In 1977, the Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) was designated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) as the Illinois center for the continuing education of personnel involved in the operation, maintenance and management of drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.

In 1983/84, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency additionally designated ERTC to train Illinois licensed plumbers and Illinois certified water operators to become IEPA certified Cross-Connection Control Device Inspectors.

ERTC courses are designed to assist both entry level personnel who are preparing for a career in drinking water and wastewater treatment systems and persons already employed in such systems who desire education to upgrade job skills, obtain advanced certification levels and prepare for more responsible positions. Also, the ERTC offers courses for licensed plumbers in cross connection control or backflow prevention.

Persons who complete ERTC courses are awarded continuing education units (CEUs) by the University and receive education credits applicable to official certification as drinking water or wastewater treatment system operators or in cross connection control under requirements administered by the IEPA.