New York · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide
How to Renew Your New York Water & Wastewater Operator License
New York water & wastewater operators must complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection (water treatment operator certification); NYSDEC / NYWEA (wastewater).
Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection (water treatment operator certification); NYSDEC / NYWEA (wastewater) rule on September 4, 2026.
- CE hours
- 15 hours
- Renewal cycle
- Every 3 years
- Next deadline
- Per license
- Exam to renew
- Not required
Who has to renew
This guide covers New York water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection (water treatment operator certification); NYSDEC / NYWEA (wastewater).
When to renew
New York water & wastewater operators licenses renew every 3 years, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://www.nyruralwater.org/news/know-your-contact-hours)
The continuing education New York requires
New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection (water treatment operator certification); NYSDEC / NYWEA (wastewater) requires 15 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:
- Grade IA operators: a DOH-approved laboratory class each 3-year cycle
How to renew, step by step
- 1
Confirm your license class and renewal date
New York 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
Complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education
New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection (water treatment operator certification); NYSDEC / NYWEA (wastewater) requires 15 hours every 3 years, including Grade IA operators: a DOH-approved laboratory class each 3-year cycle. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.
See the New York water & wastewater operators course - 3
Save your certificate of completion
Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.
- 4
Make sure your hours reach the board
In New York, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.
- 5
Renew with New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection (water treatment operator certification); NYSDEC / NYWEA (wastewater)
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 York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection (water treatment operator certification); NYSDEC / NYWEA (wastewater)
New York water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ
- How many continuing education hours do New York water & wastewater operators need?
- New York water & wastewater operators must complete 15 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection (water treatment operator certification); NYSDEC / NYWEA (wastewater).
- What topics are required for New York water & wastewater operators continuing education?
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection (water treatment operator certification); NYSDEC / NYWEA (wastewater) requires coverage of: Grade IA operators: a DOH-approved laboratory class each 3-year cycle.
- Can New York water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
- Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the New York requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.
Sources
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection (water treatment operator certification); NYSDEC / NYWEA (wastewater) — official board site
- Continuing education rule — the requirement cited above, verified September 4, 2026
- New York Water & Wastewater Operators continuing education requirements — hours, topics and courses by license class