The department may adopt rules, regulations, and certification standards necessary to carry out the provisions of this article, pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The rules, regulations, and standards shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a)
The classification of treatment plants taking into consideration the plant size, character of the water being treated, type and degree of treatment, complexity
of operation, and other physical conditions affecting the operation of the water treatment plant.
(b)
The classification of distribution systems of community water systems and nontransient noncommunity water systems taking into consideration the complexity and size of the system.
(c)
Criteria and standards establishing the level of skill, knowledge, education, and experience necessary to operate successfully or to supervise successfully the operation of specific classes of water treatment plants so as to protect public health.
(d)
Criteria and standards establishing the level of skill, knowledge, and experience necessary to operate successfully or to supervise successfully the operation of specific classes of water distribution systems so as to protect the public health.
(e)
Criteria and standards for operator certification renewal including continuing education requirements.
(f)
Criteria and standards for recertification of an operator when the operator’s certificate has lapsed.
(g)
Criteria and standards for the availability of designated water treatment operators for each operating shift.