before the Board.
The Board, after
a hearing, may
revoke, suspend,
or otherwise
discipline the
holder of the
certificate. The
Board can also
impose fines and
imprisonment.
Cases may be
referred to the
Attorney
General's Office.
Certificates must be
renewed every 3 years.
To renew, operators
must have actively
worked in their area of
certification at least 20
percent of the time.
Operators must also
complete the following
number of contact hours:
VSS: 3 hours
Class I: 15 hours
Class II: 15 hours
Class III: 30 hours
Class IV: 30 hours
Grandparented operators
must follow the same
renewal procedures as
non-grandparented
operators.
Applicants must
complete 50 percent or
more of their required
training contact hours in
technical areas directly
related to the operations
of the water system and
may complete no more
than 25 percent of their
training in the areas of
health/safety or
supervisory skills.
82
-------
State
Resources Needed to
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Rhode
Island
Application/exam fee: $38.50 (As of 2014
fee is determined by the Board to cover the
cost of the examination but cannot exceed
fifty dollars.)
Renewal fee: none
Funding: Fees and additional funding.
Testing: Examinations are held at least
three times per year at a time and place
designated by the Board. The state plans to
increase the frequency of testing to certify
grandparented operators, and operators at
small CWSs andNTNCWSs. The state will
continue to use ABC validated exams.
Data Management: Handled by DOH staff
through a licensing software tracking
applicants, operators, certificates, exams,
compliance, and renewals.
Operators whose
certificates have lapsed
may submit an application
for renewal up to 6 months
after expiration. After 6
months, operators must
meet all requirements for
new applicants in order to
become recertified.
- In order to become
recertified applicants must
apply to the Board. If the
Board does not agree to
reinstate the license the
applicant must qualify
through the examination
process.
Stakeholder involvement in the Operator
Certification Program is ensured by the
make-up of the Certification Board. The
Board is comprised of seven people,
including the Director of the DOH, or his
designee, and six members appointed by
the governor. These six members include
a professional water supply engineer, a
qualified operator of a publicly owned
PWS, a director of a water supply facility,
a labor union representative, a
representative of business or industry, and
a residential consumer of water.
The state is working towards increasing
stakeholder participation, as outlined in
EPA guidelines, to include obtaining
Board approval, community review,
review by other interested parties, public
hearing and comment, and state responses
to comments.
The Board meets at least
quarterly for continuous review
of the Program. Any changes
to the regulations are
discussed, and decisions are
rendered on all certification
issues (for example, exam
results, compliance issues,
budgeting, and training
approval).
The Certification Board and
DOH conduct reviews at least
every 3 years.
Program Web site: http://www.health.ri.gov/water/for/drinkingwateroperators/
83
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
South
Carolina
SC Code of Laws
Annotated Section
40-23-5 et seq.
provides statutory
authority for the
Operator
Certification
Program.
SC Code of
Regulations
Annotated
Chapter 51
provides the
specific rules and
regulations for the
Program.
The Labor,
Licensing, and
Regulation, Board
of Environmental
Certification (the
Board)
implements the
Program.
Treatment systems are classified
Group I-VI based on source water
and complexity of treatment. For
more information, see:
http ://www. scdhec. gov/environmen
t/WaterOualitv/DrinkingWater/Ope
ratorClassification/.
Group VII treatment systems are
water dispensing stations that use
water from an approved PWS, or
bottled water plants that treat water
from a PWS, or from non-GWUDI
systems.
Distribution systems are classified
as follows:
Group I: TNCWSs (no certified
operator required)
Group II: < 600,000 GPD and no
fire protection
Group III: 600,000 -6,000,000
GPD, or Group II systems that
provide fire protection
Group IV: 6 - 20 MGD
Group V: > 20 MGD
Group II- V are CWSs and
NTNCWSs classified during
sanitary survey with reliable
production capacity (including all
wells, surface water sources, and
purchased sources).
Treatment plants (TP) of Group I-VI (with VI
being the highest) must have a certified
operator of class E - A (with A being the
highest). Distribution systems (DS) of Group
II-V (with V being the highest) must have a
certified operator of Class D - A (with A
being the highest).
OIT (trainee): May apply for a 2 year OIT
license and shall always be under the direct
supervision of a legally licensed operator of
the proper grade.
Applicants must meet the following additional
requirements for each system class:
Levels of Certification:
Trainee: Valid trainee permit and fee
Level E (TP only): Valid trainee permit, pass
exam, 6 months experience
Level D: Valid trainee permit (DS), valid E
permit (TP), pass exam, and 1 year experience
Level C: Valid D permit, pass exam, and at
least 2 years of experience
Level B: Valid C permit, pass exam, and 3
years of experience
Level A: Valid B permit, pass exam, and 4
years of experience
Grandparenting: No longer applies.
The Department of Health
and Environmental Control
(DHEC) establishes the
certification classifications
while the Board enforces
operator certification
requirements.
Any willful violation of
§44-55-80 is deemed a
misdemeanor with a fine of
less than $10,000 per day
of violation, imprisonment
or both. Any other
violation may result in a
civil penalty of less than
$5,000 per day in
violation. The state may
also seek injunctive relief.
Violations are discovered
through inspections,
sanitary surveys (about
once a year), or through
monitoring.
Certificates
must be
renewed
annually and
operators must
complete 12
CEUs every 2
years.
84
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
South Carolina
Application: $50
Exam: $103
Renewal: $30
Late Renewal: $230
Reciprocity: $50
Education: State relies on ABC's
Continuing Education Course Topic
Criteria. For more information, see
ABC's Continuing Education Course
Topic Criteria available at:
http://www.abccert.org/abc certificati
on program/Renew your ABC Certif
ication.asp.
Applied Measurement Professionals
(AMP) administers the Board
examinations.
An operator may pay a penalty
and renew certification for one
year after expiration (through
June 30 of the following year).
After that, the license is no longer
valid, nonrenewable, and the
operator must reapply.
The 9-member Environmental
Certification Board is made up of
licensed operators of water
treatment and distribution systems,
wastewater facilities, and a well
driller; environmental training
instructor; regulators; employees
from several governmental entities
and the public. The board meets
quarterly.
Periodically, the Legislative
Audit Council evaluates the
Program at the request of the
South Carolina General
Assembly.
The South Carolina
Environmental Certification
Board is primarily responsible
for providing the external
review of the program.
Program Web site: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/environmental/index.asp?file=PDF Files/qualifications.htm
85
-------
State
South Dakota
Authorization
South Dakota
Codified Law
34A-3 authorizes
the Operator
Certification
Program.
The
Administrative
Rules of South
Dakota 74:21:02
contain the
regulations for
the Program.
The South
Dakota
Department of
Environment and
Natural
Resources
(DENR)
implements the
Program.
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
There are 4 classifications of
operators that correspond to the
plant or system classification.
Treatment Plant (TP)
classification is based on a
point system that takes into
account population served,
plant flow, water source, water
quality, complexity of
treatment.
Class I: < 30 points
Class II: 31-55 points
Class III: 56-75 points
Class IV: > 75 points
For more information on the
point system, see:
http://leais.sd.aov/rules/Displa
vRule.aspx?Rule=74:21:02:61.
Distribution System (DS)
classification is based on
population served.
Class I: < 1,500 people
Class II: 1,501-15,000 people
Class III: 15,001-50,000 people
Class IV: > 50,000 people
Operator Qualifications
Applicants must have at least a HSD or GED,
pass an ABC exam of the associated class level
with a minimum grade of 70 percent, and meet
the following requirements:
Class I: One year at a Class I facility or higher
Class II: 3 years at a Class I facility or 2 years at
a Class II facility or higher
Class III: 2 years of college or vocational school
in engineering, environmental science, or a
related field, and 4 years of experience,
(including at least 2 years in DRC at Class II
facility or higher); or 6 years of experience,
(including at least 3 years at a Class II facility or
higher)
Class IV: Completion of a 4 year college or
vocational school degree in engineering,
environmental science, or related field, and 4
years of experience (including at least 2 years in
DRC at Class III facility or higher); or 8 years of
experience (including at least 4 years of
experience at a Class III facility or higher).
Experience may be substituted for education. For
details on substitutions for the education
requirements, please visit:
http ://leais. sd. aov/rules/DisplavRule. aspx?Rule=
74:21:02:47.
Grandparenting'. No longer permitted.
Enforcement
DENR has the
authority to
suspend or revoke a
certificate for:
fraud, deception, or
submitting or
omitting inaccurate
qualifications;
negligence; lacking
reasonable care
judgment, or the
application of
knowledge in the
performance of
duties; or
incompetence or
inability to perform
the duties.
Civil penalties of
up to $1,000 per
day can be assessed
for operating a
system without a
certificate.
Operating a system
without a properly
certified operator is
a Class 2
misdemeanor.
Certification
Renewal
Certificates expire
on February 1
every year.
Operators must
obtain the
following CEUs in
the 3 years prior to
the renewal date:
Class I or II: 1
CEUs
Class II or IV: 2
CEUs
More than one
Class I and II: 1.5
CEUs
More than one
(with at least one
Class III or IV): 3
CEUs
1 CEU = 10 contact
ours
86
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
South Dakota
Exam: $10
Renewal: $6
Funding: All fees are deposited
into an operator certification fund
to be used by the state's Operator
Certification Program.
South Dakota Association of
Rural Water provides training
activities through a DENR
contract.
Lapsed certificates, or certificates of
operators who have terminated
employment, may be renewed for up
to 2 years after the date of the
certificate's expiration. After the 2-
year period, it is necessary to follow
the procedure for initial certification.
Operators whose certificates have
been suspended or revoked may
reapply to the Secretary of the DENR
if the conditions on which the
suspension or revocation was based
have been remedied.
The Board of Certification,
comprised of four certified
operators, a faculty member from
an engineering college, and a city
engineer, advises DENR on the
Program. The Board meets two to
three times each year. Meetings are
open to the public and are
advertised through various water
and wastewater publications.
There is no formal internal or
external review process.
However, internal reviews are
conducted regularly by DENR
staff and the Board, while
external reviews are
recommended at least every 5
years.
Program Web site: http://denr.sd.gov/des/dw/opcertqa.aspx
87
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Tennessee
Water and
Wastewater
Operator
Certification Act
T.C.A. 68-221-901
through 68-221-915,
and Rules of the
Tennessee
Department of
Environment and
Conservation
(TDEC) Board of
Certification for
Water and
Wastewater
Operators (the
Board): Chapter
0400-49-01.
The Division of
Water Resources
(the Division),
within the TDEC,
administers the
compliance portion
of the Operator
Certification
Program.
Treatment plant classification
into Grade I - IV is based on a
point system that takes into
account population served, type
of treatment, source of supply,
complexity of treatment, and
laboratory control by plant
personnel. For more information,
please visit:
http://www.tn.gov/sos/ruies/040
0/0400-49/0400-49-
OL20140819.pdf
Distribution system classification
is based on the number of service
connections:
Small Water System (SWS): < 50
service connections, includes all
water systems which have a
ground water source not under
the direct influence of surface
water, provided the system does
not use any treatment other than
disinfection, and those systems
which purchase water for resale
and serve less than 50 service
connections.
Grade I: 50-5,000 service
connections
Grade II: > 5,000 service
connections
Applicants must have a HSD or GED and
pass an exam of the associated class level
with a minimum grade of 70 percent.
For treatment plant certifications,
applicants must also demonstrate:
Grade I: At least 12 months experience at
a Grade I or SWS.
Grade II: At least 12 months experience at
a Grade I or II.
Grade III: At least 12 months experience
at a Grade III or 12 months at a Grade II
and six months at Grade III.
Grade IV: At least 60 months of
experience at a Grade III or IV or
Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related
science and 12 months experience at
Grade III or IV.
For distribution plant certifications,
applicants must also demonstrate:
SWS: At least three months of experience
at a SWS
Grade I & II: At least 12 months
operating experience at a water
distribution system
Grandparenting: Not allowed.
TDEC has jurisdiction
in enforcement actions
against operators and
systems.
The Commissioner of
the TDEC may revoke
or suspend an operator's
certificate.
Any municipality, utility
district, corporation, or
person violating any
provisions of the rules
commits a Class C
misdemeanor (each day
of violation is a separate
offense). Civil penalties
may include a fine of >
$10,000/day.
Administrative orders
may also be issued.
The Division tracks
compliance through
frequent operator
surveys that verify all
systems have correct
level of certified
operator.
Operators must
renew certificates
annually. All
certificates expire
January 31 of each
year. An operator
may renew his/her
certificate until June
30.
Operators with
Grade III and IV
(treatment plant)
certificates must
complete 12 contact
hours of training per
3-year continuing
education period.
Operators with
Grades I and II
(both treatment and
distribution)
certificates and
SWS must complete
6 contact hours of
training per 3-year
continuing
education period.
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Tennessee
Application: $100
Discount renewal: $30 (payment prior
to February 1)
Standard renewal: $60 (payment from
February 1 through June 30)
Reciprocity certificate: $100
Funding: All fees are paid to the state
treasury.
The Fleming Training Center (FTC)
administers the training and manages
certification records of operators -
FTC staff supervises the examination
of operators on behalf of the board.
After June 30, an operator wishing
to renew his/her certificate must
reapply and retake the exam.
An operator whose certificate is
revoked is ineligible to reapply for
certification for one year from the
date the revocation becomes final.
The 5-member Board includes
certified operators, a municipal
official, a university faculty
member, and a member of
Department staff. The Board
reviews rules, budgeting,
staffing, and the Program's fee
structure.
Internal reviews are conducted, in
part, during fiscal planning and in
the preparation of the
Department's Annual Performance
Plan.
A financial review is performed
every 2 years by the state
Comptroller's Office.
The Operator Certification Board
reviews budgeting, fee structures,
and staffing needs of the Program.
A sunset review of the Board
occurs every 5 years.
Program Web site: http://www.state.tn.us/environment/water/fleming operator-certification.shtml
89
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of
Systems, Facilities, and
Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Texas
Texas Water Code,
Chapter 37 provides
statutory authorization for
the Operator Licensing
Program. The Texas
Health and Safety Code,
Section 341.034 requires
operators to have a
license.
Title 30 Texas
Administrative Code
(TAC), Chapter 30
provides the regulations
and authorizes the Texas
Commission On
Environmental Quality
(TCEQ) to implement the
Program. Subchapter A
applies to all licenses
issued by the TCEQ.
TAC 30 Subchapter A
was last updated in July
2014.
Subchapter K 30.387
Definitions was last
updated in 2012.
There are four classes of
operator licenses, A-D,
based on source, number
of connections, and
treatment applied. This
information is used to
determine the number,
type, and level of
operators needed at the
systems.
Additional information on
the class of license
needed for the type of
system are described in
TAC Chapter 30,
Subchapter K at:
https://www.tceq.texas.go
v/licensing/licenses/water
lie.
Applicants must have a at least a HSD or
equivalent, pass an exam with a minimum
grade of 70 percent, have:
Class A: 164 hours training; and master's
degree and 4 years' experience, bachelor's
degree and 5 years' experience, or HSD
and 8 years' experience
Class B: 100 hours training (groundwater
and distribution systems) or 124 hours
(surface water); and a bachelor's degree
and 2.5 years' experience or HSD and 5
years' experience
Class C: 60 hours training and 2 years'
experience
Class D: 20 hours training
Training courses and specific requirements
for experience (for example, must be in a
related field), and education (for example,
required majors) can be found at:
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/licensing/licens
es/waterlic.
Operators must also complete a Criminal
Conviction Notification form.
Grandparenting: Not permitted.
TCEQ can issue
administrative orders
with or without
penalties; make
referrals to the Texas
Attorney General's
Office for civil judicial
action or to the EPA
for civil judicial or
administrative action;
make referrals for
criminal action;
suspend or revoke a
license; or deny a
license or the
opportunity to take an
exam. Criminal history
may be taken into
account.
Texas has a program
whereby
systems/operators may
perform community
service in order to
reduce financial
penalties.
All licenses are
valid for 3 years.
Operators must
complete 30 hours
of continuing
education (10
hours for each
year the license is
in effect), during
the life of the
license.
1 credit hour = 1
hour of attendance
in TCEQ approved
training courses,
correspondence
courses, seminars,
and association
meetings.
90
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Texas
Application: $111
Renewal: $111
Duplicate license: $20
Funding: Funding for the Program
comes from the state's General
Revenue Fund. Fees are deposited in
the state treasury to the credit of the
TCEQ occupational licensing account.
If a license has lapsed for more
than 30 days, an operator must
meet all current education, training,
and experience requirements as
well as submit an application, pay
the fee, and pass the exam.
If a license is suspended, the
operator may renew the license if
the renewal date falls within the
suspension period. The license will
then be automatically reinstated
following the suspension period
unless the operator failed to renew.
If a license is suspended a second
time, the suspension becomes a
permanent revocation.
If a license is revoked, an operator
must apply as if applying for the
first time, following the revocation
period.
The Water Utility Operator
Licensing Advisory
Committee (WUOLAC) is a
13-member committee that
assists with reviews of
exams, training procedures,
and provides
recommendations for rule
revisions.
For more information on
WUOLAC, please see:
https://www.tceq.texas.gov/l
icensing/groups/wuoc_com
m.html
Internal review is recommended
every 3 years.
External review is
recommended every 5 years.
Program Web site: http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/licensing/licenses/waterlic
91
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems, Facilities,
and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Utah
Utah Code 19-4-
104 authorizes the
Operator
Certification
Program, and Utah
Administrative
Code, Rule 309-
300-1 to 19
authorizes the
Department of
Environmental
Quality Division of
Drinking Water
(the Division)
Drinking Water
Board (the Board)
to implement the
Program.
Treatment systems are classified based
on a point system or the size of the
population served, whichever results in
a higher classification. The point
system ranks design flow (in MGD),
source water, water quality, and
complexity of treatment.
http://www.deq.utah.gov/Laws Rules/d
dw/docs/rules/300/R309-300.pdf.
There are four levels:
Grade 1: < 1,500 people, 0-40 points
Grade 2: 1,501-5,000 people, 41-65
points
Grade 3: 5,001-15,000, 66-90 points
Grade 4: > 15,000, >91 points
Distribution systems also use points
and population served for
classification:
Small System: 25-500 people, 0-10
points
Grade 1: 501-1,500 people, 0-10 points
Grade 2: 1,501-5,000 people, 10-25
points
Grade 3: 5,001-15,000 people, 26-50
points
Grade 4: > 15,000 people, >51 points
Applicants must pass an exam (at the same
grade as the system they are operating) with
a minimum grade of 70 percent and meet
the following experience and education
requirements:
Small system and Grade 1: 1 year of
experience (does not have to be in direct
responsible charge, or DRC).
Grade 2: 2 years of experience (0 years in
DRC) with any level of education over a
HSD; without HSD, 3 years of experience
(0 years in DRC)
Grade 3: With Associate's degree or higher,
2 years of experience (1 year in DRC); with
only HSD, 4 years of experience (2 in
DRC); without HSD, 6 years of experience
(3 in DRC).
Grade 4: With a Bachelor's degree or
higher, 4 years of experience (2 in DRC);
with an Associate's degree, 6 years of
experience (2 in DRC); with only HSD, 8
years of experience (4 in DRC); without
HSD, 10 years of experience (5 in DRC).
Grandparenting'. Available to operators of
NTNCWSs or CWSs serving < 800 people
using only ground water or purchased water
sources before February 1, 2003.
Cases of non-
compliance
with
certification
rules are
considered by
the
Commission,
and referred to
the Board for
appropriate
enforcement
action. Actions
may include
revocation or
suspension of
the certificate
subject to an
appeals
process.
All certificates must
be renewed every 3
years. CEUs are
required for the
renewal of all
certificates and must
be earned within the 3-
year renewal period.
Requirements apply to
all operators, including
those with
grandparented
certificates:
Small systems and
Grade 1:2 CEUs
Grade 2: 2 CEUs
Grade 3: 3 CEUs
Grade 4: 3 CEUs
As part of the 2 CEU
requirement,
grandparented
operators must earn
0.7 CEUs from an
approved pre-exam
training course.
(1 CEU = 10 contact
hours)
92
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Utah
Application: No fee.
Exam (all grade levels): $100
Renewal: $100
Reciprocity: $100
Reinstatement of lapsed certificate:
$200
Funding: State general fund, federal
and collected fees
Data Management: Program data will
be stored in the Division's database.
Testing: Certification tests are offered
four times a year in written format
and year-round online in electronic
format.
A lapsed certificate can be renewed
within 6 months of its expiration
through an application. A certificate
that has lapsed more than 6 months,
but less than 18 months, may be
renewed through an application for
renewal and payment of the
reinstatement fee, or by passing an
exam. A certificate that has lapsed
18 months or more may not be
renewed: the individual must meet
all requirements of initial
certification.
The Commission reviews situations
of revoked or suspended licenses
and decides how to handle
reinstatement. The decision depends
on the severity of the infraction and
the length of the suspension.
An Operator Certification
Commission (the Commission) is
appointed by the director of the
Drinking Water Board, based on
recommendations from DEQ, the
Utah League of Cities and Towns,
the Training Coordinating
Committee of Utah, the
Intermountain Section of the
American Water Works
Association, the Civil or
Environmental Engineering
Departments of Utah's
Universities, and the Rural Water
Association of Utah.
The 7-member Commission has
the authority to conduct all work
necessary to promote the Operator
Certification Program,
recommend certification of
operators, and maintain program
records.
There is no formal internal or
external review process. However,
the Operator Certification
Program is reviewed by the
Commission. The Commission
meets at least annually to review
the Program.
Program Web site: http://www.deq.utah.gov/Certification/certification/drinkingwater/certifiedoperators.htm
93
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Vermont
Title 10 Vermont
Statutes Annotated
(VSA) Chapter 56
authorizes the
Operator Certification
Program.
Vermont Water
Supply Rule Chapter
21 provides the
regulations.
The Agency of Natural
Resources' (ANR)
Drinking Water &
Groundwater
Protection Division
(DWGWPD)
implements the
Program.
The Water Supply
Rule was last updated
in December 2010.
There are 5 classes of systems:
Classes 1-4 (with subclasses 1A,
IB, 4A1, 4A, 4B, and 4C),
determined based on system
type, source water, and type of
treatment(s); and Class D which
are distribution systems
purchasing water and providing
no treatment and serving 3,300
or more people.
There are three types of operator
classifications: Operator in
Training (OIT), a Provisional
Certification, and a Full
Certification.
For more information on the
classification system or the
types of certifications, see:
http://drinkingwater.vt. gov/dwru
Ies/pdf/vtwsr2010.pdf
Applicants must have at least
a HSD or GED, pass an
exam of the associated class
level (except Class 1), submit
a letter from their supervisor
that verifies knowledge and
years of experience (except
Class 1), and meet the
following operating
experience requirements:
Class 1: No experience
Classes 2 & 3: 1.5 years
Classes 4A1 & 4A: 2 years
Class 4B: 2.5 years
Class 4C: 3 years
Class D: 1.5 years
Substitutions of related
schooling may be made for
up to 50 percent of required
experience.
An applicant must also
certify that he is in good
standing with respect to child
support payable under a
support order.
Grandparenting'. Not
permitted.
ANR can revoke or
suspend an operator's
certificate for submission
of materially false or
inaccurate information;
violation of any material
requirement, restriction, or
condition of certification,
including violation of any
statute, rule, or order
governing water supply
regulation; and failure to
use care or judgment in the
performance of duties.
ANR can also issue
Administrative Orders,
imposition penalties, order
injunctive relief, and can
refer a case to the Attorney
General's Office for civil
or criminal action.
Certificates for all system
classes must be renewed every
3 years.
Operators must complete the
following continuing
education during each 3 year
renewal period:
Class 1A: None; encouraged
to attend at least 8 hours
Class IB: Minimum 3 hours
Class 2: Minimum 10 hours
Class 3, 4, D: Minimum 20
hours
DWGWPD approves training
courses by third party
providers.
94
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Vermont
Application: $45 (Class 1A
and IB); $80 (Class 2, 3, 4A1,
4A, 4B, 4C, and D)
Exam: No fee.
Renewal: $45 (Class 1A and
IB); $80 (Class 2, 3, 4A1, 4A,
4B, 4C, and D)
An operator who fails to renew a
certificate within 60 days of its
expiration, must follow the
procedures for new applicants.
If a license is suspended or
revoked, ANR will decide the
recertification procedure for the
former applicant. The Secretary
may decide that the revocation will
remain permanent if the grounds for
suspension or revocations are
severe enough.
The Operator Certification Advisory
Committee may help to rewrite the Water
Supply Rules applying to operator
certification in order to incorporate EPA
guidelines and state program changes.
Stakeholder involvement has also
contributed to review and revision of exams,
identification of training needs, and the
development of the operator tuition
reimbursement program. All Committee
meetings are open to the public.
The Green Mountain Water Environment
Association's training committee coordinates
water and wastewater training activities in
Vermont. The Certification Officer is a
member of the committee.
Reviews are done internally by
the Operator Advisory
Committee every 1-3 years and
externally every 3-5 years.
Program Web site: http://drinkingwater.vt.gov/opcertcertification.htm
95
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification
Renewal
Virginia
Title 54.1, Chapter 23
of the Virginia Code
provides the statutory
authorization for the
Operator Certification
Program.
18 Virginia
Administrative Code
(VAC) 160-20 contains
the rules and
regulations for the
Program.
VA Board for
Waterworks and
Wastewater Works
Operators and Onsite
Sewage System
Professionals (the
Board) administers the
Program. The Board is
located within the
Department of
Professional and
Occupational
Regulation (DPOR).
System classification is based on
population served, complexity of
treatment, and design capacity.
There are six classifications (1-6),
with Class 1 being the most
complex system.
Class 1: Serves > 50,000 or has a
rated capacity of > 5.0 MOD;
various treatment methods
Class 2: Serves 5,000 - 50,000 or
has a capacity of 0.5 MOD - 5.0
MOD; various treatment methods
Class 3: Serves < 5,000 people or
has a capacity of < 0.5 MOD;
different treatment methods than
Class 4
Class 4: Serves < 5,000 people or
capacity of < 0.5 MOD; various
treatment methods
Class 5: Serves > 400 people; no
treatment or hypochlorination for
disinfection
Class 6: Serves < 400 people; no
treatment
For more information, please
visit:
http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/upl
oadedFiles/MainSite/Content/Boa
rds/WWWOOSSP/A436-
19REGS.pdf
Applicants must be at least 18 years old
and pass a Board-approved and
classification-specific exam, and meet
the following education and experience
requirements:
Class 1: Bachelor's degree, Class 2
license and 2.5 years of experience; or
Class 2 license with 5 years of
experience with HSD or GED; or Class 2
license and 10 years of experience
without a HSD or GED. Class I
operators can operate all classes of
system.
Class 2: Bachelor's degree and 18
months of experience; or Class 3 license
and 3 years of experience with HSD or
GED; or Class 3 license and 6 years of
experience without a HSD or GED
Class 3: Bachelor's degree and 1 year of
OIT experience; or 2 years of OIT
experience with HSD or GED; or
Class 4 license and 4 years OIT
experience without a HSD or GED
Bachelor's degree for any level must be
in engineering or engineering
technology, or in physical, biological or
chemical science.
Class 6, 5, or 4: HSD or GED and 6
months OIT experience; or 1 year of OIT
experience without a HSD or GED
Substitutions for experience
requirements are allowed.
Grandparenting'. Not allowed.
DPOR's,
Enforcement
Division investigates
regulatory violations
by licensees. The
Department's
Special Criminal
Investigations
Division will
investigate facilities
and operators
alleged to be in
violation of the
operator certification
regulations.
The Board has the
power to discipline
and fine any
licensee, suspend a
license, revoke a
license, refuse to
renew a license,
refuse to reinstate a
license, and deny
any application for a
license.
Licenses are valid
for 2 years.
Operators must
meet the following
continuing
education
requirements for
each class:
Class 1, 2, and 3:
20 contact hours
Class 4: 16 contact
hours
Class 5: 8 contact
hours
Class 6: 4 contact
hours of
continuing
education within
the 2 years before
certificate
expiration.
96
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Virginia
Application: $100
Renewal: $80
Late renewal fee: $25
Exam: $85
Funding: Self-supporting.
Testing: Exams are administered daily
by PSI to applicants who have submitted
an Exam and License Application to the
Board which has been deemed eligible.
Specialized Training: Several
organizations provide Board-approved
specialized training for Class 1, 2, and 3
certifications.
If operator fails to submit the
renewal notice and fee to DPOR
within 30 days (but before 12
months) after the certification
expiration date, a late penalty
will be imposed. This operator
may renew his/her license
without reexamination.
An operator who fails to submit
the renewal notice and fee to
DPOR within 12 months of the
certification expiration date must
follow the procedures for new
applicants.
The Board decides what is
required for recertification of
revoked or suspended licenses.
The Board is comprised of 11
members, including licensed
practitioners, the director of the
Department of Health's Office of
Water Programs, the executive
director of the State water Control
Board, and one citizen.
The Board and its ad hoc
committees facilitate stakeholder
involvement. Additionally, the
Board and its committees oversee
the Program, its regulations, and its
implementation and allow
stakeholders direct influence over
the Program.
There are no formal
internal review procedures.
Exams are reviewed as part
of the validation process.
Regulations are reviewed
by the Board when an issue
arises.
External reviews consist of
a mandatory 20-day public
comment period every 3
years to review the
appropriateness of all VA
regulations.
Program Web site: http://www.vdh.state.va.us/ODW/Licensure.htm
97
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems, Facilities, and
Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Washington
The Revised
Code of
Washington
(RCW)70.119
provides the
statutory
authority for the
Operator
Certification
Program.
Washington
Administrative
Code (WAC),
Chapters 246-
292 provide the
specific rules
and regulations
governing the
Program.
The Department
of Health's
Office of
Drinking Water
(ODW)
administers the
Operator
Certification
Program.
Treatment facilities, or purification plants,
are classified using a point system that
takes into account size, type of source
water, and complexity of treatment. The
standards used are the ABC's Purification
Plant Criteria.
Class 1: < 31 points
Class 2: 31 to 55 points
Class 3: 56 to 75 points
Class 4: >75 points
Additional information on the point system
is found at:
http://www.doh.wa.gOv/Portals/l/Docume
nts/4200/ch246-292wacPublic.pdf.
Distribution systems are classified based
on population served:
Group S: <251
Group 1:251-1,500
Group 2: 1,501 - 15,000
Group 3: 15,001 -50,000
Group 4: > 50,000
There are 4 Water Treatment Plant
Operator (WTPO) certification levels and 4
Water Distribution Manager (WDM)
levels. Group S distribution systems only
need a water distribution specialist (WDS).
All WDMs and WTPOs
must have at least a HSD or
GED (although one year of
water-related experience
may substitute for each year
of education through twelfth
grade), meet additional
education and experience
requirements included at:
http://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/
default. aspx?dispo=true&cit
e=246-292.
Grandparenting: No longer
permitted.
ODW may issue: an
informal letter directing
appropriate corrective
measures; a notice of
violation requiring
appropriate corrective
measures; a compliance
schedule; or an order
requiring specific actions
or ceasing unacceptable
activities. ODW may also
impose civil penalties,
revoke or suspend a
certification; and take
other legal action by the
Attorney General or local
prosecutor.
Certificates must be
renewed every year
except that an initial
certificate issued after
October 1st will be valid
through the following
calendar year.
During each professional
growth reporting period
of at least 3 years,
operators must
accumulate a minimum of
three CEU or college
credits or advance as a
WDM or WTPO by
examination to a higher
level classification.
98
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Washington
Application fee: $87 (WTPO,
WDM, WDS) and $51 (Cross
connection control specialist and
backflow assembly tester)
ABC exam charge: $35
Renewal: $42
Reapplication: $42
Renewal late fee: $35
Reciprocity fee: $177 per
classification
Funding: DWSRF and federal
operator certification funds initially.
Future funding will come from fees,
as the Program is required by state
law to be supported by fees.
Certifications that lapse for less than
2 months after the annual expiration
date may be renewed by paying the
renewal fee, late fee, and any other
renewal requirements.
Certifications that lapse for more
than 2 months are invalid. Operator
must meet the requirements of a new
applicant.
Operators with a suspended
certificate must continue to meet all
renewal requirements to maintain
certification after the suspension
period has ended. Operators with a
revoked certificate must meet the
requirements of a new applicant.
The Water Works Certification
Advisory Committee was established
to advise ODW on matters pertaining
to the Operator Certification Program.
The committee membership consists
of the Operator Certification Program
Coordinator, the Certification
Program Coordinator's supervisor, the
Office of Drinking Water Director,
Stakeholder members include
representatives from the following:
Cross Connection Control
WDM Distribution
Water Treatment Plant operations
Sewer and water Districts
Public Utility Districts
Employer of Certified operators
At Large (Satellite Management
Agencies)
Pacific Northwest Section- American
Water Works Association
Washington State Pipe Trades
Backflow Assembly Testers
Small Systems
The Committee acts as a link between
ODW and operators, water systems,
consumers, and other stakeholders.
The Water Works
Certification
Advisory Committee,
as well as other ODW
committees assist in
program reviews.
Additional external
review is conducted
through the
regulation revision
process.
Program Web site: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunitvandEnvironment/DrinkingWater/RegulationandComplianceAVaterworksOperatorCertification
99
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems,
Facilities, and Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
West Virginia
West Virginia
Code 16-1-4 and
16-1-9 contain the
statutory
authorization for
the Operator
Certification
Program.
Title 64
Legislative Rules
of the Bureau for
Public Health,
Series 4, contain
the regulations for
the Program
operated by the
Certification and
Training (C&T)
Program of the
Department of
Health and Human
Resources
(DHHR),
Environmental
Engineering
Division.
Systems are classified based
on source water, population
served, and complexity of
treatment. There are six
classes of systems, including
ID, Water Distribution
(WDS), and Class I-IV, with
Class IV being the highest.
All CWSs and all NTNCWSs
except R systems are at a
minimum Class I systems; all
surface water and GWUDI
systems are at a minimum
Class II systems; and all
TNCWSs are ID systems.
There are seven classes of
certified operators; ID, WD,
OIT, and Class I-IV.
For more on the identifying
attributes of each system type
and the related classes of
operator certification, see:
httpV/apps.sos.wv.gov/adlaw/c
sr/readfile.aspx?DocId=23656
&Format=PDF.
All applicants must be at least 18
years old, have a HSD or GED
(not required for Class ID),
complete an approved
certification course, pass the
Class-level exam with a
minimum score of 70 percent
and meet the following
experience requirements:
ID and R: None
WD: 1,000 hours experience at a
WDS or higher PWS.
Class I: 2,000 hours experience
at a PWS.
Class II: 4,000 hours experience
at a PWS system, with at least
2,000 hours at Class II or higher
PWS.
Class III: 90 CEUs, and 8,000
hours experience at a Class I or
higher PWS, with at least 2,000
at a Class II or higher PWS.
Class IV: 180 CEUs, and 10,000
hours experience at a Class I or
higher PWS with at least 2,000
hours at a Class III or higher
PWS.
Class II-IV operators may
substitute experience for
education and vice versa.
Grandparenting'. Not allowed.
The DHHR has
responsibility for
enforcing the
Operator Certification
Program. The state
primarily relies upon
public water system
field inspections to
identify violations. In
addition, system
compliance is
determined through
queries of the
SDWIS/State
software.
The Department can
suspend or revoke an
operator's
certification.
WV uses a variety of
enforcement
methodologies -
bilateral compliance
agreements,
administrative orders
with penalties, boil
water advisories, and,
if necessary, civil
action in circuit court.
Operators must renew
their certification every
2 years.
Operators must
complete & document
the required number of
approved continuing
education hours for
their highest
classification level to
submit with their
renewal application:
ID: 0
WDS: 6
OIT: 6
Class I: 12
Class II-IV: 24
100
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
West Virginia
Fees: No fees are charged.
Funding: No information is
available.
Testing: The C&T Program
administers all exams, except for the
ID certification. Exams are offered
twice a year in each district area of
the state.
Continuing Education/Training:
The C&T program chairs the CEH
committee which meets monthly to
review and approve all certification
courses for renewal. The C&T
program is also directly and
indirectly involved with EPA
training grants (such as Rural Water
Association, American Water Works
Association, and Rural Community
Assistance Partnership) to provide
recommendations on content,
location, attendees and other related
support.
Operators may reinstate their
certification without examination
within 1 year of the certification's
expiration. After 1 year, the
operator must pass the exam at the
certification level previously held
for reinstatement.
Operator certification is invalid
during suspension, which cannot
exceed 1 year in length.
Reinstatement of a suspended
certification is automatic once
period of ineligibility has passed, as
long as the individual has earned all
required CEHs during the
suspension period.
Operators with revoked
certification (not less than 1 year in
length) must, at a minimum, pass
the exam for recertification once
period of ineligibility has passed.
The WV Coalition is the
primary stakeholder
organization involved in the
Operator Certification
Program. Its voting members
include AWWA-WV, National
Drinking Water Clearinghouse,
WV Environmental Training
Center, WV-Rural Water
Association, and WV-Rural
Community Assistance
Program. This group helps
develop and review policies
and training courses and
participates in state program
reviews.
Through monthly, mid-year
and annual state and federal
reports the program is
informally internally reviewed.
WV Coalition suggestions as
well as any issues that arise
from routine program functions
can also prompt internal review
at any time. Formal internal
reviews are done every 3 years.
Formal external reviews are
done every 5 years.
Program Web site: http://www.wvdhhr.org/oehs/eed/swap/training&certification/
101
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of Systems, Facilities, and
Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Statutes
Section 281.17(3)
provides statutory
authority for the
Operator
Certification
Program.
Wisconsin
Administrative
Code NR 114
provides the
specific rules and
regulations for the
Program.
The Wisconsin
Department of
Natural Resources
(DNR) is
authorized to
implement the
Program.
All PWS are classified as Class 1 with
subclasses based on the type of treatment
or process used at the system, as follows:
D: Distribution system
G: Ground water source
0: General water system operation
Z: Zeolite and resin treatment
I: Oxidation and filtration treatment
S: Surface water source
L: Lime-soda ash treatment
V: Specialized treatment (for example, air
stripping, granular activated carbon)
There are two classifications of operator
certifications: Municipal Waterworks
Operator (MC) and Small Water Systems
Operators (OTM/NN). These operators are
assigned one of two grades: Grade T (for
OIT) and Grade 1, as well as subclasses
which are the same as the system
subclasses listed above.
Small Water Systems:
OTM: Other than Municipal Waterworks
systems serve groups of 25 or more year-
round residents; they can include mobile
home parks, apartments, condominiums
and other facilities.
NN: Nontransient Noncommunity water
systems serve groups of 25 or more people
over six months of the year; examples
include schools, day care centers, dairies
and cheese plants, factories and industrial
facilities.
Applicants must have at
least an HSD or GED (or
at least 2 years of
experience operating a
waterworks prior to
December 1, 2000), and
pass the appropriate
subclass exam by scoring
at least 75 percent.
MC Grade 1 operators
must also complete 1 year
of satisfactory subclass
experience.
Operators who already
hold current municipal
waterworks certifications
in subclasses D, G or S are
also qualified to operate
OTM/NN water systems,
and do not need to take the
general operation exam.
Grandparenting'. Not
permitted.
The Department
can revoke,
suspend, or refuse
to renew a
certification.
Operators can
appeal Department
sanctions through
an administrative
process.
Certificates must be renewed
every 3 years.
An operator who fails to
renew certification by the
expiration date must submit
all renewal materials,
including the required fee.
Operators must complete a
the following CEUs every 3
years:
Certification type MC,
Grades T and 1:18 hours
Operator-in-charge (for
surface water systems only):
24 hours
Operators may not use more
than 6 hours of health and
safety training per 3-year
renewal period.
Operators of other-than-
municipal (OTM/NN) and
NTNCWSs: 6 hours
102
-------
State
Resources Needed To Implement
the Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Wisconsin
Paper Exam: $25
Renewal: $45
Late renewal penalty: $25
Reciprocity (known as comparable
certification in Wisconsin): $100
Funding: Funds for the Program are
taken from the SRF set-aside fund.
Once a certification expires, an operator has
one year from their expiration date to
reinstate their lapsed certification. An
operator is not considered a certified operator
during this lapse of certification. If a
certification is not renewed within that one
year time period, the operator will need to re-
take the exams as a new operator.
Application may be made for taking the
necessary examinations for a new certificate
one year after the date of revocation or
refusal to renew.
The Operator Certification Work
Group was established to advise the
Department on proposed rules
development, training objectives,
course materials, and continuing
education for the Small System
Operator Certification Program. The
Work Group, which consists of
representatives of water systems,
professional associations and
businesses, and Department staff, is
not continuously constituted but is
formed as needed to review and
comment on proposed changes such
as exam revisions, subclass changes,
or administrative code revisions.
The DNR meets quarterly with the
DNR Liaison Group to discuss a wide
range of drinking water issues,
including operator certification. This
group includes representatives from
industry and trade associations,
municipal water systems and other
state agencies. The meetings provide
a forum for sharing information on
emerging issues and receiving
feedback on training needs and other
areas.
The Department
conducts self-
assessments
informally, on an
ongoing basis which
include: training and
technical assistance
reviews and
reviewing course
topics annually.
Results of all OpCert
exams are analyzed
by the University of
Wisconsin for
statistical validity.
Exam questions are
revised and corrected
as needed.
The DNR used its
social scientists to
evaluate operator
training needs.
Results of this
research are used to
guide future operator
training efforts.
Program Web site: http://dnr.wi.gov/regulations/opcert/
103
-------
State
Authorization
Classification of
Systems, Facilities, and
Operators
Operator Qualifications
Enforcement
Certification Renewal
Wyoming
Wyoming Statute
35-11-302 (a)(iv)
authorizes the Water
Quality Division
Administrator to
write rules
addressing Operator
Certification.
Wyoming Water
Quality Rules and
Regulations Chapter
5 covers Operator
Certification in
Wyoming and was
last revised in
August 2012.
Wyoming water
treatment (WT) facilities
are classified into four
levels (Level 1-4), Level
1 being the lowest, based
on the facility
classification scheme
presented in the 2007
ABC Standards manual,
with is based on unit
operations.
Wyoming water
distribution (WD)
facilities are classified
into two levels (Level 1
and 2), Level 1 being the
lowest, based on
population and whether
or not a booster station is
used. Policy outlining
classification of these
facilities is available on
the Operator
Certification web site.
Water treatment and
distribution operators are
classified according to
the level of facility they
are qualified to operate.
All must demonstrate HSE, pass an
area/level specific exam with a score or
70 %, and meet these experience and
training requirements:
Level 1 WT: Minimum 6 mo. experience at
a Level 1 or higher WT facility; 35 hrs. of
training. This license will allow operators to
operate Level 1 WT and WD facilities.
Level 1 WD: Minimum 6 mo. experience at
a Level 1 or higher WD facility; 35 hrs. of
training.
Level 2 WT: Minimum 1 yr. experience at a
Level 1 or higher WT facility; 70 hrs. of
training.
Level 2 WD: Minimum 1 yr. experience at a
Level 1 or higher WD facility; 70 hrs. of
training.
Level 3 WT: Min. 2 yrs. experience, 1 of
which must be at a Level 2 or higher WT
facility; 300 hours of training.
Level 4 WT: Minimum 3 yrs. experience, 2
of which must be at a Level 3 or higher WT
facility; 400 hours of training.
Grandparenting: Not allowed.
The state has the
authority to suspend or
revoke an operator's
certification. Operators
have the right to appeal
suspensions or
revocations.
The state's options for
enforcement actions
include: administrative
orders, civil penalties,
criminal penalties, and
stipulated penalties.
Certificates are valid for
3 years.
Operators must earn 24
hours of continuing
education within the 3
year period to qualify
for a certification
renewal.
A minimum of 8 of
these 24 hours of
continuing education
needed for renewal
must be earned in topic
areas listed on the
DEQ/WQD
Operator Certification
Program web site.
104
-------
State
Resources Needed To
Implement the
Program
Recertification
Stakeholder Involvement
Program Review
Wyoming
No fees are charged.
Funding: Funding is
allocated by the state
legislature and comes
primarily from the state
General Fund.
An operator may request recertification after losing
their certification for failing to complete the
required 24 hours of continuing education. For
requests within three months of the end of the
certification period, the operator must submit proof
of required continuing education. For requests more
than three months after the end of the certification
period, the operator must complete an additional
eight hours for each year or part of year past the
termination date (not exceeding 24 hours) and pass
an exam at the level of the certification desired. The
hours can only be used for this recertification.
Following the end of a certificate suspension period
(minimum of one year), an operator has three
months to apply for reinstatement. Failure to apply
within three months results in the termination of the
certification.
Revocation of an operator's certificate is
permanent.
Stakeholder involvement
includes public meetings and
hearings held by the Water
and Wastewater Advisory
Board (Advisory Board) and
the Environmental Quality
Council (EQC). The 5-
member Advisory Board and
7-member EQC are outside
the DEQ and include public,
industry, agriculture, and
political representatives,
providing input as noted
above. The EQC meets in
locations across the state to
seek public input.
Wyoming has been using
ABC exams since 2004.
Wyoming conducts informal
internal reviews of the program
on an ongoing basis.
Program Web site: http://deq.wvoming.gov/wqd/operator-certification/
105
-------
II: Summary Tables of Existing Operator Certification Programs
106
-------
Implementing Authority
The following table illustrates where authority lies for the implementation of the SDWA and the Operator
Certification Program in each state. Broad categories have been used to encompass all variations (for example,
"Dept. of Health and Welfare" would be classified as "Health,", "Dept. of Environment and Conservation"
would be classified as "Environment/Natural Resources," etc.). If an Agency does not fit into one of these
categories, it is classified as "Other" (for example, State Licensing Agency or Certification Board). The *
denotes the state drinking water primacy agency, while the * illustrates where the Operator Certification
Program is located, if different.
State
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado1
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia2
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois3
Indiana
Iowa
Health
4
*
*
*
*
+
En vironment/Natu ral
Resources
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
+*
4
*
Other
*
+
1 The Water Quality Control Division of the Department of Public Health and Environment is Colorado's primacy agency.
The implementing authority is the Colorado Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board through
contracts with non-profit administrative services providers, Colorado Environmental Certification and Testing, Inc., and
the Colorado Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Systems Certification Council.
2 In Georgia, the implementing agency is the state Board of Examiners for Certification of Water and Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts, which is within the Georgia Secretary of State's Professional
Licensing Boards Division.
3 The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency administers the Operator Certification Program for CWSs, and the
Department of Public Health administers the Operator Certification Program for NTNCWSs.
707
-------
State
Kansas4
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts5
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada6
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania7
Health
4
*
*
*
*
*
*
+
En vironment/Natu ral
Resources
*
*
*
*
*
4
4
4
*
4
4
*
*
+
Other
*
*
4
4 In Kansas, the implementing authority is the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
5 In Massachusetts, the Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Faculties under the office of the
Division of Professional Licensure is responsible for implementation of the certification of operators.
6 In Nevada, the Program is implemented by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of
Environmental Protection.
7 In Pennsylvania, implementation authority is shared between the Department of Environmental Protection and the State
Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators.
108
-------
State
Puerto Rico8
Rhode Island
South Carolina9
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia10
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming11
TOTAL *
TOTAL *
Health
+*
+
+*
4
12
18
En vironment/Natu ral
Resources
*
+
+
+
+
+
*
+
20
32
Other
*
+
*
4
3
9
8 In Puerto Rico, the administration of the program is shared by the Puerto Rico Department of Health and the Examining
Board for the Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Treatment Systems and Plants.
9 In South Carolina, the Program is implemented by the Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, Board of Environmental
Certification.
10 In Virginia, the board governing the Operator Certification Program is located within the Department of Professional
and Occupational Regulation.
1' In Wyoming, US EPA Region 8 has primacy for the PWS Oversight Program. Wyoming Department of Environmental
Quality has primacy for the Operator Certification Program.
109
-------
Coverage
This table illustrates which systems are required to have a certified operator according to state statutes and
regulations. Note that a system type is included if any systems within that type are required to be certified even
though many states exempt some systems within a type (for example, TNCWS using only groundwater). Also,
some states allow remote supervision at certain facilities (for example, small, non-complex systems). States
allowing remote supervision for certain system types are included in this table since an operator is required;
although not necessarily on-site. Refer to detailed state summaries for more information on any excluded
system types and remote supervision requirements.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware1
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana2
Maine
Maryland
CWS
Yes
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
CWS
No
NTNCWS
Yes
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
NTNCWS
No
TNCWS
Yes
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TNCWS
No
*
*
*
*
*
1 In Delaware, distribution systems capable of producing less than or equal to 500 gallon-per-minute at 20 pounds per-
square inch, are exempt.
2 In Louisiana, operators must prove they can respond to systems within one hour of notification that their presence is
required.
110
-------
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri3
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New
Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee4
Texas
Utah
Vermont
CWS
Yes
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
CWS
No
NTNCWS
Yes
+
*
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
NTNCWS
No
TNCWS
Yes
+
*
+
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TNCWS
No
*
*
*
*
*
*
3 In Missouri, the rule applies to TNCWSs that use surface water or GWUDI. The Department may establish minimum
operator oversight requirements for facilities with extensive instrumentation, automation, and SCADA systems. Minimum
operator oversight determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
4 Systems in Tennessee in operation 60 consecutive days or a total of 120 days of the year are required to have a certified
operator.
-------
Virginia
Washington5
West Virginia6
Wisconsin
Wyoming
TOTAL
CWS
Yes
+
+
+
+
+
51
CWS
No
0
NTNCWS
Yes
+
+
*
*
*
51
NTNCWS
No
0
TNCWS
Yes
+
+
*
36
TNCWS
No
+
*
13
5TNCWS systems in Washington can be required to have a certified operator if they are required to provide treatment,
advanced disinfection, or they demonstrate poor compliance that presents a potential health risk.
6 In WV, the rule specifies minimum adequate operator coverage for each system classification level. On a case-by case
basis, a few individual written exceptions are allowable through this rule and an additional policy based on proven
automation.
112
-------
Reciprocity
This table lists whether states accept other states' operator certifications, and identifies two of the most
common limitations that exist for reciprocal certification: reciprocity determined on a case-by-case basis if the
originating state's criteria is as stringent as the new state's criteria and the operator's certificate is valid and in
good standing in the originating state, or permitted only with other Association of Boards of Certification
(ABC) Member states' certifications. The special requirements listed in the table are those above and beyond
holding a certificate in good standing that was issued under a program at least as stringent as the new state's
program.
State
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California1
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Yes
Case-by-Case if as
Stringent as
State's Criteria
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Yes
ABC Members
Only
Yes
Special Requirements
Only if reciprocal agreement exists
with other state.
Alaska's certification must be
accepted by other state.
State must have DEQ -approved
exam, comparable to Arizona's.
Must have passed an equivalent
ABC examination and have met the
educational and experience
requirements.
Illinois certification must be
accepted by other state.
No
+
1 Operators who were certified by California/Nevada AWWA by December 31, 2000 could convert their certificates to
DHS certificates. Operators who were certified with the California/Nevada AWWA after that date cannot receive
reciprocity.
113
-------
State
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
Yes
Case-by-Case if as
Stringent as
State's Criteria
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
*
*
*
*
+
Yes
ABC Members
Only
+
Yes
Special Requirements
Operator must be employed with a
Montana system.
Automatic for NV/CA-AWWA
certificate holders.
Other state must be willing to grant
reciprocity to New Jersey operators.
Operator must have an active
certificate in another state (or have
held an Ohio certification within the
previous 10 years). Ohio must be
able to review exam to determine
equivalent certificate level. Once
approved, operator must gain
employment in Ohio before a
certificate will be issued.
Must submit Pennsylvania Police
criminal history record.
No
+
*
*
114
-------
State
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
TOTAL
Yes
Case-by-Case if as
Stringent as
State's Criteria
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
*
45
Yes
ABC Members
Only
+
2
Yes
Special Requirements
State must accept South Dakota's
certifications.
State must accept Tennessee's
certifications. Operator must
State must accept Texas'
certifications.
State must accept Utah's
certifications. Operator must be
seeking employment in Utah.
Operator must also take Virginia
exam.
Applicant must meet the states
experience and education
requirements, possess a current
certificate in good standing, and
have passed the ABC exam with a
passing score equivalent to what
Washington requires.
Operator must also meet West
Virginia education and experience
requirements, pass West Virginia
exam, and be actively seeking or
have accepted employment at a
PWS in West Virginia.
Operator must live in or be
employed in Wyoming, and meet
Wyoming experience and training
requirements.
No
4
115
-------
Certification Board or Equivalent Agency
The table below provides information on the existence and make-up of a certification board or equivalent body
(for example, advisory board) in each state program. Boards classified as "Normative" are those which possess
the authority to set program standards.
State
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Yes
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
No
*
*
Type
Advisory Only
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Types
Normative
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
-------
State
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
TOTAL
Yes
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
47
No
*
3
Type
Advisory Only
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
31
Types
Normative
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
16
777
-------
Classification of Systems/Facilities
This table depicts the various methods by which states classify their water supplies. The letter "D" represents
distribution systems and the "T" stands for treatment facilities. States listed without D/T rows classify all their
systems by the same scheme.
State
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona1
Arkansas
California2
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Type
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
Type of Point
System
+
+
+
+
+
+
Population
Served
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
Size
(MGD)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
# of Service
Connections
+
Complexity of
Treatment
+
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
*
Source of
Supply
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Other
*
*
*
*
*
*
1 In Arizona, "Other" for distribution refers to pressure zones, booster stations, storage tanks, blending fire protection
systems/testable backflow prevention assemblies, cathodic protection, control system technologies, and water quality.
"Other" for treatment refers to water quality
2 In California, "Other" for distribution refers to: number of pressure zones, storage reservoirs, and uncovered storage
reservoirs; treatment; largest pump utilized; and customers with a nonpotable water supply connection. "Other" for
treatment refers to various measures of influent water microbiological quality.
118
-------
State
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana3
Iowa4
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine5
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota6
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
Type
D
T
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
Type of Point
System
+
+
+
+
+
Population
Served
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
*
+
*
*
*
*
Size
(MGD)
+
*
*
+
*
*
*
# of Service
Connections
+
Complexity of
Treatment
+
*
*
+
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Source of
Supply
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Other
*
*
*
*
3 In Indiana, "Other" refers to system components.
4 In Iowa, "Other" refers to rural water district's miles of pipe.
5 In Maine, "Other" refers to facility characteristics (instrumentation) and residual management.
6 In Minnesota, "Other" refers to distribution storage capacity.
119
-------
State
New
Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North
Carolina7
North Dakota
Ohio8
Oklahoma
Oregon9
Pennsylvania
10
Puerto Rico
Rhode
Island11
Type
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
Type of Point
System
+
+
+
+
+
Population
Served
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
*
*
+
*
*
*
*
Size
(MGD)
+
*
*
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
*
# of Service
Connections
+
*
*
Complexity of
Treatment
+
*
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
*
Source of
Supply
+
*
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
Other
*
*
+
*
*
7 In North Carolina, "Other" refers to the presence of fire protection.
8 In Ohio, "Other" refers to a system's potential to cause health hazards. For example, the Class III system classification
includes considerations of treatment for chemical contaminants with maximum (or secondary maximum) contaminant
levels.
9 Oregon separately classifies their small ground water systems by population served, number of service connections, and
source of supply.
10 In Pennsylvania, the primary focus is on treatment technology, with size of the system as a second factor. There is a
separate small system classification for systems serving less than 150 connections or 500 customers, provided the source
of water is ground water.
11 In Rhode Island, "Other" refers to raw water quality, sludge/backwash water disposal, and lab control.
120
-------
State
South
Carolina12
South
Dakota13
Tennessee14
Texas
Utah
Vermont15
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming16
TOTAL
Type
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
D
T
T
D
T
Type of Point
System
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
16
Population
Served
+
+
+
+
+
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
39
Size
(MGD)
+
*
*
+
*
*
*
20
# of Service
Connections
*
+
6
Complexity of
Treatment
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
34
Source of
Supply
+
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
26
Other
*
*
*
4
10
12 In South Carolina, "Other" refers to fire protection capacity.
13 In South Dakota, "Other" refers to raw water quality.
14 In Tennessee, "Other" refers to the type and complexity of laboratory control by plant personnel.
15 In Vermont, "Other" refers to system complexity.
16 In Wyoming, systems are classified based on the points system from the ABC 2007 Standards, which weighs population
served and unit operations.
121
-------
Renewal
This table presents how often an operator must renew a certificate. For specific information on continuing
education or other training requirements, see the individual state summary.
State
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
lYear
+
+
2 Years
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
*
*
3 Years
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
722
-------
State
Nevada1
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon2
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas3
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
TOTAL4
lYear
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
9
2 Years
+
+
+
+
+
*
*
18
3 Years
+
*
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
*
24
1 The renewal period for Nevada is between one and 2 years depending on when the certificate is issued. A certificate
expires on December 31 of the first calendar year after the calendar year in which it (the certificate) was issued.
2 In Oregon, small ground water system operators only have to renew every 3 years. All other operators must renew every
2 years.
3 In Texas, certifications for Class "D" operators are only valid for 2 years.
4 Total equals 51 because Oregon has two different renewal schedules and Puerto Rico's renewal schedule is unconfirmed
at this time.
123
-------
Recertiflcation
This table illustrates time requirements for recertification of certificates due to expiration, revocation or
suspension. The * denotes the amount of time after which an operator must reapply for certification or retake
the exam following certificate expiration and the * denotes the amount of time that an operator must wait
following a revoked or suspended certificate prior to reapplying for certification, if specified by the state.
Additional details concerning renewal deadlines and recertification requirements can be found in individual
state summaries. States denoted by (*) have complex requirements described in their individual summary.
Additionally, any state without a * denotation either deal with recertification after revocation or suspension of
a certificate or did not provide information on the time that an operator must wait following a revoked or
suspended certificate prior to reapplying for certification; in such cases, see the state's individual summary for
details.
State
Alabama
Alaska*
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia*
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois*
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky*
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
< 6 Months
+
+
+
> 6 Months
+
+
+
> 1 Year
4
+
+
+ *
+
4
+
*
*
+
> 2 Years
+
+
*
*
*
*
4
*
*
+ *
*
*
4
124
-------
State
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana*
Nebraska*
Nevada*
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico*
New York
North Carolina*
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina*
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah*
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia*
Wisconsin
Wyoming*
TOTAL 4
TOTAL *
< 6 Months
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
4
+
14
0
> 6 Months
*
*
*
*
4
7
0
> 1 Year
+ *
4
+ *
*
*
*
*
*
+ *
*
*
+ *
*
*
16
13
> 2 Years
*
*
*
*
15
3
725
-------
Enforcement
This table illustrates the types of enforcement action against non-compliant systems a state may take.
Administrative orders may include the power to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew certification. In the table,
the column marked "Other" lists types of enforcement actions not already listed in the table, including court
orders and injunctions. Additional details concerning enforcement actions can be found in individual state
summaries.
State
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Administrative
Orders
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
*
Bilateral
Compliance
Agreements
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Criminal
Penalties
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Civil/
Administrative
Penalties
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Stipulated
Penalties
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Other
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
-------
State
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
TOTALS
Administrative
Orders
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
*
+
*
*
50
Bilateral
Compliance
Agreements
+
*
*
*
*
*
*
18
Criminal
Penalties
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
30
Civil/
Administrative
Penalties
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
46
Stipulated
Penalties
*
*
*
*
*
13
Other
*
*
*
*
*
13
727
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