The average person in today’s society takes for granted the availability of clean drinking water. Simply turn the spigot and water magically appears. Few people are aware of all that is required to ensure that clean water is available on demand.
Water Distribution Operators play a critical role in delivering safe drinking water to customers. They are responsible for operating and maintaining all aspects of the water distribution system including reservoirs, storage tanks, water mains, pumps, meters, and fire hydrants. Water Distribution Operators install water lines, locate and repair water lines, install service connections, perform flow tests, monitor chlorine and other chemical levels, and handle customer service issues.
Obtaining certification as a Water Distribution Operator is critical to ensure the protection of the public and to maintain safe and reliable water treatment and distribution facilities. As a water system employee, becoming a licensed Water Distribution Operator can lead to promotion, higher salaries, and increased job security.
Certification programs and testing are administered on a state by state basis, operating under the EPA guidelines established by amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1996. While state testing may vary slightly, the standards and knowledge required for certification is mostly consistent throughout the United States.
Salaries vary greatly depending on the region of the country. Starting salaries are typically in the $12 to $15 per hour range for a Class I operator. Salaries for Class IV operators can go as high as $30 per hour.
A career with a public drinking water utility is one of the most stable and secure jobs in the country. In a booming economy, in a recession, or even a depression, there will always be a need for Water Distribution Operators.
The goal of Water DistributionCertification.com is to help you prepare for the certification exam by providing easy to use practice exams, flash cards, fact sheets, math lessons, and more.
