Regulation 100 Study Guide
Explore certification paths, operator duties, and exam prep guidance aligned with Colorado Regulation 100.
Purpose and Overview
🎯 Purpose (Section 100.1)
- Article 9 of Title 25, C.R.S. requires every water/wastewater facility to be under supervision of a certified operator
- Certificate class must be equal to or higher than facility classification
- Certification available to all persons meeting minimum qualifications
- Operators encouraged to apply for highest classification consistent with qualifications
Key Definitions
📚 Critical Terms (Section 100.2)
Water System Types
💧 Public Water System Classifications
Community Water System
≥15 service connections for year-round residents OR regularly serves ≥25 year-round residents
Non-Transient Non-Community
Regularly serves ≥25 same individuals for >6 months/year
Transient Non-Community
Does NOT regularly serve ≥25 same individuals for >6 months/year
Small System
Serves ≤3,300 population, Class D treatment + Class 1 distribution/collection
Water Treatment Classifications
🏭 Facility Classifications (Section 100.4)
Note: Class A = highest complexity, Class D = lowest
Wastewater Treatment Classifications
🚰 Domestic Wastewater Classifications (Section 100.5)
Distribution & Collection Systems
🔄 System Classifications (Sections 100.7-100.8)
Water Distribution
- Class 1: ≤3,300 population
- Class 2: 3,301-25,000 population
- Class 3: >25,000 population
Wastewater Collection
- Class 1: ≤3,300 population
- Class 2: 3,301-25,000 population
- Class 3: >25,000 population
Division May Consider:
- System complexity factors
- Multiple pressure zones
- Booster stations
- Storage tanks
- Number of service connections
Experience Requirements
⏱️ Minimum Experience (Section 100.9)
Special Rules:
- Class D & Class 1: Can take exam before experience, certificate issued after experience verified
- Transient Non-Community: No minimum experience requirement
- Education substitution: 15 semester hours = 6 months experience
- Cross-experience: Water/wastewater treatment interchangeable
Education & Cross-Experience
🎓 Substitution Rules (Section 100.12)
Education for Experience
- 15 semester hours = 6 months experience
- 30 semester hours = 1 year
- 300 contact hours (30 training units) = 4 months
- ≥75% courses must be technically oriented
- ≥50% must be actual facility experience (except Class D/1)
Cross-Experience Rules
- Water treatment ↔ Wastewater treatment
- Water distribution ↔ Wastewater collection
- Available for Class C, B, A and Class 2, 3
- ≥50% must be in target facility type
Certification Process
📝 Application & Examination (Sections 100.10-100.11)
Application
Submit application with required documentation, specify exam type and level
Review
Board/designee reviews eligibility, may request additional information (10 working days to provide)
Examination
Validated written examination, graded by Board/designee, results notification provided
Certificate
Upon passing and meeting all requirements, certificate issued valid for 3 years
Failed Exam: Review provided, can retest in subsequent cycles
Cheating: Results invalidated, 1-5 year exam ban possible
Training Requirements for Renewal
📚 Training Units (Section 100.14)
Conversion: 10 contact hours = 1 training unit
Core vs Supplemental Training
🎯 Training Categories (Section 100.14.4)
Core Training (100% eligible)
Directly applicable to facility operations affecting public health/environment:
- Mechanical systems, electrical equipment, hydraulics
- Physical/chemical/biological treatment
- Testing and disinfection
- Regulatory compliance
- Other Board-approved relevant topics
Supplemental Training (50% max)
Useful general knowledge not directly related to operations:
- Management and supervision
- Computer skills and office software
- Safety training (unless directly related)
- General business or communications
- Other Board-approved supplemental topics
Renewal Process & Deadlines
🔄 Renewal Requirements (Section 100.14)
Renewal Period
Certificates valid for 3 years. Submit renewal before expiration.
Training Units
Meet minimum training units for each certification held.
Late Renewal
Late fee applies if renewal submitted within 2 years after expiration.
Expired 2+ Years
Must reapply and retake examination; prior certificate void.
Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC)
👨✈️ ORC Requirements (Section 100.20)
Designation
Owners must designate certified operators as ORCs for each facility classification.
Coverage
- Each operating shift must have access to a certified operator
- Backup ORC recommended for extended operations
Responsibilities
- Process control and system integrity decisions
- Documentation and reporting
- Staff oversight and training
Facility Owner Responsibilities
🏢 Owner Requirements (Section 100.21)
Staffing Requirements
- ORC Required: Direct supervision by certified ORC with appropriate classification
- Decision Making: All process control/system integrity decisions by certified operators
- Shift Coverage: Certified operator available for each operating shift
Reporting Requirements
- Submit facility information within 60 days
- Keep current with Board/designee:
- Facility representative contact info
- ORC names, addresses, phone, certification levels
- Facility identification and responsibilities
- Public Water System ID and permit numbers
"Available" means: On-site OR able to be contacted to initiate appropriate actions in timely manner
Fees & Enforcement
💰 Fees (Section 100.22)
⚖️ Disciplinary Actions (Section 100.23)
Board May:
- Reprimand operators
- Suspend certificates
- Revoke certificates
Violations Include:
- Failing to meet performance standards
- Violating regulations
- Submitting false information
- Using fraud/deception
- Exam dishonesty
- Operating with expired/revoked certificate