Who Are We?
The SOWMA Onsite Wastewater Management of Saskatchewan (SOWMA) is a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to support its member authorized persons in providing safe and effective wastewater management for landowners. We do this by delivering in-class and field training opportunities for onsite practitioners, providing networking and learning opportunities for industry stakeholders, forging positive relationships with local and provincial regulators, and educating the public. SOWMA’s operating budget is entirely funded through its programs and membership fees.
SOWMA is a provincial chapter of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association (WCOWMA). WCOWMA is registered federally as a not-for-profit corporation.
What Services Do We Provide?
- Advocacy for the onsite wastewater industry
- The Association communicates and works with the industry and regulatory authorities to help professionalize and improve service delivery to people in Saskatchewan who live in unsewered areas.
- Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training
- Although those working in the onsite wastewater industry in Saskatchewan do not technically have to complete a training program, the regulation and guideline require them to be qualified. With the changes in technology and the basis of system design in soil science, training in this discipline is needed in order to be meet the regulatory requirements and understand how to apply the guide. The SOWMA training program has been formally recognized by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health since 2010.
- Field Training
- To improve the quality of installation in the Province, the Association hosts Site and Soil Evaluation Days and when available, System Installation Days. These opportunities to gain hands-on experience promote better installation practices and a higher level of understanding about how wastewater is treated in the soil profile.
- Education Days
- SOWMA provides annual education days to the onsite wastewater community, to bring health officers and contractors together to discuss industry concerns, new rules, regulations, and standards, review system design and introduce new technologies.
- Public Education
- The Association’s Septic Sense program provides homeowners with information on how to operate and maintain their onsite wastewater system to improve performance and longevity.
- System Design Review
- The Association provides system design review services for contractors who need help, information, or resources to ensure their designs meet the regulatory requirements. This service is also available for Health Officers with questions about a permit application that is under review.
- Consulting and Resources
- The Association is available to provide consulting services and resources to help promote and maintain the quality of onsite wastewater systems being designed and installed in Saskatchewan.
We are here for you; not for profit – contact us at info@sowma.ca or toll free at 855-872-2650
