AWWA ACE54505

This article describes efforts in Oregon to establish a certification program for operators of very small water systems. Operator certification has a lengthy history in Oregon, and the merits of the program for operators of larger public water systems are recognized. However, certification for operators of very small public water systems has not yet been established, despite several attempts. Two-thirds of the community water systems in Oregon are exempt from certification by statute, along with almost all of the nontransient noncommunity water systems. A bill to end this exemption, and establish and implement a workable certification program for these very small systems, is now under debate in the 2001 Oregon Legislature. The bill is supported by organizations representing small systems that previously opposed efforts to establish requirements for certification. The support of the regulated community is not only crucial to getting this bill passed, but is also vital as the program is designed and implemented following passage of the bill into law. The task of successfully certifying operators of very small water systems in Oregon is a huge challenge. Operators of 900 community and noncommunity water systems will be certified for the first time, and most of these operators work part-time or as unpaid volunteers. Many of these water systems are incidental to the business purpose of the facility to which they provide water supply. Turnover of operators is frequent. Operators will likely be unable to devote much time or travel long distances to participate in training. Finally, the federal Safe Drinking Water Act set firm deadlines by which states must demonstrate compliance with operator certification guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Failure to establish and implement an operator certification program meeting those guidelines jeopardizes 20% of that state's annual allocation of State Revolving Fund; in Oregon that amounts to $2M per year. Includes figures.