Department of Health
Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in wastewater Treatment Plants
What This Board Does
This board certifies operators of wastewater treatment plants in Hawaii, ensuring that individuals responsible for treating sewage and protecting water quality meet established competency standards. It sets examination requirements, issues certificates at various operator grades, and investigates complaints about certified operators. Proper operator certification is required by both state law and federal Clean Water Act regulations.
Why You Should Care
Certified wastewater operators protect Hawaii's coastal waters and groundwater from sewage contamination — a critical public health function in an island state. Residents who care about nearshore water quality and ocean health benefit from rigorous operator certification standards.