The California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association (CA-NV AWWA) and California Water Environment Association (CWEA) have signed a memorandum of agreement to jointly develop the Advanced Water Treatment Operator (AWTO) certification program.
The certification exams are expected to be ready in the spring of 2019. The certification will be open to all California and Nevada Grade 3 or higher drinking water treatment and wastewater treatment operators.
During AC18 in Sacramento, representatives from CA-NV AWWA, CWEA, WEF and the State Water Board raised a glass of tap water and toasted to the spirit of partnership and a bright future for our profession.
The partnership is an example of water professionals working together for One Water. For the first time in decades, CA-NV AWWA and CWEA are working together on a new program. Both associations have over 80 years of experience developing and managing professional certifications.
A few reasons AWTO certification is important:
- 70% of water and wastewater professionals support creating AWTO certification, according to a 2016 WateReuse study
- Builds public trust in direct and indirect potable water reuse and water professionals
- Ensures operators will have the knowledge, skills and abilities to operate permitted AWT facilities and protect public health at all times
- Provides opportunity for operators to boost their experience, reputation and employment options
- Improves AWTO training and knowledge exchange
- Required AWTO staffing levels will likely be written into permits for some reuse and other AWT facilities
Watch for further updates on the AWTO certification program. Sign-up for our e-mail list to receive updates and alerts >
The AWT Operator Certification program was announced at the AC18 Opening Session in Sacramento