Department of
Environmental Quality

DEQ, the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses (IBOL), and public wastewater system owners have different and distinct responsibilities regarding wastewater system classification and operator licensing.

• DEQ is responsible for determining system classifications and for ensuring that all wastewater systems that generate, collect, treat, or dispose of 2,500 or more gallons of wastewater per day are supervised by an appropriately licensed "responsible charge operator" and licensed operating personnel.
• IBOL is an umbrella agency that contracts with the state’s professional and occupational licensing boards to ensure personnel are appropriately trained and licensed. In the case of wastewater, IBOL contracts with the Idaho Board of Drinking Water and Wastewater Professionals for these services. The board is responsible for establishing requirements for operator licenses, determining education and continuing education requirements, setting fees, reviewing applications, and issuing licenses.
• System owners are responsible for reporting to DEQ on the current classification status every five years (Board/IBOL requirements differ; see Classification Requirements section below.). It is also the system owner's responsibility to ensure that the responsible charge operator and the substitute responsible charge operator have the appropriate level of licensing that is equal to or greater than the system's classification.

Classification Requirements

All public wastewater systems in Idaho that generate, collect, treat, or dispose of 2,500 or more gallons of wastewater per day must be classified based on indicators of potential health risk including the system's complexity, volume, and variability in raw waste. Learn more about system classification requirements and access a worksheet for calculating system classification.

Supervision Requirements

Owners of all public wastewater systems in Idaho that generate, collect, treat, or dispose of 2,500 or more gallons of wastewater per day are required to have a "responsible charge operator" and a "substitute responsible charge operator" licensed at a type and class equal to or greater than the classification of the system. Learn how to meet the licensed operator requirement and access a database of contract operators for hire.

Operator Resources

Interested in becoming a licensed wastewater operator? Access links to the IBOL website to learn more about operating training requirements, licensing requirements and fees, and to apply for an operator license. DEQ also offers wastewater operator certification trainings. Learn more about upcoming classes, locations, and registration details.