Operator Certification Programs
Water System Operator Achievements & Accomplishments
In 2002, the PWSSP began awarding the water system operators annually, for their special recognition and achievements in water system operations.
Achievements are based on sanitary survey inspections, compliance with the Navajo Nation Safe Drinking Water Act (NNSDWA), and the condition of
the public water facility. The PWSSP acknowledges the following operators:
Achievements are based on sanitary survey inspections, compliance with the Navajo Nation Safe Drinking Water Act (NNSDWA), and the condition of
the public water facility. The PWSSP acknowledges the following operators:
Here are a few past recognized operators:
Best Maintained Water System — Reservation Wide
Most Improved Water System — Reservation Wide
Outstanding Dedication — Reservation Wide
Improved Water Operator — Reservation Wide*
Recognition Award — Reservation Wide*
* Denotes as added new category.
- 2006 Tonalea Day School - Tonalea, AZ
- 2005 Hunters Point Boarding School - Hunters Point, AZ
- 2004 Cove Day School (Robert Smart) - Cove, AZ
- 2004 Crystal Boarding School (Francis Smith) - Crystal, NM
- 2003 Monument Valley High School (Don Pilling) - Monument Valley, UT
- 2002 NTUA Chinle District (Shawn Yazzie) - Chinle, AZ
Most Improved Water System — Reservation Wide
- 2006
- 2005 Ramona Smith Water Users Group - Tohatchi, NM
- 2004 St. Michaels Indian School - St. Michaels, AZ
- 2003 Ramah Navajo Utility Authority - Ramah, NM
- 2003 Immanuel Mission - Sweetwater, AZ
- 2002 Ramah Navajo Utility Authority - Ramah, NM
- 2002 Navajo Department of Water Resources - Tuba City, AZ
Outstanding Dedication — Reservation Wide
- 2006 Ron Hardy ~ Navajo Department of Water Resources - Tuba City, AZ
- 2005 George Hartsock ~ Chinle Unified School District - Chinle, AZ
- 2004 Eddie Kee ~ NTUA Fort Defiance District - Fort Defiance, AZ
- 2003 Jerry Silago ~ NTUA Crownpoint District - Crownpoint, NM
- 2002 Lou Antone, Sr. ~ BIA Eastern Agency - Crownpoint, NM
Improved Water Operator — Reservation Wide*
- 2006 Keith Long ~ Toyei Police Academy - Toyei, AZ
Recognition Award — Reservation Wide*
- 2006 Jean Romancito ~ Bureau of Indian Affairs - Gallup, NM
- 2006 Richard LeMaster ~ Navajo Tribal Utility Authority - Fort Defiance, AZ
* Denotes as added new category.
All PWS operators on the Navajo Nation are required to become state certified to the appropriate level as established by the Navajo PWSSP. The PWSSP
will recognize state certificates until the Navajo Nation has fully developed and implemented it’s own operator certification program.
Grandparenting is allowed for a year for operators working on the PWS for considerable time. Please contact the PWSSP and formally request to be
considered for grandparenting in lieu of the operator certification requirements.
CLICK HERE to download the Application for Operator Certification Permit: Reciprocity
If you need more information, please contact Valerie Tannie at (928) 871-7757 or email Valerie
will recognize state certificates until the Navajo Nation has fully developed and implemented it’s own operator certification program.
- The certificates are valid for the same period as with the certifying state.
- Operators are required to submit a copy of the certificate along with an application form and fee to register with the Navajo PWSSP.
- Operator certifications received from the States of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah acceptable to the Navajo PWSSP.
Grandparenting is allowed for a year for operators working on the PWS for considerable time. Please contact the PWSSP and formally request to be
considered for grandparenting in lieu of the operator certification requirements.
CLICK HERE to download the Application for Operator Certification Permit: Reciprocity
If you need more information, please contact Valerie Tannie at (928) 871-7757 or email Valerie
| Operator Certification Program |
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| Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency • Public Water Systems Supervision Program |
Co-Sponsors
Arizona Small Utilities Association (ASUA) along with the PWSSP (as co-sponsors) schedule several water system training throughout the year. Contact
ASUA at (800) 895-0426 or NNEPA-PWSSP at (928) 871-7755.
New Mexico Rural Water Association (NMRWA) along with the PWSSP (as co-sponsors) schedule water system operator training throughout the year.
These FREE training sessions are designed to prepare the participants for the State of New Mexico Certification Exam. A fee will be assessed for the
certification. Training dates and locations will be announced. Training is limited to 30 people so RVSP by calling NMRWA at (505) 884-1031 or
1-800-819-9893 for more information.
Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA) water/wastewater training course and evaluation program is designed to meet the needs of the Tribal Operator
and to provide an alternative to State Certification Programs. A 70% or higher must be achieved to become a certified as a Level 1 or 2 water system
operator. A fee will be assessed for the certification. Please call ITCA to check registration for final location of training information at (602) 258-4822. These
training and workshops are offered to all tribal leaders, environmental regulators, utility managers, along with interested tribal representatives.
ASUA at (800) 895-0426 or NNEPA-PWSSP at (928) 871-7755.
New Mexico Rural Water Association (NMRWA) along with the PWSSP (as co-sponsors) schedule water system operator training throughout the year.
These FREE training sessions are designed to prepare the participants for the State of New Mexico Certification Exam. A fee will be assessed for the
certification. Training dates and locations will be announced. Training is limited to 30 people so RVSP by calling NMRWA at (505) 884-1031 or
1-800-819-9893 for more information.
Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA) water/wastewater training course and evaluation program is designed to meet the needs of the Tribal Operator
and to provide an alternative to State Certification Programs. A 70% or higher must be achieved to become a certified as a Level 1 or 2 water system
operator. A fee will be assessed for the certification. Please call ITCA to check registration for final location of training information at (602) 258-4822. These
training and workshops are offered to all tribal leaders, environmental regulators, utility managers, along with interested tribal representatives.
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