A Water Quality Analyst (WQA), while not a certified operator, can perform the following duties:
- conduct chlorine residual or turbidity tests
- take samples from residential plumbing and municipal distribution systems for lead analysis
- perform pH test in plumbing
- conduct tests at drinking water systems that are not required to be submitted to a licensed laboratory (e.g. alkalinity, colour, hardness, aluminum)
- take required samples for submission to licensed laboratory
- perform flushing or the taking of water samples in a school or day nursery.
If you want to become a water quality analyst and get your WQA certificate, you must:
- have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
- pass the WQA exam
- have one year of experience working in a drinking water system performing tests on water, or in a facility that provides related experience, or have equivalent experience or training approved by the Ministry of the Environment
- pay the applicable fees.
To renew your WQA certificate, you must meet annual training requirements, details of which can be found in the guidance below.
Use the forms and guidance found here to apply for or renew your WQA certificate.
