Small Water System Operator Reimbursement Program

• Certified Water Operators of eligible water systems: Verification of employment as a water operator at an eligible water system is required. Click here to view the list of eligible water systems.
• Non-Certified Water Operators of eligible water systems: Verification of employment as a water operator at an eligible water system is required. Click here to view the list of eligible water systems. Reimbursement is only available for courses that make the operator eligible to take a certification exam.

• Certified Water Operators of Eligible Systems: Click here to view the approved course list for certified operators.
• Non-Certified Water Operators of Eligible Systems: Courses must make an operator eligible for a water certification exam. Click here to view the approved course list for non-certified operators.

An eligible operator can be reimbursed up to $1,500.

Course fees, commercial travel costs (airfare, ferry) to and from courses, and hotel costs while attending courses are eligible for reimbursement. Course fees for out-of-state courses are reimbursable. Travel costs associated with out-of-state courses are not reimbursable.

Application fees, exam fees, renewal fees, reciprocity review fees, out-of-state travel costs, car rental, taxi fare, personal vehicle use, gas, meals, per diem, and parking fees are not reimbursable.

If you operate an Alaska Class A water system that is not on the list of eligible water system contact the Operator Certification Program at (907) 465-1139. Our records may show that your system serves more than 10,000 people. Your water system isn't eligible if that's the case. Also, water systems occasionally change in classification, which affects eligibility. The Operator Certification Program will be able to assist in either case.

Operators can contact the Operator Certification Program to seek approval of a course that is not on the approved course list. Check the list of approved courses often as courses will be added as additional approvals take place.

Operator:
Follow these steps to get started with the reimbursement:

1. Complete and submit the Operator Pre-Approval form. If approved, you will be notified and will be eligible to be reimbursed up to $1,500. (For your convenience the Pre-Approval form has been provided here: Operator Pre-Approval Form)
2. Complete an approved course. Be sure to keep all course and travel receipts (if travel is required).
3. Complete the Reimbursement form and Taxpayer ID# form. The Reimbursement form will ask you to list the approved course you attended and travel costs. The Taxpayer ID# form is required by the State of Alaska in order to issue you a reimbursement check and requires that you provide a social security number. Reimbursement for training is not taxable income. Submit forms, course and travel receipts, and a certificate of completion to the Operator Certification Program.
4. If all paperwork is complete, you will receive a reimbursement check from the State of Alaska.

City/Utility/Employer:
Follow these steps to get started with the reimbursement:

1. Complete and submit the City/Utility/Employer Pre-Approval Form. Please include all the operators the city/utility/employer will be seeking reimbursement for and their certification status. If approved, the city/utility/employer will be notified and each operator will be eligible to be reimbursed up to $1,500. The $1,500 reimbursement amount is not transferable between operators. i.e. an operator is approved for no more than $1,500 in reimbursement for training costs. (For your convenience the Pre-Approval form has been provided here: City Pre-Approval Form)
2. An operator completes an approved course. Be sure to keep all course and travel receipts (if travel is required).
3. Complete the Reimbursement Form. Ensure that the operator's name is on the Reimbursement form. The Reimbursement form will ask you to list the approved course the operator attended and travel costs. Submit forms, course and travel receipts, and a certificate of completion to the Operator Certification Program. If we do not have a Pay Vendor Number (PVN) for the city/utility/employer, the city/utility/employer will be required to complete the business section of the Taxpayer ID# form. Please contact the Operator Training and Certification Program to get a copy of the form.
4. If all paperwork is complete, the city/utility/employer will receive a reimbursement check from the State of Alaska.

All Reimbursement Forms, Taxpayer ID forms, course completion certificates, and receipts must be submitted (postmarked) by June 1, 2013. If you plan on attending training during the end of May or June you may request an extension; this will allow you to submit paperwork after the 6/1/13 deadline. Requests for reimbursement postmarked after June 1, 2013 will not be honored unless an extension is requested beforehand.

We can be reached at:

Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation
Operator Training and Certification Program
410 Willoughby Ave., Suite 303
P.O. Box 111800
Juneau, AK 99811-1800

dec.water.fco.opcert@alaska.gov
(907) 465-1139
(907) 465-5177