Owning and operating wastewater treatment facilities (WWTF) and collection systems represents a significant lifelong investment for any community. Protecting this investment requires that wastewater treatment plant operators be fully trained and certified to properly do their jobs. DES's Wastewater Operations Section conducts training courses in the spring and fall of each year at the DES Operator Training Center in Franklin, New Hampshire. Certification exams are held in June and December. Technical assistance is provided both in the office and at the WWTF for those problems requiring varied areas of expertise.