Utah Water & Wastewater Operator Certification

Who regulates water operators in Utah?

Utah Department of Environmental Quality: Division of Drinking Water for public-water operators and Division of Water Quality for wastewater operators. administers the credentials covered here.

Visit the official agency →

Certification types

• Drinking water: Small System and treatment/distribution Grades 1-4. Wastewater mandatory credentials: Treatment Grades I-IV, Collection Grades I-IV and Utah Small Lagoon System Grade I
• voluntary Laboratory Analyst I-IV, Biosolids Land Applier I-II and Plant Maintenance Technologist I-III. Restricted certificates identify an operator who passed the exam but has not yet met experience/education requirements.

Certification levels / grades / classes

Drinking water: Small System and treatment/distribution Grades 1-4. Wastewater mandatory credentials: Treatment Grades I-IV, Collection Grades I-IV and Utah Small Lagoon System Grade I; voluntary Laboratory Analyst I-IV, Biosolids Land Applier I-II and Plant Maintenance Technologist I-III. Restricted certificates identify an operator who passed the exam but has not yet met experience/education requirements.

Initial certification requirements

Drinking-water applicants may apply for a written exam or take an online exam through Rural Water Association of Utah; levels need not be taken sequentially. Wastewater applicants submit the applicable application and pass the grade/category examination; a restricted certificate is issued until education/experience is met.

Exam information

Drinking-water applicants may apply for a written exam or take an online exam through Rural Water Association of Utah; levels need not be taken sequentially. Wastewater applicants submit the applicable application and pass the grade/category examination; a restricted certificate is issued until education/experience is met.

Renewal cycle

Certificates run three years and expire December 31. Drinking water: Small System/Grades 1-2 require 2.0 CEUs (20 hours), Grades 3-4 require 3.0 CEUs (30 hours). Wastewater Grades I-II require 2.0 CEUs and Grades III-IV require 3.0 CEUs during the three-year period.

Continuing-education requirements

Certificates run three years and expire December 31. Drinking water: Small System/Grades 1-2 require 2.0 CEUs (20 hours), Grades 3-4 require 3.0 CEUs (30 hours). Wastewater Grades I-II require 2.0 CEUs and Grades III-IV require 3.0 CEUs during the three-year period.

Reciprocity / out-of-state operators

Drinking water: submit the reciprocity form for Field Services Manager review. Wastewater: a valid certificate from an authority with equivalent standards may be recognized; applicant must be employed in Utah or provide a Utah-employer letter of intent, and submit application, certificate copy, supporting proof and fee.

Water vs. wastewater differences

Drinking water: Small System and treatment/distribution Grades 1-4. Wastewater mandatory credentials: Treatment Grades I-IV, Collection Grades I-IV and Utah Small Lagoon System Grade I; voluntary Laboratory Analyst I-IV, Biosolids Land Applier I-II and Plant Maintenance Technologist I-III. Restricted certificates identify an operator who passed the exam but has not yet met experience/education requirements.