► New Program Forms!
Updated operator certification program forms are coming. The new forms are completed entirely electronically, and also allow for secure online payment with your credit or debit card, making it easier for you to access services.
First up, the Change of Address form and WWOCS User Access Request form – neither require payment, but you can now complete and submit these forms entirely from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or even your phone. No faxing, no mailing.
Announcements will be made as more forms are updated and form resources, including instructions, tips and FAQs, become available. Check our website for updates!
Please note that submissions made with the old forms will only be accepted until January 20th, 2023.
► Water Professional International Survey
Water Professional International (formerly ABC), creators of our Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator exams, are inviting Water Treatment and Water Distribution Operators to participate in a Job Analysis survey. If you complete the survey, you will be entered into a draw for a gift card, with the top prize being worth $1000! Have your say, help keep the exams topical, and earn a shot at a prize! Click here for more information.
► Return of employer-site operator-in-training certification exams
We are pleased to announce the return of online employer-site Operator-in-Training (OIT) certification exams.
Employer-site online OIT exams allow owners and operating authorities of municipal and First Nation drinking water and wastewater systems to schedule and hold OIT exams at their workplace.
If you are an employer looking to schedule an on-site exam, read the Employer-Site Examination Protocol to find out how and apply online here.
You can access the FAQs here.
► Expiry of Emergency Orders continued under the Reopening Ontario Act
Please see message from the Chief Drinking Water Inspector – Important updates regarding the expiry of Emergency Orders continued under the Reopening Ontario Act dated April 26, 2022.
► Changes to the drinking water and wastewater operator regulations
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks recently amended O. Reg. 128/04 Certification of Drinking Water System Operators and Water Quality Analysts and O. Reg. 129/04 Licensing of Sewage Work Operators. These amendments allow the ministry, drinking water system and sewage works owners and operating authorities to act quickly to help ensure drinking water and waterways are protected during an emergency.
Further information on the regulatory amendments can be found on the Environmental Registry, please see:
- Amendments to drinking water operator certification regulation (019-3513)
- Amendments to wastewater operator licensing regulation (019-3515)
► The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks launched the Operator Workforce Matching Portal to help system owners and operating authorities find available certified and licensed operators.
Certified operators are invited to register, including Operators-in-Training and Class I to IV operators. System owners and operating authorities can use the portal to search for operators by location, certificate class and type and location, and connect directly with them. All registrations are verified by OWWCO for accuracy. For instructions on using the portal, please click here.
For more information about the portal, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page on our website.
► Guidance Update – Temporary Certificate Renewals for Drinking Water Operators and Water Quality Analysts
► Operator certification and licensing program changes under the amended emergency order for drinking water system and sewage works
Extended Certificate/Licence FAQs