How to Renew Your Nebraska Water & Wastewater Operator License

Who has to renew

This guide covers Nebraska water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) — Drinking Water Field Services & Training program (water, formerly DHHS) and Wastewater Operator Certification Program (formerly NDEE).

When to renew

Nebraska water & wastewater operators licenses renew every 2 years, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is December 31, 2027. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (NE Water Operators (DW): expire Dec 31 of odd years (dwee.nebraska.gov); NE wastewater = staggered 2yrs from issuance)

The continuing education Nebraska requires

Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) — Drinking Water Field Services & Training program (water, formerly DHHS) and Wastewater Operator Certification Program (formerly NDEE) requires 10 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The board does not mandate specific topics beyond the approved-course requirement.

How to renew, step by step

1. 1

   Confirm your license class and renewal date

   Nebraska sets water & wastewater operators requirements by license class (All licensees). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day; the next fixed deadline is December 31, 2027.

2. 2

   Complete 10 hours of board-approved continuing education

   Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) — Drinking Water Field Services & Training program (water, formerly DHHS) and Wastewater Operator Certification Program (formerly NDEE) requires 10 hours every 2 years. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

   See the Nebraska water & wastewater operators course
3. 3

   Save your certificate of completion

   Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

4. 4

   Make sure your hours reach the board

   In Nebraska, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

5. 5

   Renew with Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) — Drinking Water Field Services & Training program (water, formerly DHHS) and Wastewater Operator Certification Program (formerly NDEE)

   Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

   Go to Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) — Drinking Water Field Services & Training program (water, formerly DHHS) and Wastewater Operator Certification Program (formerly NDEE)

Nebraska water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Nebraska water & wastewater operators need?

Nebraska water & wastewater operators must complete 10 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) — Drinking Water Field Services & Training program (water, formerly DHHS) and Wastewater Operator Certification Program (formerly NDEE).

Can Nebraska water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?

Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Nebraska requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources

• Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) — Drinking Water Field Services & Training program (water, formerly DHHS) and Wastewater Operator Certification Program (formerly NDEE) — official board site
• Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 4, 2026
• Nebraska Water & Wastewater Operators continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class