Every state has its own operator certification program. But during reauthorization of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), concern arose about certification of small system operators, many of which may be exempt from state requirements. To improve small system compliance with regulations and to enhance public health protection, Congress required the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to develop and publish information for states on recommended operator certification requirements. This information is to be available by Feb. 6, 1998. Guidelines specifying minimum standards of certification (and recertification) of operators of community water systems (CWSs) and nontransient-noncommu-nity water systems (NTNCWSs) must be published (in cooperation with the states) no later than Feb. 6, 1999. The guidelines are to take into account existing state programs, system size and com-plexity, and other factors aimed at providing an effective program at reasonable cost to states and public water systems.
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