In 1971, laws and regulations governing the certification of potable water treatment facility operation were enacted. The regulations establish at what level these facilities should be manned, the minimum qualifications for testing at each of the five grade levels, and the criteria for the renewal and revocation of operator certificates.
In 1998, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) established guidelines for the certification and re-certification of operators of community and non-transient non-community public water systems. On January 1, 2001, new state regulations were adopted to comply with these guidelines and the existing water treatment operator certification program was modified accordingly. The new regulations also established a water distribution operator certification program. This program became the Drinking Water Operator Certification Program (DWOCP).
The DWOCP was originally under the Department of Health Services and then the California Department of Public Health. In 2014, the DWOCP was transferred to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) in the Division of Financial Assistance.
The DWOCP is responsible for the testing and certification of approximately 35,000 water treatment and water distribution operators throughout the state of California.
If you have questions about the Drinking Water Operator Certification Program (DWOCP), contact us.
If you have questions about the Wastewater Operator Certification Program (WWOCP), view the Wastewater Operator Certification Program page.
Examination Information
Certification Information
Examination Information
Certification Information
If you lose your certification application form, please call 916-449-5611 to obtain a replacement.
