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Drinking Water Certification Program

Certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Drinking Water Certification program prepares entry-level operators for certification and employment. The minimum education level for operator certification is either a high school diploma or GED. 

°Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï’s program offers all of the coursework and module review necessary to help students pass the licensing exam for DEP certification. The program is divided into two 90-hour sessions. Successful candidates must enroll for certification levels 1 and 2.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, drinking water operator certification is crucial in protecting public health and the maintenance of safe, optimal and reliable water treatment and distribution facilities. The goal of certification is to ensure that skilled professionals are overseeing the treatment and distribution of safe drinking water, and it is an important step in promoting compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. 

Drinking Water Level 1 and 2

PDS 1300 / Length: 180 hours

Cost: $2,395

Classes forming in Fall 2026

Drinking Water Level 1

PDS 1301 / Length: 90 hours

Cost: $1,295

Drinking Water Overview & Core Basics

  • Drinking Water Overview
  • Drinking Water Plant Tour
  • Groundwater Systems
  • Surface Water Systems
  • Source Water Quality
  • General Disinfection
  • General Chemistry
  • General Biology
  • General Safety
  • Test

Drinking Water Math, Distribution & Storage

  • Drinking Water Math
  • Distribution and Storage Systems
  • General Disinfection
  • Cross Connection Control
  • General Maintenance
  • Test

Drinking Water Filtration & Chlorine Disinfection

  • Filtration Overview
  • Pretreatment
  • Conventional Filtration
  • Direct Filtration
  • Hypochlorite/Chloramine Disinfection
  • Gas Chlorine Disinfection
  • Test

Classes forming in Fall 2026

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Drinking Water Level 2

PDS 1302 / Length: 90 hours

Cost: $1,295

Drinking Water Chemical Treatment & Additional Filtration Topics

  • Chemical Addition
  • Inorganics Removal
  • Organics Removal
  • Corrosion Control
  • Membrane Filtration
  • Alternative Filtration Methods
  • Filter Plant Optimization
  • Test

Drinking Water Additional Disinfection Technologies and System Operation

  • Ultraviolet Disinfection
  • Ozone Disinfection
  • Laboratory Procedures
  • Computer Controls/Risk Management
  • Drinking Water Plant Tour
  • Financial Management
  • SOPs and Administration of Water Plants
  • Public Notice and Reporting Requirements
  • Source Water Protection
  • Test

Drinking Water Exam Preparation and Additional Topics

  • Drinking Water RegulationsÌýÌýÌýÌý
  • Ethics and Operator Certification
  • Certification Practice Exams
  • Technical Writing
  • Securing Water/Wastewater Treatment Facilities
  • Water General Exam PreparationÌýÌýÌýÌý

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Classes forming in Fall 2026