Small Water System Operator
Certification Exam Study
Guide & Practice Questions
2026/2027
, Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Name of act that sets standards (a.k.a. MCL's) for drinking water quality.
WI DNR State agency responsible for public drinking water regulations in WI.
Non-Community Water System Serves the public but not the same people year round
Community Water System A public water system which serves at least 15
service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25
year-round residents.
Municipal and Non-Municipal What are the two sub-categories of CWS
Transient and Non-Transient What are the two sub-categories of NCWS
NR114 WI administrative code that provides the certification requirements of water system
operators.
6 hours every three years How many hours of continuing education are required on what frequency?
Well Construction, pump installation, well rehabilitation, Instances when water system operators are responsible for obtaining plan
chemical addition to water, water treatment , and new approvals from the DNR.
system capacity.
Sanitary Survey An onsite inspection of water systems facilities and operation, usually performed by
DNR every 3 years for CWS and every 5 years for NCWS
Primary Drinking Water Standards Limit health affecting contaminates
Secondary Drinking Water Standards Limit color, smell, taste affecting contaminates (with no health concerns).
Public Notification Rule and Consumer Confidence Report What are the two regulations aimed at the customer's right to know about their
Rule water quality?
Tier 1 Notice You have 24 hours to inform the public.
Tier 2 Notice You have 30 days to inform the public.
Certification Exam Study
Guide & Practice Questions
2026/2027
, Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Name of act that sets standards (a.k.a. MCL's) for drinking water quality.
WI DNR State agency responsible for public drinking water regulations in WI.
Non-Community Water System Serves the public but not the same people year round
Community Water System A public water system which serves at least 15
service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25
year-round residents.
Municipal and Non-Municipal What are the two sub-categories of CWS
Transient and Non-Transient What are the two sub-categories of NCWS
NR114 WI administrative code that provides the certification requirements of water system
operators.
6 hours every three years How many hours of continuing education are required on what frequency?
Well Construction, pump installation, well rehabilitation, Instances when water system operators are responsible for obtaining plan
chemical addition to water, water treatment , and new approvals from the DNR.
system capacity.
Sanitary Survey An onsite inspection of water systems facilities and operation, usually performed by
DNR every 3 years for CWS and every 5 years for NCWS
Primary Drinking Water Standards Limit health affecting contaminates
Secondary Drinking Water Standards Limit color, smell, taste affecting contaminates (with no health concerns).
Public Notification Rule and Consumer Confidence Report What are the two regulations aimed at the customer's right to know about their
Rule water quality?
Tier 1 Notice You have 24 hours to inform the public.
Tier 2 Notice You have 30 days to inform the public.
