Types of limited drinking water systems

Drinking water systems that require an operator to hold a Limited System Certificate include:

  • small municipal residential systems (groundwater)
  • non-municipal year-round residential systems
  • large non-municipal, non-residential systems serving a designated facility (e.g., school or day care)
  • large municipal, non-residential systems serving a designated facility

Certification is required by regulations 170/03 and 128/04 of the Safe Drinking Water Act to operate any of the four limited drinking water systems.

Types of limited system certificates

There are two types of Limited System Certificates:

  • Limited Surface Water Certificate allows you to operate a system where the drinking water source is surface water (or under the influence of surface water). Those holding a Water Treatment Certificate, Classes I – IV may also operate this subsystem.
  • Limited Groundwater Certificate allows you to operate a system where groundwater is the drinking water source (that is not under the influence of surface water). Those holding the following certificates may also operate this subsystem:
    • Limited Surface Water Certificate
    • Water Treatment Certificate (Class I – IV)
    • Water Distribution and Supply Certificate (Class I – IV)

Get a limited system certificate

Follow these steps to become a limited systems operator:

  1. Complete the Operation of Small Drinking Water Systems course. It’s offered by the Walkerton Clean Water Centre on behalf of the ministry. Register to take it either:
  2. After you’ve completed the course, apply to write the exam for either the Limited Surface Water Certificate or Limited Groundwater Certificate. If you don’t have an Operator-in-Training Certificate or Class I – IV Water Treatment Certificate, you must include proof that you’ve completed Grade 12 or equivalent with your application.

    Send the form, payment and required documentation to the Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office, which processes applications on behalf of the ministry, by

    • mail:
      Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office (OWWCO)
      295 The West Mall
      Suite 302
      Etobicoke, ON M9C 4Z4
    • fax: 416-231-2107
  3. Pass the exam.
  4. Once you’ve passed the exam, you must apply for your certificate. Use this form to apply. Section F of the form lists the application requirements. Submit your completed application form with payment and proof that you completed the Operation of Small Drinking Water Systems course.

Contact the Ontario Water Wastewater Certification Office

For questions about your application or exam registration:

Cost

It costs $140 to write the exam. The cost to obtain a limited systems certificate is $150.

Payment

You can pay by:

  • credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
  • money order
  • personal or certified cheque made out to the Minister of Finance