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Occupational Licenses: Water Treatment Specialist

Information about obtaining a license to install water treatment equipment such as water softeners.

Water Treatment Specialist (WTS) Information and Requirements

View all Occupational Licensing and Registration Information and Requirements

Water Treatment Specialists versus Well Driller/Pump Installer Guidelines

Licensing Overview

State Regulations:

Unless exempted below, any individual who under contract installs, exchanges, connects, maintains, or services fixed or portable equipment in public or private water systems in the State of Texas for the analysis and treatment of potable water to alter or purify the water or to add or remove a mineral, chemical, or bacterial content must be a Licensed Water Treatment Specialist.

Note:

  1. Private wells that do not meet the definition of public water system in 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 290.38 (71) are not subject to the requirements of this chapter.

Exemptions

The following individuals are exempt from these WTS licensing requirements:

  • Individuals who are licensed under the Texas Operations Code, Chapter 1301 (Plumbers);
  • Employees of industrial facilities who install or service water treatment equipment at their facilities;
  • Employees of public water systems installing water treatment equipment at their system who hold a Class C license or higher; and
  • Employees of registered operations companies installing water treatment equipment at the facilities for which the operations company has a contract to operate and who hold a Class C license or higher.

Classifications

Class I: Individuals who have been issued this license must work under the supervision of an individual holding a higher class license, a local plumbing inspector, or a health official that has jurisdiction where the work is performed. Work is restricted to the following activities:

  • exchange and regeneration of portable tanks;
  • regeneration of nonportable tanks; or
  • other tasks which may be assigned by the supervisor and for which direct supervision is provided.

Class II: individuals who have been issued this license:

  • shall have demonstrated a practical working knowledge of the mechanics and servicing principles of water conditioners;
  • are deemed able to perform water treatment installations, exchanges, services, or repairs of equipment;
  • are considered to be aware of the public health requirements connected with their activities; and
  • are excluded from working on reverse osmosis and deionization equipment unless the work is performed under the supervision of an individual holding a higher class license.

Class III: Individuals who have been issued this license meet minimum standards of qualifications established for the installation, exchange, servicing, and repair of water treatment equipment and appliances, including reverse osmosis and deionization equipment.

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Class I Requirements

Education and Work Experience Requirements

  • Education: no minimum educational requirements
  • Work Experience: no work experience requirements

Approved areas of work include installation and/or servicing water treatment appliances.

Training Course

  • None

Application and Examination

Submit an application and fee ($111) to the TCEQ. Once your application is approved, sign up for an exam at your local computer-based testing center.

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Class II Requirements

Education and Work Experience Requirements

Without a High School diploma or General Equivalence Diploma (GED):

  • Education: no minimum educational requirements
  • Work Experience: three years of work experience required

With a High School diploma or GED:

  • Education: High School diploma or GED
  • Work Experience: two years of work experience required

One Year of College:

  • Education: one year of college (32 semester hours)
  • Work Experience: one year of work experience required

Approved areas of work include installation and/or servicing water treatment appliances.

Training Courses

WTS approved training

  • Basic Water Conditioning

Application and Examination

Submit an application and fee ($111) to the TCEQ. Once your application is approved, sign up for an exam at your local computer-based testing center.

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Class III Requirements

Education and Work Experience Requirements

High School diploma or General Equivalence Diploma (GED):

  • Education: High School diploma or GED
  • Work Experience: three years of work experience required

Two Years of College:

  • Education: two years of college (64 semester hours)
  • Work Experience: two years of work experience required

College Degree:

  • Education: college degree
  • Work Experience: one year of work experience required

Approved areas of work include installation and/or servicing water treatment appliances.

Training Courses

WTS approved training

  • Basic Water Conditioning
  • Advanced Water Conditioning

Application and Examination

Submit an application and fee ($111) to the TCEQ. Once your application is approved, sign up for an exam at an approved computer-based testing center.

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Continuing Education and Renewals

Continuing Education Requirements

All Water Treatment Specialists licenses require 12 hours of Continuing Education (CE) to be eligible for renewal. CE hours are given for successful completion of TCEQ approved training courses.

CE hours must be acquired prior to the expiration of the license and may be obtained any time during the validity of the license. Search the License Information webpage to view current CE hours earned.

Renewal Requirements

Occupational licenses are valid for three years then must be renewed with the TCEQ. Renewal applicants must have completed the required CE requirements, submit a renewal application and criminal history attestation, and pay the renewal fee. Detailed information can be found on the renewal webpage.

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