Levels 1-4 Requirements

Large water systems are classified according to the population served by the system requiring operators to be certified as Distribution Levels 1-4. Treatment plants are classified by assigning points for each unit process and then totaling these points (see the Water Treatment Worksheet (pdf)) requiring operators be certified at the corresponding Levels 1-4. Each system is required to submit a Direct Responsible Charge (DRC) Designation Form (pdf) to Drinking Water Services within 30 days of any change of DRC operator.

Certification requires applying for and passing a written exam, yearly certification renewal fees and attendance at approved continuing education. Please visit the Oregon Education Services Advisory Council (OESAC) Web site for a list of approved classes. Experience and education requirements must be met before acceptance to an exam (see Grade Level Requirements (pdf)).

• Levels 1-4 Operator Exams
• Certification Renewal Information
• Continuing Education and Renewal Requirements brochure (pdf)

Levels 1-4 System Information and Resources

• Contract Template for Water Systems: Draft version (i.e., subject to change) of template is now available for use. To download MS Word doc format, click here, and download Adobe pdf format by clicking here.
• Water System Operator Designation DRC Form (pdf)
• Water Treatment Worksheet (pdf): Lists the various points assigned for each unit process, and is used to determine the treatment classification of the system. A higher point total requires an operator with a higher certification grade.
• Grade Level Requirements (pdf)