Who are Class VI operators and why must we get licensed?
Curious why all of a sudden you are required to pass an exam? Want to know who else is in the same boat as you? Read this article to learn more!
First of all let's explain what 'Class VI' means. In 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Federal Operator Certification Guidelines. The objectives of these guidelines are threefold (1) to provide customers of public water systems with an adequate supply of safe, potable drinking water, (2) to provide consumers the confidence that their water is safe to drink, and (3) to ensure that all public water system operators are trained and certified and that they have knowledge and understanding of the public health reasons for drinking water standards.
Prior to these guidelines, Virginia did not require Community Water Systems* serving populations under 400 and Non-Transient, Non-Community Water Systems* to obtain a license. In order to comply with these new requirements, Virginia created a new classification for these very small public water systems. This was called Class VI.
The people that operate most Class VI waterworks are very different than higher class operators whose full-time job is working in a drinking water facility. Class VI operators have other commitments but are also very dedicated to ensuring the drinking water of their community is safe. Some typical Class VI waterworks are daycare centers, schools, churches, mobile home communities, housing subdivisions, and rural businesses. There are 1165 Class VI waterworks scattered throughout the state.
The Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water (ODW) has recognized the unique situation Class VI operators face when it comes to training and studying for the exam. We want to offer many different training tools that meet your lifestyle. Here are some examples of these tools.
- We are developing training manuals that you can read and use as a reference.
- We are also using computer based training and internet training tools. These give you the flexibility to study as long as you wish and resume work where you left off.
- Videoconferences and regional training classes will be offered to train you on topics specific to the Class VI
exam.
- Finally, personal site visits will provide you with one-on-one attention to help answer questions or provide training material.
We hope these tools will help your facility to obtain a properly licensed operator and will continue to provide your community with safe drinking water. Visit our training tools page for ordering information!
* Definitions
Community Water System - public water systems that serve 25 people or 15 service connections year-round. Examples are water systems that serve a mobile home park or other group of residents.
Non-Transient, Non Community Water System - public water systems that serve at least 25 people (the same people) at least six months out of the year. Examples are churches, schools, and factories.
