As a first step for participating in Ontario’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program, First Nation communities can apply to have their drinking water subsystem or wastewater facility assessed by the MECP at no cost. The assessment will determine the type (e.g. water treatment, water distribution) and class of the subsystem or facility (from Class 1 to 4) based on its complexity.
The type and class of subsystem determines:
- The type of certificate/licence an operator should hold;
- Operator training requirements (drinking water only); and,
- The qualifications of the overall responsible operator (ORO).
After the subsystem or facility is assessed, the community will receive a letter and certificate with the equivalent classification of the subsystem or facility. Operators will be able to use their operational experience to meet requirements to upgrade and renew their certificates.
Because drinking water subsystems and wastewater facilities that are on First Nation lands do not require certificates of classification under Ontario regulations, the assessment letter and certificate will identify the type of subsystem or facility the ministry considers the system comparable to.
To find out how to apply for a facility certificate, visit the Facility Classifications page.
Visit the Different types of certificates and licences page to learn more about operator certificates.
If your facility was already assessed by the ministry and you would like to receive a facility certificate, an authorized representative of the subsystem or facility owner can submit a written request for a certificate to OWWCO by email, post or fax. The request should include:
- The name of the system;
- Name of the authorized representative and mailing address;
- A statement confirming that there have been no significant changes to the design or operation of the system since it was last assessed; and
- The mailing address for Chief and Council so that a copy of the letter may be sent to them.
If there have been alterations to your facility since it was last assessed, you may need to apply to have your facility re-assessed before you can receive a facility certificate. To determine if the changes warrant a reclassification, contact OWWCO.
Submit your facility certificate request to:
Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office
295 The West Mall, Suite 302
Etobicoke, ON M9C 4Z4
Fax: (416) 231-2107
Facility certificate replacement requests can take up to 14 days to be issued and mailed.