How Certified Operator Programs Protect Water Systems & Public Health

With many headlines and stories about poor water quality, it is important to recognize the safety regulations within the state of Connecticut to help protect its residents. Part of these regulations includes the Certified Operator Program, which requires an annual inspection for any organization that supplies drinking water to 25 or more people. Even if the source is a private well, if it provides water to more than 25 people, then it is a public water system (PWS) under Connecticut regulations. Ultimately, this means you’re responsible for ensuring that the water you provide is safe, regularly tested, and compliant with state and federal water quality standards. This is where the Certified Operator Program comes in.

What is the Water Certified Operator Program?

Connecticut’s Certified Operator Program aims to ensure that properly trained personnel review public water systems. The Department of Pubic Health (DPH) requires designated certified operators for these systems. These professionals are responsible for overseeing routine testing, reporting results, identifying problems, and taking corrective actions to maintain safe water quality.

Additionally, the DPH created the program to provide oversight of shared water systems. With the focus on annual inspections, the certified operator program validates the credentials of those performing these inspections. Certified employees minimize public health concerns, maximize the performance of the plant and system, assure the safety of operators, improve compliance with regulations, optimize operational costs, and protect the utility’s infrastructure.

Importantly, certification requires a combination of requirements, along with provisions for renewal, reciprocity, and enforcement. While the certification is based on the minimum levels, it does not include other factors, such as personal history, health or work performance. The requirements include:

• Education
• Experience
• Examination

Who Needs a Certified Operator?

Any public water system (as defined by the DPH) requires a certified operator to complete an annual inspection. In Connecticut, a public water system includes any water company supplying water to 25 or more persons, daily at least 60 days of the year. As a result, public water systems include small systems, such as those serving mobile home parks, apartment complexes, schools, and workplaces that manage their own water supply. For example, the following types of facilities may qualify as a Public Water System:

• Residential communities with more than 15 homes on a shared well
• Private schools, daycares, churches, or camps
• Restaurants and retail establishments with private well systems
• Apartment buildings or mobile home parks using a shared well

If your property or facility meets this threshold, you’re required by law to contract with a Certified Operator to oversee your system’s safety and compliance.

What Does a Certified Water Operator Do?

Certified Operators carry out essential functions that ensure the safety of the water system and include tasks such as:

• Water Testing and Quality Assurance: Routine sampling and lab submission to monitor for bacteria, nitrates, and other contaminants.
• System Performance Checks: Ensuring pumps, pressure tanks, treatment systems, and filtration units are functioning properly.
• Regulatory Compliance: Filing required reports and documentation with the DPH.
• Emergency Response: Taking action when a contamination issue, mechanical failure, or water quality violation occurs.

At Aqua Pump Company, our certified water operators not only manage ongoing operations but also provide recommendations for system upgrades, repairs, or preventative maintenance to help you avoid costly downtime or health violations.

How to Vet a Certified Operator for Your System

Choosing a qualified operator is vital to the health and safety of the people consuming the water. To help vet a knowledgeable and experienced certified operator, then the following tips offer some guidance to find a trusted provider:

• Verify Certification: Make sure your operator is certified by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and has experience with the specific type of water system you manage.
• Ask About Reporting and Communication: A good operator will proactively share results, track maintenance schedules, and respond quickly when issues arise.
• Check Their History: Look for a company with strong community ties, positive reviews, and a proven record of keeping systems compliant and safe.
• Understand the Scope of Service: Does your operator handle both routine monitoring and emergency repairs? Can they assist with treatment system installations or upgrades? Take some time to learn what you need and confirm the operator has experience with all of your needs.

At the Aqua Pump Company, our Certified Operator Program includes:

• Day-to-day operation of your facility to keep your system in full compliance with CT state regulations.
• Maintaining the equipment of your water system such as; storage tanks, well pumps, booster pumps and filtration equipment.
• Collection/overseeing the required water testing mandated by the CT DPH.
• Keep accurate records of water analyses, repairs, maintenance and so much more.

FAQs about the Connecticut Certified Water Operator Program

What are the different operator certification levels?

Water treatment and distribution systems are classified by complexity, from Class I to Class IV. There is also a Small System Operator certification for systems serving fewer than 1,000 people.

How long is the certification valid?

Certifications are valid for three years and must be renewed. Renewal requires completion of continuing education—the number of hours depends on the class level of the certification.

What happens if a system doesn’t have a certified operator?

Failure to designate and maintain a certified operator is a violation of state law and may result in enforcement actions, fines, or restrictions from the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

How do I find or verify a certified operator?

You can verify an operator’s certification through the Connecticut Department of Public Health. It’s also smart to choose a provider like Aqua Pump Company, which offers fully certified, experienced technicians to ensure compliance and peace of mind.

If you’re looking for help with your current water treatment system, look no further than the trusted water experts at Aqua Pump Company. Whether you need service and repair or a preventative maintenance and performance checkup, there is no one more qualified than Aqua Pump Company. Our experienced network of service technicians are trained and certified to provide service, repair, and maintenance on all major brands of water softeners, water purifiers, water filters and drinking water systems. Whether you need one service call or want a hassle-free maintenance plan, Aqua Pump Company is the one to trust for all your service and maintenance needs.

For more information, please contact our office.