The AOWMA has delivered presentations on the proper operation and maintenance of onsite wastewater systems to homeowners at various ratepayer meetings around the province for several years.  These presentations stress the importance of proper design and installation of onsite wastewater systems by certified contractors as well as pointing out the need for ongoing maintenance.

Over the past couple of years, the association has been working with the Land Stewardship Centre to further develop this homeowner presentation, formalize it and seek ongoing funding for its delivery.  This is a process that the Land Stewardship Centre has had significant success with.  The LSC is the organization that developed the Working Wells program in Alberta and the Green Acreages Guide for rural landowners.

During March and April of this year, the AOWMA delivered a series of this new homeowner education program in several counties in the province as part of a pilot program.  The feedback from this series of presentations has been extremely positive.  Sessions were well attended and in some jurisdictions, a wait list for a secondary presentation had to be implemented.

The next step involves seeking ongoing funding for the program from a variety of provincial and municipal stakeholders.  Ongoing public education will help to assure sustainability of the onsite wastewater industry.

To-date, presentations have been made in the following counties and municipal districts:

· Leduc/Wetaskiwin Counties	· County of Greenview
· Red Deer County	· Yellowhead County
· Wheatland County	· Strathcona County
· Clearwater County