Treatment

In 1971, laws and regulations governing the certification of the potable, water treatment facility operation were enacted. These regulations established at what level water treatment facilities should be manned; established minimum qualifications for testing at each of the five grade levels, and established criteria for the renewal and revocation of certificates.

Treatment and Distribution

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 anyone is seriously considering employment with the City of Lompoc within the Water Division, they should consider becoming certified in either Water Treatment or Water Distribution capacities. The SWRCB website provides all information for operator certification, including:

• Minimum qualifications for becoming a certified operator.
• Application and schedules for each exam.
• Education, training, and guidance information.
• Point of contacts within the SWRCB.
• And much more.

California State Water Resource Control Board