In June 2023, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) introduced Regulation 3630, requiring all Class V and VI process controllers – senior-level professionals – to be formally registered as professional process controllers (Pr.PC.Water).

The deadline for full compliance is June 30, 2025.

Crucially, every treatment works must now have at least one supervisor qualified at a minimum of Class V, meaning that no facility can operate without employing or contracting a registered professional process controller. In addition, all process controllers – regardless of level – must be registered with the DWS.

Not only for the public sector

According to the latest Blue Drop Reports and Green Drops, taking into account the amount of registered water treatment and wastewater treatment plants, there needs to be:

• 1904 registered process controllers for water treatment plants
• 1394 registered process controllers for wastewater treatment plants.

While a large portion of registrations will come from the public sector, the private sector is not exempt. Regulation 3630 applies to private institutions, estates, the mining sector and manufacturing industries.

“Our revised national norms and standards prohibit bulk users (such as owners of estates) to connect to bulk water and sanitation systems if those systems do not have the required capacity. We are therefore encouraging decentralised systems, and Regulation 3630 will give water service authorities (WSAs) the confidence that these privately owned decentralised systems will meet the required water quality standards,” explains Anet Muir, chief director: Water Use Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, DWS.

Safeguarding the profession of process controllers

“Water is the backbone of our communities, industries, and ecosystems. In order to protect this resource; expertise, accountability, and structured oversight is required. Since process controllers play a vital role in shaping the future of South Africa’s water sector, Regulation 3630 was introduced. For too long, the expertise of process controllers has been undervalued, this regulation formalises their role, ensuring that treatment facilities are managed by qualified professionals who adhere to best practices and national standards. Professionals are there to serve the best interests of the public,” says Dr. Lester Goldman, CEO, WISA.

Process controllers are the unsung heroes of the water and wastewater sector, often working in challenging conditions. By ensuring that treatment plants operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations, process controllers are the first line of defence against environmental and health risks. They also contribute to the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of water infrastructure by minimising downtime, reducing energy consumption, and preventing system malfunctions.

“Each year, we pour billions of rands into building, refurbishing, and upgrading water and wastewater infrastructure – but without the right skills to operate and maintain it, that investment goes to waste. Infrastructure is only as effective as the people who run it. In a nutshell, process controllers help protect infrastructure investments by ensuring that plants operate and are maintained according to their intended design,” states Muir.

Despite the critical nature of the role, it is evident that many process controller positions are filled by individuals who lack the necessary qualifications and experience. The latest Blue Drop and Green Drop reports show a clear correlation between low technical capacity and performance levels (low scores).

“We need competent people in these roles to turn around state of the water services sector as measured in the Drop results. Wastewater treatment plants that do not comply with the discharge limits affect the entire water cycle – having a negative effect on our eco systems and drinking water. The cost to treat water to potable standards will continue to escalate until we ensure compliance with discharge rates. Regulation 3630 is one initiative to improve compliance,” she adds.

Dewald van Staden, lead: Process Controller Division, WISA, emphasises the high level of responsibility that process controllers must shoulder when doing their jobs.

“Their actions directly impact public health and environmental sustainability.”

This highlights a broader truth echoed by Teslim Yusuf, executive for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at EWSETA, who notes that human capacity is at the heart of water security.

“The capabilities and limitations of humans have the biggest influence on water security. A competent work force must design, build, operate and maintain water infrastructure. Skills, training and expertise play a role in adopting new technologies, complying with and understanding regulations. Decisions around diverting funding to towards a particular project, generating revenue and refining policy are made by humans.”

He adds that ultimately, improved water security hinges on the development of human skills. “We operate in an environment that requires lifelong learning. Water sector professionals must remain curious, purposeful and embrace mentorship and coaching programmes.”

The purpose of the regulation

At its core, Regulation 3630 aims to:

• Elevate professional standards by requiring formal registration and qualifications for process controllers.
• Enhance accountability in water and wastewater treatment operations.
• Improve compliance with national and international best practices.
• Strengthen workforce development, ensuring continuous learning and skill enhancement. Skills will remain relevant as technology is updated.

“For employees, Regulation 3630 means greater professional recognition, structured career pathways, and access to ongoing development. It ensures that their expertise is valued and that they operate within a framework that supports excellence. For employers, compliance with the regulation will enhance operational reliability, reduce risks, and improve service delivery. While the transition may require investment in training and certification, the long-term benefits – including improved efficiency, reduced liability, and stronger institutional credibility – far outweigh the initial challenges,” adds Dr. Goldman.

Classifying plants and process controllers

Process controllers are classified according to their training and experience, ranging from Class I (with basic training and limited experience) to Class VI (with extensive training and experience). Class I process controllers have limited responsibilities while Class V and Class VI process controllers hold a supervisor or management position and are in charge of quality control.

All treatment works are classified into five categories (A, B, C, D and E). This classification determines the level of expertise required from a process controller.

“If we were to liken a process controller to a driver, the classification of plants determine if a ‘Lewis Hamilton’ or person with code 10 licence is needed. A process controller working on an E Class works (a plant with very basic operating processes, a small design capacity that needs very little maintenance) could be a lower level. However, process controllers working on A Class works (a plant with large design capacity, using technology that serves a large population) would need Class V and Class VI process controllers,” explains van Staden.

He adds that, for example, a borehole in a rural area where the water has to be further disinfected and then distributed to a community will be classified as a treatment works.

“Everybody, no matter where they are, deserves to receive SANS 241 compliant water.”

The classification of a plant is aligned to its water use license. “Any water works that requires abstraction and/or discharge, requires authorisation under the National Water Act. Our Integrated Regulatory Information System (IRIS) handles processes for application for the works as well as registration,” states Muir.

Classification is based on a range of parameters:

• Technology
• design capacity
• complexity of the treatment process (such as reverse osmosis; absorption; ion exchange, Nereda
• operating procedures (such as coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, chlorination, reactor tanks, activated sludge processes)
• control processes (level, laboratory, pumps)
• if wastewater is treated for reuse and reclamation processes

A Class I process controller will typically coordinate, control and monitor the activities and operations of an E Works. They will collect wastewater samples as per sampling techniques and monitoring programmes.

In comparison, Class V process controllers manage plant personnel and shifts, finances and assets. They play a key role in process optimisation and water quality management.

“Through completing 30 points a year (and remaining compliant with Regulation 3630), a Class 0, I or II, process controller can complete an occupation certificate over six years, and be eventually elevated to a higher class,” states van Staden.

Regulation 3630 has mapped out requirements that must be met by process controllers to improve their class gradings.

How to comply

Owners of these works need to ensure their infrastructure is classified and the process controllers registered per works on the DWS’ Integrated Regulatory Information System.

For assistance please contact:

• Blue Drop Help Desk: Maryna Niemand, 012 336 6794, bluedrop@dws.gov.za
• Green Drop Help Desk: Ikageng Mashigo, 012 336 7371, mashigoI@dws.gov.za

As individuals, process controllers must register with WISA – the only custodian of the Professional Process Controller designation as awarded by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

WISA will not only ensure compliance with the relevant qualifications and experience needed in order to be registered as a Class V and Class VI professional but will look after the professional reputation of its members. They will assist process controllers in maintaining their professional status by honing their skills as well as providing guidance and support to new entrants into the field.

The registration is dependent on relevant qualifications, training and experience.

After a five-year period, process controllers will be compelled to re-register, showing an improvement in skill from additional training.

Pathways to certification

The National Qualifications Framework, professional credits and ‘grandparent process controllers’ are recognised.

“Grandparent process controllers are people who are employed at a water services institution or by a water services work owner as a process controller without formal qualifications between 27 December 1985 and 27 December 2005. They are registered with DWS as a class 0 and were subjected to a competency assessment. The grandparent class is site specific and non-transferrable to any other plant. Anyone appointed after 2005 does not qualify for the grandparent class,” adds Muir.

WISA and the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA) will work together with experts to help process controllers receive the required training to gain and maintain professional status.

“EWSETA’s programmes are demand-led. According to the recent Blue Drop Report, we have a shortfall of 1704 qualified process controllers for water treatment plants. We have therefore developed various upskilling programmes with WISA for process controllers that provide a pathway to give them their certifications,” explains Yusuf.

These include:

• Recognition of prior learning (RPL) interventions: Many process controllers have ample experience but lack the certifications. There is a recognition of prior learning intervention, ensuring seasoned operators can achieve professional registration without starting from scratch.
• Occupational qualification development: There are also longer courses for a candidacy programme for process controllers looking to upgrade to Class V and Class VI. EWSETA has facilitated the creation and registration of the Water Works Management (NQF Level 6) qualification to equip supervisors and managers with the skills needed to oversee treatment plants. We are also developing an NQF Level 8 Water Resource Management programme, aimed at training senior professionals in advanced water management techniques.

EWSETA, together with other strategic partners have developed a few key water sector accredited qualifications that include:

• Water reticulation manager course
• Water works management practitioner
• National certificate: water and wastewater process controller
• National certificate: water and wastewater treatment process operations
• National certificate: landscape irrigation
• Occupational trade in plumbing

There are opportunities for professional registration through funded projects with EWSETA and LGSETA. WISA also offers subsidised training for waterboards and municipalities.

“We have noted some concerns by process controllers over the fact that they are registered with DWS as Class V process controllers, but do not qualify as professional process controllers under the WISA requirements. There is an RPL registration process,” comments Melissa Cousins, operations manager, WISA.

Continuous professional development

Given the rapid technological advancements in the water sector, process controllers must continuously upgrade their skills and cannot afford to remain stagnant. Therefore, once registered, process controllers (much like engineers and doctors) will be required to maintain their competence through achieving 30 continuous professional development (CPD) points over a three year cycle.

CPD activities must be accredited with WISA and include, but are not limited to:

• Conferences
• Workshops
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Courses
• Colloquiums
• Online learning.

WISA has a specific membership aimed at municipalities, this membership includes the registration of two professional process controllers, further registrations may be provided at a reduced rate, helping municipalities meet the requirements of Regulation 3630. In addition to this municipalities will receive a number of benefits and will be given preferential access to funded CPD training to the benefit of registered professional engineers, scientists and process controllers to retain their professional status.

Currently, there are a number of initiatives to train process controllers, but there is little standardisation and uniformity with training.

“There are instances where process controllers – as part of their annual training requirement – may have done occupational health and safety training, but no training around water and wastewater treatment. We are rectifying this through the development of a minimum skills framework for the water sector, with a curriculum for on the job training,” says Muir.

Muir adds that minimum qualifications and experience will also be prescribed to water service authority (WSA) managers.

What if you do not comply?

“The Water Services Amendment Bill stipulates that failure to comply with the standards and regulations outlined in the Act constitutes an offence, punishable by fines ranging from R1 million to R10 million and five to ten years of imprisonment,” states Muir.

Furthermore, there is a water service provider licensing mechanism that is introduced in Amendment Bill, and the WSA applying for that license will be penalised and may not qualify to be licensed should they fail to register their process controllers, they will not receive a license.

“If municipalities want to stay in business as water service providers, they will have to comply with this Regulation,” adds Teslim Yusuf, executive: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA).

In conclusion Yusuf sums up Regulation 3630 aptly with a quote from the author Brian Herbert – ‘the capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill and the willingness to learn is a choice’.

EWSETA Water Occupational Qualifications

Registered with Quality Council For Trades and Occupations:

• Occupational Certificate: Industrial Water Plant Operator NQF 5
• Occupational Certificate: Industrial Water Process Controller NQF 6
• Occupational Certificate: Water Regulation Practitioner NQF 8
• Occupational Certificate: Water Works Management Practitioner NQF 6
• Occupational Certificate: Borehole Pump Operator NQF 7
• Occupational certificate: Water and Wastewater Process Control NQF 3

Under development:

• Occupational Certificate: Water Resource Management Practitioner NQF 8
• Skills Programme: Water Conservation Practitioner NQF 4
• Water Data Collector NQF 3
• Water Use Specialist NQF 7
• Water Control Officer NQF 6
• Higher Occupational Certificate: Sanitation Worker NQF 5

Difference between process controllers and professional process controllers

A process controller is more than someone who works at a water and wastewater treatment plant, it is a person who is responsible for the control and management of various processes that make up water and wastewater treatment plants.

A professional process controller is an individual with a higher level of competency that play a management or supervisory role at plants. They are governed by a code of conduct that ensure integrity and professional excellence in the water sector.