Ohio Water Distribution Operator Certification: Aging Infrastructure & Lead Service Lines
Certification Structure
Ohio EPA certifies water distribution operators under OAC Chapter 3745-7 into two classes:
- Class I — entry-level distribution systems
- Class II — larger/more complex distribution networks
As with all Ohio professional operator certifications, distribution certificates renew every 2 years, and higher classes supersede lower ones (a Class II certificate qualifies its holder to also operate Class I systems).
Aging Urban Networks
Ohio's largest distribution systems — serving Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus — include century-old cast iron mains and, in many cases, lead-containing service lines installed before lead was restricted from plumbing materials. Under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), Ohio utilities are required to complet