The MECP is responsible for the development and maintenance of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program, the goal of which is to increase the knowledge and capacity of the individuals entrusted with protecting our lakes and streams, and providing consumers with safe drinking water.  The program establishes recognized professional standards for operators in the following areas:

• Minimum Education Requirements
• Mandatory Training
• Verification of Knowledge through Standardized Examinations
• Experience Requirements
• Annual Continuing Education

Drinking water operators are regulated under the Certification of Drinking Water Operators and Water Quality Analysts (O. Reg. 128/04).  Wastewater operators are regulated under the Licensing of Sewage Works Operators Regulation (O. Reg. 129/04).

Ontario is a member of the Association of Boards of Certification (ABC). ABC is an association which provides guidance and resources to certification authorities across North America. Ontario closely follows the Canadian Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Best Practices and ABC’s Model Standards of Operator Certification.

All certification and licensing decisions are made by the Director, a ministry employee, appointed under the applicable regulations. Most decisions of the Director may be appealed to the Environmental Review Tribunal.