Advanced Water Treatment Operator Certification

AWT Operators (AWTO®) protect public health by ensuring a supply of safe and high-quality drinking water from advanced water reuse facilities.

AWTOs understand advanced processes and the impact of feed water quality on production and finished water quality. They operate, monitor, and maintain AWT processes, such as membrane systems and advanced oxidation.

At the higher grade levels, AWTOs have an advanced understanding of technologies and the regulations pertinent to the end uses of treated water; such as recycled water, potable water, and potable water reuse.

AWTOs at the supervisor and management level maintain regular communication with regulatory agencies and ensure permit compliance. They are responsible for preparing and submitting regulatory reports. They are also responsible for ensuring safety planning, procedures and team safety meetings are completed to keep team members safe.

CA-NV AWWA and CWEA assembled a diverse set of stakeholders and experts to add their perspectives on the development of the certification. They were supported by CWEA and CA-NV AWWA staff and experts in exam development. In addition, observers from the California State Water Board participated throughout.

There are currently 11 advanced water treatment facilities permitted and operating in California with seven in the State’s permitting process. For example, the City of Los Angeles, City of San Diego, Metropolitan Water District, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, Valley Water in the Santa Clara valley, and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District are all building or expanding advanced water treatment facilities.

Demand for highly skilled and certified advanced water treatment operators will continue growing as dozens of advanced treatment facilities come online. Water and wastewater operators can get ready for these new career opportunities by getting AWTO certified today.

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