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100+ Free SD Water/Wastewater Operator Practice Questions

Pass your South Dakota Water/Wastewater Operator Certification Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SD Water/Wastewater Operator Exam

7 Types

Certification Categories

DANR

70%

Minimum Passing Score

DANR

$60

Exam Fee

DANR

2 Weeks

Application Deadline Before Exam

ARSD 74:21:02:40

500+

Population Threshold for WW Certification

DANR

About the SD Water/Wastewater Operator Exam

The South Dakota water/wastewater operator certification exam tests knowledge of ARSD 74:21 regulations and SDCL 34A-3, water treatment, wastewater treatment, distribution and collection systems, stabilization ponds, and laboratory testing. Seven certification types are available including small water systems and very small water systems.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2.5 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$60 per exam (SD Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR))

SD Water/Wastewater Operator Exam Content Outline

20%

State Laws & Regulations

ARSD 74:21 regulations, SDCL 34A-3, seven certification types, DANR requirements, and continuing education

25%

Water Treatment

Disinfection, coagulation, filtration, CT calculations, groundwater rule, and surface water treatment

25%

Wastewater Treatment

Activated sludge, stabilization ponds, sludge handling, NPDES compliance, and safety procedures

15%

Distribution & Collection

Cross-connection control, pump operations, I&I management, cold weather operations, and hydraulics

15%

Laboratory & Math

Water quality testing, sampling procedures, math calculations, record-keeping, and CCR requirements

How to Pass the SD Water/Wastewater Operator Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 2.5 hours
  • Exam fee: $60 per exam

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SD Water/Wastewater Operator Study Tips from Top Performers

1Review ARSD 74:21 regulations for certification types, examination requirements, and CE requirements
2Study stabilization pond operations — particularly relevant for South Dakota's rural communities
3Master cold weather operations including freeze prevention, ice damage, and seasonal lagoon management
4Practice math: chlorine dosage (lbs = MGD × mg/L × 8.34), detention time, and tank volumes
5Learn cross-connection control, backflow prevention, and distribution system maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of operator certifications does South Dakota offer?

SD offers seven types: water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, wastewater collection, stabilization ponds, small water treatment systems, and very small water systems.

Which systems require certified operators in South Dakota?

All community and NTNC water systems regardless of size must have certified operators. Wastewater systems serving more than 500 people require certified operators in direct responsible charge.

How much does a South Dakota operator certification exam cost?

All exams cost $60. Applications must be received by DANR at least two weeks before the scheduled exam date per ARSD 74:21:02:40.

What are the continuing education requirements in South Dakota?

SD uses a sliding scale of contact hours based on the number and type of certificates held, implemented since the 2010 renewal cycle.

Who should I contact about SD operator certification exams?

Contact Tammie Hill at DANR at (605) 773-3577 or tammie.hill@state.sd.us. For training, contact SDARWS at (605) 556-7219.