Public operator urges board to ease pathways for advanced water treatment operator certification

A public commenter asked the State Water Resources Control Board on Sept. 3 to consider easing experience and certification requirements for operators at advanced water treatment and advanced purification plants. Chris Katlyn, who said they work in water treatment and advanced water treatment operations, suggested allowing out‑of‑state experience to count toward California drinking water operator certification levels 4 and 5, recognizing experience under higher‑level water or wastewater chief operators, and creating alternative experience pathways to expand the pool of qualified operators.

Why it matters: Operators at advanced treatment and potable reuse facilities require specialized certification and experience; several board members noted workforce development and certification reciprocity have been longstanding issues. Katlyn told the board that easing experience requirements and allowing additional crediting pathways could help address operator shortages as new advanced treatment plants come online.

Board response and next steps: Chair Esquivel and board members acknowledged the comment, and Esquivel said the board has discussed reciprocity and workforce issues with trade groups and certification advisory bodies. He also referenced ongoing conversations with the California Water Association and operator advisory groups and suggested staff follow up directly with the commenter.

Ending: The commenter provided contact information; board staff indicated willingness to follow up and said workforce and operator certification issues remain a topic for ongoing engagement.