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Onsite Wastewater Practitioner
Field Training/Workshops

Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training (OWTS)

Build expertise and open the door to new opportunities in the onsite wastewater industry. Walk away with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and field experience required to work in the industry.

Why Choose This Program?
  • Start learning immediately with self-study modules upon registration
  • Engage with instructors during live, virtual training sessions
  • Hands-on field training ensures you apply what you’ve learned
  • Build practical skills you can apply immediately on the job
  • Nationally and provincially recognized certification through the New West Partnership Agreement and the Canadian Free Trade Agreement
About the Program

Part One – Start Learning Immediately

When you register, your program materials are accessible right away, so you can begin self-study immediately. This early preparation sets you up for success before moving into the next stage of training.

Part  Two – Learn From Experts in Real Time

Following your self-study, you’ll participate in eight days of scheduled online classes with experienced instructors. These live sessions give you the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and solidify your understanding of key principles.

Part Three – Apply Your Skills in the Field

Attend a Site & Soil Evaluation Field Workshop. This one-day, hands-on training allows you to put your knowledge into practice under the guidance of an industry professional. Offered during the installation season.

Who This Program Is For

Perfect for:

  • Contractors, landscapers & excavators expanding services
  • New entrants to the trades
  • Those wanting to level up to be a Safety Codes Officer/Private Sewage Inspector 
  • Entrepreneurs starting a business

No prior experience required — just a willingness to learn!

What You’ll Learn

Ø  Site & soil evaluation

Ø  Designing onsite wastewater systems

Ø  Installing & maintaining onsite wastewater systems

Ø  Inspecting & troubleshooting existing systems 

Training Registration: 

The OWTS Program Offers Ongoing Registration – START ANYTIME

Click to register - AOWMA OWTS Training
Scheduled virtual dates
  • May 12-15 and May 26-29, 2026
  • Jul. 6-9 and Jul. 20-23, 2026
  • Nov. 3-6 and Nov. 17-20, 2026
Program Tuition

  • Member: $ 4461.82

  • Non-Member: $5277.67

Includes GST, learning material, live training and field day. 

view program guide
Other Out of Province Training Opportunities:
View SOWMA OWTS Training*
View WCOWMA-BC OWTS Training*

*This training is recognized across Canada. Out of province students may be required to complete additional steps to certification through their home province.

For questions, contact our office:

780-489-7471

rebecca@aowma.com

Meet the Trainers
Barry Bohn
Lanny Laroche
Daniel Morris
Chad Widmer

Field Training / Workshops

SOP Update

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Site & Soils Evaluation Field Days

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Mound Installation Field Day

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Installation field
day workshop

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Maintenance provider Parts I & II

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Virtual Classroom
New dates will be posted soon.
Check back regularly for updates.

Maintenance Provider Practical Two-Day Workshop

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Dates & Location:
Practical day session details coming soon. Check back regularly for updates.

 

questions

Contact
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Barry Bohn

Barry is a Professional Engineer with over 40 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry in Alberta. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, both from the University of Manitoba.

After 18 years of dedicated service in the public sector, Barry founded a water and wastewater consulting firm based in Calgary. He has been an active member of the Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association (AOWMA) for over two decades and has played a key role in the development of the AOWMA’s training program and its delivery since 2002. Barry taught the first training class in 2003 and has not looked back. He has authored several training modules, including updates to reflect changes introduced in each new edition of the Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice.

Barry has contributed to the evolution of industry standards as a member of the working groups for both the 2009 and 2021 Alberta Standards. He currently serves as Chair of the CSA B66 Subcommittee. Committed to innovation and sustainability, Barry is currently involved in initiatives that aim to advance the onsite wastewater industry, including the development of reclaimed water reuse projects.

Lanny LAroche

Lanny Laroche is a Professional Engineer and a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA). With over two decades of engineering experience, he now specializes in residential and commercial decentralized wastewater systems throughout Alberta.

Lanny earned his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia in 2003. He began his career in Alberta’s oil and gas industry before transitioning to the onsite wastewater sector in southern Alberta, where he has established a distinguished career. For the past 15 years, Lanny has been an instructor with the Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association (AOWMA), actively involved in both teaching and shaping the curriculum.

Driven by a passion for education and innovation, Lanny focuses on designing advanced onsite wastewater treatment systems that emphasize sustainability and efficiency. As a leader in his field, he is committed to advancing best practices in wastewater management and delivering innovative, client-focused solutions that support sustainable development across the industry.

Daniel Morris

Daniel Morris has developed extensive expertise in onsite wastewater systems through a hands-on career spanning over two decades. Beginning his work with heavy equipment in the Canmore area at a young age, Daniel transitioned into onsite wastewater installation upon moving to High River in 1991.

With a growing interest in soils and system design, Daniel deepened his knowledge by collaborating with soil experts, engaging in extensive self-study and additional training. For nearly two decades, he has specialized exclusively in soils evaluations and septic system designs, supporting installers across Alberta on both residential and commercial projects.

Daniel enjoys mentoring new professionals and has been actively involved with the Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association (AOWMA) as an instructor since 2007, soon after graduating from the program himself. Drawing on his extensive soil expertise, he leads students as they assess soil structure, texture, and consistence; hand texture soil samples; recognize site limitations; and record important site details during the required Site and Soil Evaluation Field Day. His commitment to the industry is evident for he has also served 7 terms as an AOWMA Board member, including a Vice President role.

He has also contributed to the evolution of industry standards by participating in the working groups for the 2009, 2015, 2021 editions of the Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice and is dedicated to evolving AOWMA’s training curriculum.

Chad Widmer

As a business owner specializing in onsite wastewater system design, Chad brings practical industry expertise into every training session.

Chad has been an instructor with the Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association (AOWMA) since 2015. He also guides students through a hands-on Site and Soil Evaluation Field Day, a required component of the AOWMAs training program. Here he oversees and supports students in evaluating soil structure, texture, and consistence; hand texturing soil samples; identifying site constraints and logging key site characteristics on their site assessment.

Passionate about education and mentorship, Chad enjoys connecting with students and supporting their development in the onsite wastewater field. His interest in global practices has taken him to several U.S. states, as well as Europe and Africa, to explore how wastewater is managed in diverse regions and to study innovative technologies. He brings these international perspectives into the classroom and field, enriching the learning experience for all participants.

Chad is committed to ensuring students receive high-quality, practical knowledge that supports their success in the industry.

Standard Of Practice Update

Current Status:

At this time, there are no additional Standard of Practice updates required beyond the 2021 update.

Please stay tuned for future updates should new revisions to the Standard of Practice or additional training requirements be introduced.

Site & Soils Evaluation Field Days

Site and Soils Evaluation Field Days are offered for those interested in learning more about performing detailed site visits and designing systems for difficult situations and soils. These training workshops provide information on assessing soil structure, texture, and consistence, assessing site conditions and constraints, logging information and applying that knowledge to the design of onsite wastewater systems. This provides a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience evaluating a site, as well as practicing hand texturing and sampling. These field workshops are a requirement for those completing the Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training Program and also add value for experienced designers and installers wishing to continue their education.

Dates to be Announced

Mound Installation Field Day

This practical training workshop is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience building a sand treatment mound.

Practitioners who have recently completed the Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training Program will be able to take their new knowledge and apply it on-site. Experienced designers and installers should also consider this opportunity to continue their education.

Dates to be Announced

Install Training Field Day

Installation Field Days provide new and experienced installers with the opportunity to learn new techniques and installation practices.  Field days may be offered for systems such as subsurface trench systems either gravity or pressure distribution, LFH At-Grades, or even something as simple as an open discharge (surface discharge or jet) depending on the site and soils available and the regulatory framework.

Dates to be Announced

Maintenance Provider Parts I & II

WCOWMA is partnering with WCOWMA-BC to offer a four-day virtual training program designed to help maintenance providers expand their knowledge and certification in onsite wastewater system operations.

This highly recognized training program is divided into two parts.

It is geared towards those with prior knowledge of onsite wastewater treatment systems and who wish to expand upon existing knowledge to provide more comprehensive maintenance services.

Part 1 – Introduction to Operation and Maintenance

Participants will learn about:

  • Business aspects of operation and maintenance including: site safety, contracts, and tools of the trade
  • Maintenance assessments and troubleshooting issues of conventional systems, including trenches, beds, mounds, and at-grades
  • Introduction to aerobic tank system

Part 2 – Advanced Operation and Maintenance

Participants will build upon Part 1 concepts and expand their scope to include maintenance and troubleshooting for:

  • Aerobic Treatment Systems
  • Drip irrigation
  • Single-pass and re-circulating media filters
  • Various dosing schematics working with control panels
  • Business Practice Review for Maintenance Providers

Each part concludes with an exam to evaluate understanding and certify successful completion. Registration includes all 4 days.

Certification

  • Earn your Maintenance Provider Certificate after completing all 4 days

Recognition and Listing

  • Gain visibility on the WCOWMA Locate-a-Pro webpage, connecting you directly with homeowners looking for certified Maintenance Practitioners
  • Position yourself as the go-to expert in onsite wastewater system operations and maintenance in your area
  • Apply for your Maintenance Provider ROWP Stamp with ASTTBC if you ever plan to work in BC
Registration Is Now Closed

Dates to be Announced

Maintenance Provider Practical One-Day Workshop

This two-day workshop will focus on the assessment, maintenance, and repair of onsite wastewater systems. Prior to the two days of practical training in the field, students will participate in a webinar to review the maintenance requirements in the SPM, along with ASTTBC’s practice guidelines for Maintenance Provider. Following the two days of practical training in the field, students will participate in a webinar to review proper maintenance assessment reports.

Five onsite wastewater systems will be assessed, and recommendations for maintenance and repair provided to the homeowner. These five systems will include both Type 1 and Type 2 gravity, Type 2 pressure and potentially a Type 3 system.

Students will be able to use this training toward needed experience quotas, and/or professional development credits. 

Course Outcomes

  • Review of the maintenance requirements under the Sewerage System Regulation – webinar
  • Review of the maintenance requirements of the Standard Practice Manual – webinar
  • Overview of the reporting documentation for maintenance inspection – webinar
  • Maintenance processes and procedures for Type 1, 2 & 3 systems – practical field training

Dates & Location:
Practical day session details coming soon. Check back regularly for updates.
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