Skip to main content

Washington · Water & Wastewater Operators · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your Washington Water & Wastewater Operator License

Washington water & wastewater operators must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as required by Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (waterworks operators; professional growth administered by Washington Certification Services at Green River College) + Washington State Department of Ecology, Wastewater Operator Cert....

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (waterworks operators; professional growth administered by Washington Certification Services at Green River College) + Washington State Department of Ecology, Wastewater Operator Cert... rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
30 hours
Renewal cycle
Every 3 years
Next deadline
December 31, 2026
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers Washington water & wastewater operators holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (waterworks operators; professional growth administered by Washington Certification Services at Green River College) + Washington State Department of Ecology, Wastewater Operator Cert....

When to renew

Washington water & wastewater operators licenses renew every 3 years, on a fixed statewide date — every licensee renews on the same day. The next renewal deadline is December 31, 2026. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (WA Water Operators: valid until Dec 31 each year (WAC 246-292-090))

The continuing education Washington requires

Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (waterworks operators; professional growth administered by Washington Certification Services at Green River College) + Washington State Department of Ecology, Wastewater Operator Cert... requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every 3 years. The hours must cover these topics:

  • Training must meet relevancy criteria: directly related to water system operation (DOH relevancy criteria) or wastewater operation (ABC/Professional Operator CEU Relevancy Criteria for Ecology); no specific mandatory subjects

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    Washington 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, 2026.

  2. 2

    Complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education

    Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (waterworks operators; professional growth administered by Washington Certification Services at Green River College) + Washington State Department of Ecology, Wastewater Operator Cert... requires 30 hours every 3 years, including Training must meet relevancy criteria: directly related to water system operation (DOH relevancy criteria) or wastewater operation (ABC/Professional Operator CEU Relevancy Criteria for Ecology); no specific mandatory subjects. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

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

  5. 5

    Renew with Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (waterworks operators; professional growth administered by Washington Certification Services at Green River College) + Washington State Department of Ecology, Wastewater Operator Cert...

    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 Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (waterworks operators; professional growth administered by Washington Certification Services at Green River College) + Washington State Department of Ecology, Wastewater Operator Cert...

Washington water & wastewater operator renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do Washington water & wastewater operators need?
Washington water & wastewater operators must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education every 3 years, as set by Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (waterworks operators; professional growth administered by Washington Certification Services at Green River College) + Washington State Department of Ecology, Wastewater Operator Cert....
What topics are required for Washington water & wastewater operators continuing education?
Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (waterworks operators; professional growth administered by Washington Certification Services at Green River College) + Washington State Department of Ecology, Wastewater Operator Cert... requires coverage of: Training must meet relevancy criteria: directly related to water system operation (DOH relevancy criteria) or wastewater operation (ABC/Professional Operator CEU Relevancy Criteria for Ecology); no specific mandatory subjects.
Can Washington water & wastewater operators complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the Washington requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources