Water and wastewater operators serve their communities by helping to ensure the safety of drinking water while protecting the natural environment. Certified operators are expected to act honestly, competently and with integrity.
Although provincial regulations do not apply on reserve lands, a number of First Nation communities voluntarily participate in the Ontario Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program. Certified/licensed operators working in these communities:
- Meet the qualifications found in O. Reg. 128/04 (drinking water) or O. Reg. 129/04 (wastewater) to obtain their certificate or licence, and
- Meet the ongoing training requirements to renew their drinking water certificates.
The Ontario Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program establishes occupational standards for operators and water quality analysts. It is also intended to give greater assurance of safe drinking water to the residents of Ontario through ensuring that operators have the education, experience and knowledge to perform their responsibilities effectively.
Additionally, operators can have their certificate/licence revoked/cancelled or suspended by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for reasons described in subsection 13 (1) of O. Reg. 128/04 or subsection 11 (1) of O. Reg. 129/04. This process may be initiated by the First Nation community by contacting the MECP.
Additional Information on Ontario’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program:
About Certification
Who Are Operators?
Getting Your Certificate or Licence for the First Time
Operator Workforce Matching Portal
Certified and licensed First Nations operators who voluntarily participate in the program are also eligible to register for the Operator Workforce Matching Portal, which helps to connect systems owners seeking staffing resources with qualified operators.
Follow these links for more information: