Board of Licensure of Water System Operators
Check your exam confirmation letter to find your exam location.
If you have questions or need to change locations, please contact:
Carol Champagne
287-5699
Rebecca Reynolds
287-5295
Terry Trott
287-7485
Last chance for free exams!
Small system operators should sign up for October exams to take advantage of this final opportunity.
*NEW*EPA small system and capacity development resources
*NEW*EPA operator certification resources
Board of Licensure of Water System Operators information
Water Operator Examinations
Professional Development Training Calendar
Rules Relating to the Licensure of Water System Operation (.pdf document)
Levels of Water Operator Licenses:
Water systems are defined through a process of grading points, Class I to IV in both treatment and distribution categories according to complexity and population served. Operators of these systems must show competency by successfully completing examinations in both treatment and distribution categories. Very Small Water Systems (VSWS) operators are another classification that covers both treatment and distribution characteristics of systems with less than a population of 500.
Operator Requirements:
Class I and higher public water suppliers are required to designate two "operators in direct responsible charge". This must be updated within 30 days of changes. The Public Water System Designated Operator Form may be used for any updates.
Some systems may contract these operations out to another utility or contracting firm. The DWP has developed a listing of water operator contracting firms and Available Water Operator Contractors (.xls format - click here to download a free copy of Excel viewer) willing to serve. The DWP strongly suggests that anyone entering into contact operations review the Contract Operations Guidelines.
Training and Professional Development:
Initial training for operators may be achieved in a variety of programs. Self-study programs are available. The Very Small Water System (VSWS) Study Booklet is available on-line (available in .pdf format - Click to download a free copy of Adobe Reader) .
The DWP has a lending library. Contact Maine Rural Water Association (MRWA) for information on exam preparation courses. Other entry level courses are offered by Maine Water Utilities Association, New England Water Works Association and the University of California in Sacramento, CA. For more information or to check to see if a course has been approved please contact Teresa Trott at (207) 287-7485.
License holders are required to take continuing education in order to renew a license. The number of training contact hours (TCHs) required for license renewal depends on the classification of the license. This is described in the Training Contact Hours Policy.
The Policy for Renewal Training Courses for Water System Operator Recertification outlines the requirements for awarding TCHs for water operator license renewal in the State of Maine.
Use the following application to apply for individual training course approval:
Individual TCH Application
The application should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the actual training course.
Staff Contacts:
Carol Champagne
Board of Licensure Clerk (207) 287-5699
Rebecca Reynolds
Water Operator Specialist
(207) 287-5295
Teresa Trott
Operator Licensing Officer
(207) 287-7485
- Application and License Status
- Change of Address
- Designated Operator Forms and Questions
- Duplicate License or Certificate
- Eligibility for Examination
- Exam Applications
- Reciprocity Applications
- Reciprocity Questions
- Request for Training Approval
- Requirements for Licensure
- State of Maine Operator Rules
