About Us

Provide persons engaged in the design, installation, maintenance, and regulation of onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal systems an association through which lawful efforts may be made towards solving problems of onsite wastewater with the result that the general public shall receive the highest possible standard of safe, sanitary and environmentally sound onsite wastewater service.
Provide a forum for research, exchange of ideas, information and technology among private industry, professionals and government policy makers and regulators.
Develop programs to further the education, training and certification of persons involved in design, installation, maintenance and regulation of onsite systems.
Actively participate in public and private efforts in development and acceptance of new and improved practices, policies, laws and regulations for onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal.
Develop, sponsor and support programs to improve onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal, including uniform standards for onsite technologies.
Participate as a member in other local, state or national associations with common needs, goals or purposes.
Provide for professional representation and contract for assistance and the ability to coordinate and respond to the common needs of members including, without limit, membership benefit programs.
To provide scholarships for students studying or preparing to work in the field of environmental sciences or other related fields that apply to onsite wastewater treatment, and other purposes.”

Our History

Established in 1994, the Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association (O2WA) serves as a unified voice for professionals, fostering skill development, promoting best practices, and ensuring environmental integrity. Our mission is to support members through education, professionalism, and environmental stewardship. Committed to integrity and public welfare, our code of ethics upholds the highest standards in the onsite wastewater industry. For more details, visit our website.

Purpose of the Organization

Establish a platform for professionals in onsite wastewater systems, ensuring the public receives safe and environmentally sound services.
Foster a space for research, idea exchange, and technology discussion among industry, professionals, and policymakers.
Develop education, training, and certification programs for onsite system professionals.
Actively contribute to the development of new practices, policies, and regulations for wastewater treatment.
Sponsor programs to enhance onsite wastewater treatment, maintaining uniform technology standards.
Collaborate with local, state, and national associations with similar objectives.
Undertake lawful activities essential for fulfilling association purposes, including membership benefit programs.
Provide professional representation, assistance, and coordination to meet members' needs.
Ensure no earnings benefit individuals, adhering to nonprofit status regulations.

Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association supports professionals in onsite wastewater systems and wastewater technology. Aligned with §501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, we focus on design, installation, maintenance, and regulation. Within these boundaries, the Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association aims to achieve the following objectives:

Facilitate Solutions: Support professionals in wastewater systems to ensure the public receives safe, sanitary, and eco-friendly onsite services.
Encourage Collaboration: Provide a platform for industry, professionals, and policymakers to share ideas, research, and technology.
Enhance Education: Develop programs for education, training, and certification of onsite system professionals.
Drive Progress: Actively engage in shaping new policies, practices, and regulations for wastewater treatment.
Promote Standards: Develop and sponsor programs to improve wastewater treatment, including uniform technology standards.
Collaborative Engagement: Participate in local, state, and national associations with shared objectives.
Professional Support: Provide representation, assistance, and coordinated responses to member needs, including benefit programs.
Foster Education: Offer scholarships for students in environmental sciences and related fields, contributing to onsite wastewater advancements.

Who are the Members?

Soil scientists
Regulators
Septic installers
Manufacturers
System designers/engineers
Educators
Environmental health specialists
Certified operation & maintenance providers
Septic tank pumpers
Service providers

Bylaws

O2WA Bylaws 2012

The governing documents of the O2WA include its Bylaws. Bylaws define the type of organization members have, its characteristics and establishing its operational framework. Bylaws state what rights members have within the organization, how much power the leaders have to make decisions and what limits of power are within its board and officers.

Thank you to those that served as the initial Board of Directors:

Hal Ball

Daniel Bush

Steve Wert

Mike Madson

Sandy Kenny

Terry Bounds

Alex Mauck

Get Involved!

Committees at O2WA, formed during the annual planning session, shape our direction. Members are encouraged to engage with:

Conference Committee: Organizes annual conference activities, speakers, and social events.
Continuing Education Committee: Plans training locations and schedules statewide education sessions.
Membership Committee: Implements strategies benefiting members.
Public Outreach Committee: Promotes O2WA and educates the public about rural Oregon's septic systems.
Rules Committee: Develops legislative strategies and organizes constituent groups for industry acceptance.
Scholarship Committee: Manages the Scholarship Program, overseeing procedures, policies, advertising, and winner recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Board of Directors

Publications