Drinking Water Operator Certification

New Rules in effect 2-15-08!   NEW

The Operator Certification has new rules in effect.  These rules became effective February 15, 2008.  The amended rules will be posted in a few weeks on the DWP web site.

1. All applications will be accepted by the postmark date.  (example, renewals will be accepted if the postmark date is December 31)

2. The application deadline has been changed for regular exams
     The new May exam application deadline is March 15.  (formerly April 1)
     The new October exam application deadline is August 15. (formerly September 1)
     This will assure that the Department has ample time to review the application and make contact
     in the instance of an incomplete application to ensure the paperwork is received by the deadline.


COMING SOON! A new online website for 2008 operator certification renewals is under construction!

Oregon law requires owners of drinking water and wastewater systems (public and private) 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. The Department of Human Services Drinking Water Program (DHS-DWP) administers the certification program for drinking water system operators. The 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. The Drinking Water Program 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.  Systems with 149 and fewer connections, using 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; those with 150 or more connections require certification at "Levels 1-4" in either treatment and/or distribution.

Current Fees, Application and Exam Information

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 attend our free Small Water System Training Course once every 3 years and submit a new Small Water System Operator 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 Small Water System Operator Application form every 3 years and inform the Drinking Water Program of any change in operator.

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

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 (Direct Responsible Charge) to the Drinking Water Program 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. See 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 NEW

Renewal Requirements Information NEW

Levels 1-4 Operator Renewals:

• Renewal Form (a generic form to print, complete, & mail)
• Continuing Education Worksheet 
• The 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
• Certification Reciprocity Application NEW
• Application Instructions  (for regular exams, special exams, & reciprocity)
• Affidavit of Employment
• Exam Schedule and Deadlines  
• Grade Level Requirements
• Exam Search Results - a list of individuals who passed the exam

• AWWA Operator Certification Study Guide
• Water Distribution Need-to-Know click here
• Water Treatment Need-to-Know click click here
• Filtration Endorsement Study Guide
• ABC Exam Formulas
• Water System Security (a link to DWP security information)
• Safe Drinking Water Act (a link to EPA's SDWA)

• DRC form (Direct Responsible Charge Operator Designation)
• Water Treatment Worksheet (This 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 2005-2006  NEW (A joint report by the DWP and the Department of Environmental Quality on certification of water and wastewater operators.)
• Water Personnel Certification Rules (OAR 333-061-0205 through 333-061-0295)

DEQ certifies personnel for Wastewater Treatment and Collection. Contact Steve Desmond 
at (541)-298-7255 Ext. 32 for information or visit their website at http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/opcert/opcert.htm.