FAQ
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 visit the OWWCO website for more information, or contact them at 1-877-231-2122 or info@owwco.ca.
Some small systems regulated under O. Reg. 170/03 require a Trained Person instead of a certified operator. For more information on trained persons, visit the Small System Zone.
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.
On-the-job training criteria are outlined in the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks’ Guide to Drinking Water Operator Training Requirements at https://www.ontario.ca/page/training-requirements-drinking-water-operators. If you require additional clarification, please contact the Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office at 1-877-231-2122 or info@owwco.ca.
The amount of continuing education and on-the-job training required for each renewal period is based on the highest class of drinking water system you operate. Operator training requirements are outlined in the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks’ Guide to Drinking Water Operator Training Requirements at https://www.ontario.ca/page/training-requirements-drinking-water-operators.
For certificates for training courses delivered by the Walkerton Clean Water Centre, you can log in to “my profile” anytime and view your course history and reprint a copy of your certificate. Or please email training@wcwc.ca or call the Centre directly at 1-866-515-0550.
Drinking water OIT certificates expire after 36 months. Within this three year period it is expected that you will complete the requirements to upgrade to a Class 1 certificate.
If at the expiry of your Water Treatment or Water Distribution and Supply OIT certificate(s) you know you are not able to upgrade to a Class 1, you may be eligible to request a one-time three year certificate renewal from the Ministry.
Contact OWWCO at 1-877-231-2122 for further information on how to proceed with your request.
Ontario’s community colleges have responded enthusiastically to an invitation by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to incorporate the Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators into their curriculum. Currently sixteen colleges have entered into agreements with the Ministry. 10 of the colleges currently participate in a hands-on course at the Centre as part of their training. Taking the Entry-Level Course as part of a diploma program broadens the career options for graduates. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks brochure A Student’s Guide to Drinking Water & Wastewater Operator Certification provides in-depth information on operator certification.
Certificates are issued at the completion of the diploma program. Students are required to request their certificate from their College.
Please contact the Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office at 1-877-231-2122 or visit the website at www.owwco.ca
Yes, our courses are Director Approved and the Director Approved continuing education credits (CEUs) are posted on each course description.