Protecting Public Health Through Certified Coatings Professionals:
Why CAS Level II Matters for Municipal Water Systems
Across the United States, aging municipal water infrastructure poses mounting challenges to public health, safety, and cost management. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the U.S. will need to invest over $1 trillion in drinking water systems over the next 25 years to maintain and expand service. Corrosion-related damage is a major contributor to infrastructure degradation, accounting for more than $50 billion annually in direct costs alone.
For municipal water system operators, prevention is the most cost-effective strategy. That’s where certified professionals in industrial coatings application play a vital role. The SSPC-ACS 1/NACE No. 13 Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist Qualification and Certification—also known as ACS-1—is the global standard for qualifying craftworkers responsible for protecting steel and concrete structures. These include the tanks, pipelines, and treatment facilities vital to clean, safe water delivery.
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) supports this standard through its Coating Application Specialist (CAS) certification program, which includes two tiers: CAS Level I and CAS Level II. The State of Illinois, through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), has embraced the ACS-1 standard and incorporated CAS certification into its corrosion prevention framework for community water supplies.
But what is the difference between these two levels of certification, and what level of expertise should municipal water system operators demand in the performance of critical infrastructure maintenance and corrosion prevention work?
CAS Level I: Foundational Learning, Not Independent Operation
While important as a step toward advanced, experience-based certification, CAS Level I is designed for those entering the field. These trainees typically have limited experience and must pass a basic skills and comprehension exam, along with a written test covering trade fundamentals. Importantly, they are not certified to work independently and must be supervised by a CAS Level II professional.
CAS Level II: Certified for Critical Infrastructure
CAS Level II certification ensures that a worker has both the technical knowledge and the practical expertise to perform corrosion control work on critical infrastructure. To qualify, candidates must pass a comprehensive written exam, demonstrate proficiency through a hands-on performance test, and meet experience thresholds—either 3,000 hours of fieldwork with 450 hours of formal training, or six years of verified experience.
This certification is especially critical in municipal water systems, where improper application of coatings can lead to corrosion, leakage, contamination, and ultimately service disruption. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 240,000 water main breaks occur each year in the United States, with corrosion playing a central role. Each break can cost between $3,000 and $50,000 in direct repair expenses, not including the risk to water quality.
Health, Safety, and Cost Control: The CAS Level II Advantage
Certified CAS Level II professionals are trained to ensure proper surface preparation and coating application, which extends the life of infrastructure, reduces maintenance frequency, and safeguards water quality. By using certified applicators, municipalities can significantly reduce the lifecycle costs of tanks, piping, and other assets. For instance, studies show that every dollar spent on corrosion prevention can save up to four dollars in future repairs and downtime.
Beyond cost, public health is at stake. Inadequate maintenance of water infrastructure has been linked to contamination events involving lead, pathogens, and chemical pollutants. Ensuring that corrosion control is carried out by certified experts like CAS Level II professionals is a vital component of a safe water supply system.
CAS and the American Infrastructure Network
Incorporating CAS Level II professionals into municipal water system maintenance strategies is more than a best practice—it’s a necessity. Their certification verifies that they possess the training, experience, and accountability needed to protect critical assets, minimize operating costs, and preserve public health.
The American Infrastructure Network (AIN) supports CAS certification and demands adherence to AMPP standards among all its certified industrial coatings contractors.
To learn more about CAS certification or how the AIN Asset Protection Program can help your community enhance its water infrastructure resiliency, visit aminfrastructure.com or contact Todd Dotson, Executive Director, at tdotson@aminfrastructure.com.