Water Systems Operators (WSO) Certification and Resources
What does a water systems operator do?
The work of water systems operators is vital to protect the health and safety of the community’s members. They monitor and operate computerized control systems and related equipment in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water.
How does someone become a water systems operator?
After high school has been completed or a GED certificate has been obtained, the person usually obtains a job as an operator-in-training and learns as much as they can from their supervisor. They then attend a training course that is approximately one week in length, at the end of which they write one or more exams (for example, the Class 1 Water Treatment Exam and the Class 1 Water Distribution Exam). They must obtain at least 70% on the certification examination. They complete an application form (https://saskocb.ca/certification-procedure/) and this includes their Certification exam marks, their high school transcript or GED certificate, the dates of employment and duties signed off by their Supervisor, their signature, and a $150.00 application fee.
In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the information here contained and the information contained on the SaskOCB (Operation Certification Board)’s website, the SaskOCB website will supersede the information on SFNWA’s website.
How can someone prepare for the water systems operator exams?
Preparation courses are offered by various organizations. The exam can also be challenged at any time. Many study guides, sample questions, and practice tests are available online. Here are some we recommend:
Rural Community Assistance Corporation’s Slides from a Water Treatment Math Presentation (helpful for Water Treatment Certification Tests from Level 1 to Level 4)
Water Nuggets Water Operator Practice Tests (helpful for Water Treatment Certification Tests from Level 1 to Level 3 and for Water Distribution Certification Tests from Level 1 to Level 3)
Government of Kentucky Surface Water Treatment Practice Quiz
Formula/Conversion Table for Water Treatment, Distribution, & Water Laboratory Exams
How many questions are on the exam? What types of questions are on the exam? What mark do I need to pass the exam?
There are 110 multiple-choice questions, 10 of which are not included in the final score. There are no regulatory questions because the exams are used in other jurisdictions. A mark of 70% is required to pass the exam.
How often do Saskatchewan Water and Wastewater Operator certificates need to be renewed?
Every two years.
How many CEUs must water systems operators obtain during the two-year renewal period?
No less than 1.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). 1.0 CEUs = 10 hours of classroom/online training.
How do water systems operators apply for their certification renewal?
Before their certification expires, they will be issued a renewal notice with a renewal application. They need to submit the application with their renewal fee and copies of their CEU certificates.
Is there a list of all the certified water systems operators in Saskatchewan?
How are Saskatchewan First Nations water systems operators paid compared to water systems operators, in general, in Saskatchewan?
Of the 18 people who completed the Saskatchewan First Nations Water Association’s survey in September 2019, their salaries ranged from $20,001 to $60,000 annually. By comparison, the median salary for water systems operators in Saskatchewan is approximately $57,000, according to the federal government’s data. Additionally, most respondents of the survey also indicated that they worked overtime or were on call several hours during a typical week, and the lower an operator’s salary, the more likely this was to be the case.
Who calls a drinking water advisory in a First Nations community? Who lifts a drinking water advisory in a First Nations community?
The Chief and Council of a community receives recommendations from Health Canada environmental public health officers and decide when a drinking water advisory should be put into effect. The decision to lift a long-term drinking water advisory lies with a community's chief and council, based on recommendations from environmental public health officers. See which First Nations communities are under short-term drinking water advisories and which are under long-term drinking water advisories.