Kansas certified several water treatment and wastewater treatment operators in the last several months of 2009. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces the department has certified 44 water treatment operators and 57 wastewater treatment operators from August to December 2009.

Three operators from the City of Parsons earned their certifications. They were: Christopher Holding, Class 1 Operator; John Baker, Class 4 Operator; and John Goodbar, Class 1 Operator.

"To become certified, these individuals took the appropriate course of study and passed an agency-approved test," Roderick Bremby, KDHE Secretary, said. "These Kansans are to be commended for their work and for their role in protecting public health and the environment."

As a protection to the public, individuals who operate water treatment plants must meet minimum training standards to assure water is properly treated so it's safe to drink. Wastewater treatment plant operators must be trained so they can operate wastewater treatment systems in a manner that prevents the release of excessive pollutants.

"Trained operators comprise the foundation of Kansas' water protection efforts," Bremby added. "Following training, the department continues working with these operators to ensure they apply the best methods to keep Kansas water clean."

Several Kansas educational institutions, private companies, professional associations and KDHE provide certification training. KDHE administers the certification testing. Kansas has more than 1,100 community and public water supplies that require a certified operator. Operators at more than 1,000 wastewater treatment facilities in the state must also be certified.