Water Quality Analyst
 

Analytical water testing prescribed by O. Reg. 170/03 must be done by a person or laboratory holding a ‘drinking water testing services’ licence issued by the ministry. The exception is conducting a test for the 24 operational parameters listed under subsection 2(1) of the Drinking Water Testing Services regulation, O. Reg. 248/03, (e.g. testing for chlorine residual, turbidity, alkalinity, pH), which can be done by a qualified person.  A qualified person can be a certified drinking water operator (including an operator-in-training), or a water quality analyst (WQA). 

A person does not need to be certified to take a water sample, which is a different function than conducting a water test (i.e. analysis).  A “qualified person” has been instructed on how to properly take the sample to ensure a reliable test.

The minimum requirements for a water quality analyst certificate are:

• successfully complete grade 12 or equivalent;

• pass the WQA exam;

• have one year of experience working in a drinking-water system performing tests on water or working in a facility that provides related experience or have experience considered equivalent by the Director, or complete Director approved training related to the testing of water;

• Pay the applicable fee.

Click here for exam schedule.

Water Quality Analyst Exam and Renewal Registration Forms

Guideline No. 3.1: Grade 12 Equivalent
Guideline No. 3.3: Water Quality Analyst Experience and Director Approved Course
Fact Sheet: Required Qualifications to Operate Test or Sample Drinking Water Systems