In Virginia, a Waterworks Operator is any individual who is in responsible charge of a public water supply system. Generally, all community and nontransient water systems are required to have at least one licensed waterworks operator. Only a licensed operator (with a license of a class equal to or greater than the class of the water system) may make or authorize changes in the treatment process, and a licensed operator must be available at all times when the water system is in operation.
Waterworks Operator Licenses are issued by the Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators, which is part of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). That Board’s regulations prescribe the licensure program and requirements. The Health Department is not involved with issuing licenses or giving examinations. Contact the Board at:
Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive
Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23233-1463
(804) 367-2176
To get a Virginia Waterworks Operator License, you must demonstrate that you have gained a specified amount of actual experience working at a public water supply system and that you can pass a multiple-choice closed-book examination. The actual amount of experience you will need depends on your educational background and the amount of specialized waterworks operator training you have. You must meet the experience requirements for your level of education before you can take the examination. The exam is designed to determine if you have the required knowledge to perform the operation, maintenance and supervision tasks typical of an operator.
For information about the examination or licensure please review the DPOR website: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency160/chapter30/.