For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:

(1) BOARD. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

(2) CERTIFICATE. The certificate of competency issued by the director stating that the operator has met the requirements for the specified operator classification of the certification program.

(3) DIRECTOR. The Director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

(4) OPERATOR. The person on duty who has direct responsibility for the operation of a water treatment plant, water distribution system, public wastewater collection system, or wastewater treatment plant.

(5) PUBLIC WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM. The system of pipes, structures, and facilities through which wastewater, municipal sewage, or wastes of a liquid nature is received, collected, stored, transported, or delivered into a wastewater treatment plant.

(6) TRAINEE. The person on duty who has direct responsibility for the operation of a water treatment plant, water distribution system, public wastewater collection system, or wastewater treatment plant and is serving in a training capacity for a maximum of one year without a certificate.

(7) WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. The facility or group of units used for the treatment of wastewater from public wastewater collection systems and for the reduction or handling of solids removed from such wastewater.

(8) WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS. That portion of the water supply system in which water is conveyed from the water treatment plant or other supply point to the premises of the consumer.

(9) WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM. The system of pipes, structures, and facilities through which a public water supply is obtained, treated and sold, or distributed for human consumption or household use, as defined by subdivision (12) of Section 22-23-31.

(10) WATER TREATMENT PLANT. That portion of the water supply system which in some way alters the physical, chemical, or bacteriological quality of the water.