Drinking Water Treatment & Distribution System Operators
In 1971, laws and regulations governing the certification of potable water treatment facility operation were enacted. The regulations establish at what level these facilities should be manned, the minimum qualifications for testing at each of the five grade levels, and the criteria for the renewal and revocation of operator certificates.
In 1998, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) established guidelines for the certification and re-certification of operators of community and non-transient non-community public water systems. On January 1, 2001, new state regulations were adopted to comply with these guidelines and the existing water treatment operator certification program was modified accordingly. The new regulations also established a water distribution operator certification program. This program became the Drinking Water Operator Certification Program (DWOCP).
The DWOCP was originally under the Department of Health Services and then the California Department of Public Health. In 2014, the DWOCP was transferred to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) in the Division of Financial Assistance.
The DWOCP is responsible for the testing and certification of approximately 35,000 water treatment and water distribution operators throughout the state of California.
Latest Information
- Notice of Approval of Emergency Regulatory Action
- Distribution Operator and Water Treatment Operator Certification Guidance
- Customer Service Survey
- State of California USEPA Operator Certification Annual Report
- Computer Based Testing Process Overview
- Computer Based Testing FAQs
- Operator Certification Statutes
- Operator Certification Regulations
- Treatment/Distribution Examination and Certification Fees
- Operator Certification Step-by-Step
- Make A Payment
If you have questions about the Drinking Water Operator Certification Program (DWOCP), contact us.
If you have questions about the Wastewater Operator Certification Program (WWOCP), view the Wastewater Operator Certification Program page.
- Treatment Exam Application Form
- Distribution Exam Application Form
- Renewal Form for Treatment/Distribution
- Change of Address / Name Form
- Application for Reciprocity
- Certificate Replacement Form
- Treatment Certification Application
- Distribution Certification Application
- Restricted Operator application
Advisory Committee Information
Dec 1
Advisory Committee Meeting
Date and Time: December 1, 2026 - 1pm to 4pm
- Meeting Agenda: English | Spanish
Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes: May 13, 2026
Upcoming T5 Exam Information
Below are dates and deadlines for the next T5 exams:
Winter 2027
Applications must be postmarked by: December 11, 2026
Examination Dates:
- Feb. 22 – 26, 2027 (Richmond)
- Mar. 1 – 5, 2027 (Glendale)
Summer 2027
Applications must be postmarked by: May 7, 2027
Examination Dates:
- Aug. 23 – 27, 2027 (Sacramento)
- Aug. 30 – Sept. 3, 2027 (Glendale)
Certified Water Treatment & Distribution Operators
Certified Drinking Water Treatment and
Distribution Operators
(Searchable list of Certified Operators by County, Grade Level, etc.)
Operator Certification Information
System (OCIS)
(Access your file in our database!)
Mailing lists are ONLY sent to water systems for recruitment purposes. If you are recruiting for your water system and would like an operator mailing list, please provide the system name and number in an e-mail request to DWOpCertProgram@Waterboards.ca.gov or call at 916-449-5611.
Drinking Water Operator Online Payments
Online Payments Quick Guide
Online Payments FAQs
Disclosure: By clicking on the above "Online Payment" link, you will be redirected to the State’s data collector website, First Data. First Data is not under the control of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the SWRCB is NOT responsible for the contents or links contained in their website. The SWRCB recommends that you view. First Data's security and confidentiality statements.
Contact Information
- Drinking Water Operator Certification Program:
Mailing Address:
State Water Resources Control Board
Drinking Water Operator Certification Program
PO Box 944212
Sacramento, CA 94244-2120Physical Address - Overnight Delivery Address
State Water Resources Control Board
Drinking Water Operator Certification Program
1001 "I" Street, 17th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814Telephone: (916) 449-5611 and (916) 449-5610
Fax: (916) 449-5654
Email: dwopcertprogram@waterboards.ca.gov
