Frequently Asked Questions 

  1. How do I become an operator? Operator certification requirements vary depending on the type of water system. The Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office (OWWCO) handles the certification and re-certification of operators in Ontario. Please contact OWWCO for certification inquiries, 1-877-231-2122. Systems that are covered under O. Reg. 170/03 require a Trained Person. The Walkerton Clean Water Centre offers the mandatory course for these systems entitled Operation of Small Drinking Water Systems.

  2. How do I get a job in the water industry? The Walkerton Clean Water Centre does not offer job placement services. Like all careers, job prospects for water operators will vary based on location, wage expectations, skills and market competition.
    If you are considering a career in the water industry, you may wish to research the current job market in your area.

  3. What constitutes On-the-Job (OTJ) training hours? The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change has published a Guideline (4.3) that outlines OTJ training criteria. Click here to view more information on training requirements, including Guideline 4.3 and the OTJ training record. If you require additional clarification regarding on-the-job training, please contact OWWCO directly.

  4. How many training hours do I need for certificate renewal? The number of continuing education and on-the-job training hours required for each renewal period vary depending on the class of license the operator holds. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change Guideline 4.2 (Director Approved Continuing Education Training Criteria) provides detail regarding the hours required.

  5. I have not received my certificate. For certificates for training courses delivered by the Walkerton Clean Water Centre, please email training@wcwc.ca or call the Centre directly at 1-866-515-0550.

  6. My OITs (Operator-In-Training certificates) are expiring. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change permits extensions of OIT certificates under certain circumstances in Guideline 2.4 (Drinking Water Operator In Training Requirements)
    7. Contact OWWCO at 1-877-231-2122.

  7. Are you interested in taking the Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators as part of an Environmental Technology/Technician program at an Ontario college? Ontario's community colleges have responded enthusiastically to an invitation by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change to incorporate the Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators into their curriculum. Currently fifteen colleges have entered into agreements with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. 10 of the colleges currently participate in the Centre's hands-on training. Taking the Entry-Level course as part of a diploma program broadens the career options for graduates. The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change brochure A Student's Guide to Drinking Water & Wastewater Operator Certification provides in-depth information on operator certification.

  8. I have already completed the Entry-Level Course through one of the colleges listed above. How do I get my certificate? Certificates are issued at the completion of the diploma program. Students are required to request their certificate from their College.

  9. I am a certified operator and I need to renew my certificate. Please contact the Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office at 1-877-231-2122 or visit the website at www.owwco.ca

  10. Are your training courses director approved? Yes, our courses are director approved and the director approved continuing education credits (CEUs) are posted on each course description.


 

NEW – Guide to Drinking Water Operator Training Requirements in O. Reg. 128/04

 

The ministry has introduced a new Guide to Drinking Water Operator Training Requirements. This guide explains the training requirements for renewal of Drinking Water Operator and Water Quality Analyst certificates under Ontario Regulation 128/04. It also provides information on the certificate renewal process.

 

Please note this new guide replaces Guideline 4.1 Six Month Operator Certificate Renewal, Guideline 4.2 ‘Director Approved’ Continuing Education Training Requirements and Guideline 4.3 On-the-Job Practical Training Criteria.