(a) In order to safeguard the public health, all water system operators of community and certain noncommunity public water systems from which water is sold, distributed, or otherwise offered for human consumption, whether such water systems are publicly or privately owned and operated, shall be licensed and certified as competent by the Department of Health under the provisions of this chapter and under such rules as the State Board of Health may adopt under the provisions of this chapter.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person, municipality, political subdivision, corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or any authority that furnishes water for domestic consumption to operate any type of community public water system, nontransient noncommunity public water system, or any other noncommunity public water system utilizing a surface water or surface water-influenced source, unless the water system operator in charge is duly licensed and certified competent by the department.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to perform the duties of a water system operator without being duly licensed or to falsely represent himself or herself as a licensed water system operator.
(d) It shall also be unlawful for any public or private official, not duly licensed, to attempt to influence the judgment of a licensed water system operator in matters where the public health may be involved unless this official is an authorized representative of the department.