Operator Certification

News and Information!:

• Small water system training course is now available on-line: Course is developed specifically for small water system operators (SWSO), or "S" systems. To take this course on-line, you must first review downloadable basic instructions on how to complete the course, and how to print your course certificate and the SWSO application. Note: You will need to print the certificate and the SWSO application. Certified operators may take this course to obtain CEUs. Click here to download basic instructions and link to SWSO training course.
  
  
• The 2010 operator certification renewal form will be mailed approximately Nov. 10th, 2009: You must wait until you actually receive your renewal form before renewing and paying. You can now renew and pay for your operator certification electronically through on-line public health licensing services. Late fees apply after certification expiration: $30.00 late fee applies from Jan. 1st - March 31st; $50.00 reinstatement fee applies between Apr. 1st - Dec. 31st. Click here for electronic renewal instructions and renewal link.

Oregon Drinking Water Systems and Operator Certification:
State law require owners of public and private drinking water and wastewater systems to have their systems under the responsible control and direction of certified operators. Trained and certified operators are necessary to ensure that the systems are managed in a manner that fully protects public health and the environment. Department of Human Services-Drinking Water Program (DHS-DWP) administers the certification program for drinking water system operators. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) administers the program for domestic wastewater system operators. All Community and NonTransient-NonCommunity water systems must be under the supervision of a certified operator. DHS-DWP classifies water distribution systems and treatment plants according to their complexity or size and establishes minimum certification standards for personnel responsible for operating these systems. Oregon offers two separate types of certification based on the system size. Water systems with 149 and fewer connections (and utilizing groundwater as their only source or purchasing all their water from another public water system without adding any additional treatment) require a small water system "S" certification. Water systems with 150 or more connections require certification at "Levels 1-4" in either treatment and/or distribution.

Small Water Systems:
These systems need an operator with an "S" certification which can be obtained by attending our free training.  No fees are associated with the "S" certification. The only requirement is to take a free Small Water System Training Course once every 3 years and submit a new Small Water System Operator (SWSO) Application with proof of training attendance. No other courses are required or will substitute for this requirement.  An operator who is certified at Levels 1-4 can be the operator in charge of an "S" system. The system still needs to complete a new SWSO Application form every 3 years and inform DHS-DWP of any change in operator.

Small Water System Training Course is Available On-line (NEW!): 
To take this course online, you must first review downloadable basic instructions on how to complete the course, and how to print your course certificate and the small water system operator application. Note: You will need a printer to print the certificate and the SWSO application. Certified operators may take this course to obtain CEUs. Click here to download basic instructions and link to SWSO training course.

• Small Water System Operator Application
• Small Water System Training Course Schedule
• Rules for Small Water System Certification
• Small Water System FAQ Sheet 

Distribution and Treatment Systems Levels 1-4:
Larger water systems are classified requiring persons to be certified as Distribution Levels 1-4 according to the population served by the system. Treatment plants are classified as 1-4 by assigning points for each unit process and then totaling these points (see the Water Treatment Worksheet). These systems need operators certified at the corresponding Levels 1-4.  Each system is required to submit a DRC form (i.e. Direct Responsible Charge) to the DHS-DWP within 30 days of any change of DRC operator. Certification requires applying for and passing a written exam, yearly certification fees, and attendance at approved continuing education. Please visit Oregon Education Services Advisory Council (OESAC) Web site for a list of approved classes. Experience and education requirements must be met before acceptance to an exam (see Grade Level Requirements).

Continuing Education Information

Renewal Requirements Information 

Levels 1-4 Operator Renewals:

• Renewal Form NEW! (generic form to print)
• Continuing Education Worksheet 
• Oregon Environmental Services Advisory Council (OESAC) evaluates non-credit educational programs for continuing education and assigns CEUs. Only OESAC-approved courses are accepted for CEU credit.
• Document Replacement Application Form

Levels 1-4 Operator Exams:

• Certification Exam Application NEW!
• Certification Reciprocity Application 
• Application Instructions - For regular exams, special exams, & reciprocity
• Affidavit of Employment
• Exam Schedule and Deadlines  
• Grade Level Requirements
• Exam Search Results - List of individuals who passed exam

• AWWA Operator Certification Study Guide (link to AWWA Bookstore)
• ABC Water Distribution Need-to-Know (link to ABC Criteria for Distribution Operators)
• ABC Water Treatment Need-to-Know (link to ABC Criteria for Water Treatment Operators)
• Filtration Endorsement Need-to-Know
• ABC Exam Formulas (link to ABC Formulas for Water Treatment, Distribution and Lab Exams)
• Water System Security (link to DWP security information)
• Safe Drinking Water Act (link to EPA's SDWA)

• Direct Charge Operator Designation (DRC) form 
• Water Treatment Worksheet (Lists the various points assigned for each unit process, and is used to determine the treatment classification of the system. A higher point total requires an operator with a higher certification grade)

• Biennial Report to the Legislature 2007-2008: Joint report by the DHS-DWP and DEQ on certification of water and wastewater operators.
• Water Personnel Certification Rules: (OAR 333-061-0205 through 333-061-0295)

Additional Web Links:

      American Water Works Association (AWWA) 
      Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) 
      Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 
      Oregon Environmental Services Advisory Council - CEUs
      U.S. EPA Operator Certification

Contact Information:

      Dottie Reynolds  Operator Certification Coordinator (ph. 971-673-0426)
      Lee Keyes  (ph. 971-673-0413)
      Fax: 971-673-0694
      Correspondence:  DHS-Drinking Water Program, PO Box 14450, Portland, OR  97293-0450

Note: DEQ certifies personnel for Wastewater Treatment and Collection. For more information, please contact Steve Desmond at ph. 541-298-7255 (ext. 32), or visit http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/opcert/opcert.htm.