A Waterworks Operator is any individual who is in responsible charge of a public water supply system. Generally, all community and nontransient noncommunity waterworks are required to have at least one licensed Waterworks Operator. Only a licensed operator (with a license of a class equal to or grater than the class of the water system) may make or authorize changes in the treatment process; and a licensed operator must be available at all times when the waterworks is in operation.
Waterworks Operator Licenses are issued by the Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals, or the Board, which resides within the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation or DPOR.
To get a Virginia Waterworks Operator License, an applicant must demonstrate that he or she has gained the specified amount of actual experience working at a public waterworks and that he or she can pass a multiple-choice open-book examination. The actual amount of experience needed depends on the applicant's educational background and the amount of specialized waterworks operator training taken. All requirements are found in the regulations, The applicant must meet the experience requirements for each level of education before taking the examination. The exam is designed to determine if the applicant has the requisite knowledge to perform the operation, maintenance and supervision tasks typical of an operator. Applicants should not attempt to take the exam unless fully prepared, since there will be extra costs to take it over again. A new exam fee is required each time the exam is taken.
Waterworks Operator Licenses expire at the end of February of each odd-numbered year. Operators should receive a renewal notice, but it is the operators' responsibility to renew their licenses, even if they don't get their notices. Operators are reuired to keep the licensing Board advised of their current mailing address.
You can contact the Board or DPOR staff at:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive
Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233-1463
For further information:
Licensing Section: (804) 367-2176
Executive Director: David E. Dick (804) 367-2648
Fax: (804) 527-4297
The Board consists of eleven members. Two members represent the State Water Control Board and Director, Office of Drinking Water, state Health Department. One member is from academia. One member represents the public The others each represent: waterworks operators, waterworks owners, wastewater works operators, and wastewater works owners. Three members represent a licensed alternative onsite sewage system operator, a licensed alternative onsite sewage system installer, and a licensed onsite soil evaluator.
Waterworks Operator Licensure Information
