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New Hampshire · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your New Hampshire Water & Wastewater Operator License

New Hampshire water & wastewater operators must complete 5 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as required by New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau — water works operators; Wastewater Engineering Bureau — wastewater operators).

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau — water works operators; Wastewater Engineering Bureau — wastewater operators) rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
5 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers New Hampshire water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau — water works operators; Wastewater Engineering Bureau — wastewater operators).

When to renew

New Hampshire water & wastewater operators licenses renew every 2 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://gc.nh.gov/rules/state_agencies/env-dw500.html)

The continuing education New Hampshire requires

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau — water works operators; Wastewater Engineering Bureau — wastewater operators) requires 5 hours of approved continuing education every 2 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Wastewater program: at least half of required TCH must be directly related to wastewater treatment processes (Env-Wq 304.16(b))

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    New Hampshire sets water & wastewater operators requirements by license class (All licensees). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 5 hours of board-approved continuing education

    New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau — water works operators; Wastewater Engineering Bureau — wastewater operators) requires 5 hours every 2 years, including Wastewater program: at least half of required TCH must be directly related to wastewater treatment processes (Env-Wq 304.16(b)). Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau — water works operators; Wastewater Engineering Bureau — wastewater operators)

    Submit your renewal 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 New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau — water works operators; Wastewater Engineering Bureau — wastewater operators)

New Hampshire water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do New Hampshire water & wastewater operators need?
New Hampshire water & wastewater operators must complete 5 hours of board-approved continuing education every 2 years, as set by New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau — water works operators; Wastewater Engineering Bureau — wastewater operators).
What topics are required for New Hampshire water & wastewater operators continuing education?
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau — water works operators; Wastewater Engineering Bureau — wastewater operators) requires coverage of: Wastewater program: at least half of required TCH must be directly related to wastewater treatment processes (Env-Wq 304.16(b)).
Can New Hampshire water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the New Hampshire requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

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