Small Water System Operator Reimbursement Program
Water Operator Training Funds Available! Don’t Miss Out!

The Operator Certification Program, in cooperation with EPA, has funds available to reimburse water operators for costs associated with continuing education. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to receive reimbursement for training!

Program duration: July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010

Links/Forms:

Eligible water systems
Approved course list for certified operators
Approved course list for non-certified operators
Pre-approval form- City
Pre-approval form- Operator
Reimbursement form
Taxpayer ID# form

Where are these funds coming from?

EPA, through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), has provided grants to states to reimburse the costs of training water operators of community, non-transient non-community, or non-community surface water systems serving 10,000 persons or fewer. Community or non-transient non-community water systems are known as Class A public water systems and non-community surface water systems are known as Class B public water systems in Alaska. Click here to view the list of eligible water systems.

Who is eligible for reimbursement?

• 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 the certification exam. 

What training courses are eligible?

• Certified Operators: Courses must be core drinking water courses. The Operator Certification Program maintains a list of approved courses that are eligible for reimbursement. Click here to view the approved course list for certified operators. 

• Non-certified Operators: Courses must make an operator eligible for a water certification exam. The Operator Certification Program maintains a list of approved courses for non-certified operators. Click here to view the approved course list for non-certified operators.

What costs are eligible for reimbursement?

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.

What are some examples of costs not eligible for reimbursement?

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

How much money is available?

An approved operator may seek reimbursement for training costs up to $1,500. If an operator doesn’t use the entire $1,500 at one training event, the remainder will be available for additional training.

What if the system I operate is not on the list of eligible water systems?

If you operate an Alaska Class A water system that is not on the list of eligible water systems, contact the Operator Certification Program at (907) 465-5042, (907) 465-5140 or (907) 465-5136. 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.

What if the course I want to take is not on the approved course list?

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.

How do I proceed?

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-Apprpoval 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 reimburse 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. (For your convenience the Pre-Approval form has been provided here: City Pre-Approval Form)
   
   
2. An operator completes an approval 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 completipon 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 reimbursment check from the State of Alaska.