1. NOWRA ACADEMY
Curriculum
CourseS

2. NOWRA National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
601 Wythe Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Toll Free (800) 966-2942
fax (703) 535-5263
www.nowra.org | service@nowra.org | EVENTS CALENDAR
Design by Bio-Microbics, Inc. Marketing Department

3. TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT NOWRA ..............................................................................................................................4
NATIONAL ONSITE WASTEWATER RECYCLING ASSOCIATION (NOWRA) MISSION ...........................4
WHAT WE DO ................................................................................................................................5
WEBSITE........................................................................................................................................5
RESOURSES...................................................................................................................................6
RESOURCE LIBRARY .......................................................................................................................6
NEWSLETTER .................................................................................................................................6
LEADERSHIP...................................................................................................................................6
INSTALLER ACADEMY......................................................................................................................6
PROGRAMS & SERVICES.....................................................................................................................7
ERRORS/OMISSIONS INSURANCE FOR DESIGNERS/INSPECTORS .......................................................7
EQUIPMENT LOAN DISCOUNTS ........................................................................................................7
OFFICE SUPPLIES DISCOUNTS ........................................................................................................7
ANNUAL CONFERENCE....................................................................................................................7
ROE-D-HOE® COMPETITIONS .........................................................................................................7
SEPTIC LOCATOR ...............................................................................................................................8
MODEL PERFORMANCE CODE .............................................................................................................8
STATE AFFILIATES SUPPORT...............................................................................................................9
NOWRA BUSINESS BENEFIT PROGRAM (BBP) .................................................................................10
NOWRA GOLD BUSINESS BENEFIT SPONSORS .......................................................................10
EPA’S SEPTICSMART PROGRAM: SEPTIC (ONSITE / DECENTRALIZED) SYSTEMS .................................10
COURSES
COURSE: ONSITE A TO Z .................................................................................................................12
COURSE: BASICS OF ONSITE WASTEWATER......................................................................................14
COURSE: CHOOSING THE CORRECT SYSTEM TO FIT THE SITE .............................................................16
COURSE: EARTHEN STRUCTURES .....................................................................................................18
COURSE: HIGH STRENGTH WASTE...................................................................................................20
COURSE: HYDRAULICS.....................................................................................................................22
COURSE: INSTALLER PROGRAM ........................................................................................................24
COURSE: TROUBLESHOOTING ONSITE SYSTEMS ................................................................................26
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4. ABOUT NOWRA
“To strengthen and promote the onsite and decentralized wastewater industry through activities that
support recognition and promotion of professionalism for industry practitioners; implementation of
best management practices throughout the industry that provide sustainable wastewater
infrastructure solutions; achieve greater public awareness of the economic, environmental, and
public health benefits of onsite and decentralized facilities; and to serve the public interest.”
The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) is the largest organization
within the U.S. dedicated to educating and representing members within the onsite and
decentralized industry. Our members include educators, regulators, engineers, contractors,
manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and other parties in the protection of North America’s
water resources and environment. All segments of the industry are represented on NOWRA’s
Board of Directors that provide broad perspectives to promote and sustain our industry and
service to the public. NOWRA headquarters is located in Alexandria, Virginia, with local
constituent groups throughout the U.S. and Canada. (See the current list of affiliated state
organizations).
NOWRA was founded in 1992 to educate and serve its members and the public by promoting
sound federal, state, and local policies, to improve standards of practice, and increase public
recognition of the need for and benefits of onsite and decentralized wastewater
infrastructure. Decentralized systems provide effective and more affordable wastewater
treatment solutions where traditional central sewerage systems might be impractical or
unsuitable. These systems can sustainably serve a single home, a neighborhood, or an entire
community including commercial and industrial facilities.
Decentralized wastewater treatment systems are an effective solution to protecting water
quality. They are a valuable component of watershed management plans and sustainable
development programs. Onsite and decentralized wastewater treatment systems can benefit
both urban and rural areas by providing affordable solutions and reducing risk to the environment
in unusual situations and difficult locations. These systems can provide optimal water
management to homes, businesses and industrial centers. Their recycling capability can support
water resource management goals in many arid areas of the country. Their use can support
municipal wastewater treatment infrastructure by providing options for pretreatment and sewer
mining and provide an alternative when centralized plants have reached or exceeded capacity.
Wastewater Recycling Opportunities

5. WHAT WE DO
NOWRA provides a national forum to address the challenges facing our industry. We provide
education and training programs for professionals and bring uniformity to the industry. As the
national educational resource and clearinghouse for onsite and decentralized systems and
promoter of best management practices, NOWRA plays a lead role in state and federal legislative
initiatives to protect water sources, human health, and the environment. NOWRA works to
educate the public and policy makers about the advantages and benefits of onsite and
decentralized wastewater management and serves as an advocate at the federal, state and local
levels to encourage legislative and regulatory changes that facilitate expanded use of these
systems (See NOWRA’s Model Code Framework.) Additionally, NOWRA creates new market
and business opportunities for its members through conferences and networking events, while
increasing the awareness about how onsite systems protect public health and the environment.
NOWRA WEBSITE WWW.NOWRA.ORG
Your first stop for onsite industry information! A comprehensive resource for all segments of the
industry, search an extensive collection of industry research, latest industry news, important
reference materials organized by professional specialty and area of interest, calendar of industry
events, and much more! Plus, search industry professionals on the Septic Locator – a great
resource to help people identify companies who can help them!

6. RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT WWW.NOWRA.ORG
Homeowner Information
Research
State Regulations &
Resources
Resources for Industry
Professionals
Industry Data
Technology
Policy
Financing
Industry Suppliers
Commercial/Community
Wastewater Treatment
RESOURCE LIBRARY
NOWRA's Resource Library is intended to be a one-stop portal to help you identify critical
information online which can help you manage your business. Published industry research, How-
to manuals, regulations, financing, public outreach materials, and archived training materials are
among the valuable items contained in this always growing library.
NEWSLETTER
NOWRA E-News is delivered directly to your email in-box, delivering the latest news on national
and regional developments affecting our industry. For an archive of recent editions of E-News,
click here.
LEADERSHIP
NOWRA provides all members with opportunities to have a voice in its affairs. Whether you
express that by voting in NOWRA's Board of Directors elections, participating in our Annual
Meeting, commenting on proposals, volunteering your time on a committee or task force, or
simply sharing your views with a board member, NOWRA welcomes and encourages your
involvement in our activities. The greater the involvement of its members, the stronger our
industry becomes, and the better we are able to work to positively shape its future.
NOWRA INSTALLER ACADEMY
NOWRA has established the Installer Academy as the national educational entity for the
decentralized wastewater industry to ensure that quality training programs are available for all
industry practitioners. By participating in NOWRA’s Education Programs, members gain a learned
foundation that continuously builds personal and professional opportunities.
THE COURSES CONTAINED IN THIS CATALOG focus on the procedures and practices for
installation, operation, maintenance and trouble-shooting of onsite systems, and typically qualify
for continuing education credits.

7. PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Contact the NOWRA Office at 800-966-2942 or by email for other benefits.
New benefits are being evaluated and will be added in the coming months.
ERRORS/OMISSIONS INSURANCE FOR DESIGNERS/INSPECTORS
NOWRA has endorsed Alteris' SeptiCover Errors & Omissions coverage for designers and
inspectors of septic systems. Alteris has been involved in the septic system industry for more
than a decade, and their SeptiCover E&O package offers extremely affordable premiums for
members providing design and or inspection services.
EQUIPMENT LOAN DISCOUNTS
NOWRA has partnered with Wells Fargo to provide discounts on interest rates and document
fees for equipment purchases in excess of $50,000 for Members. Wells Fargo’s Specialty
Vehicles Div offers members a quarter percent discount (25 basis points) off prevailing interest
rate for purchases of vehicles or related equipment financed through their division. If the going
rate is 6%, NOWRA members will be able to apply for a loan at a 5.75% rate. In addition, Wells
Fargo will reduce its document fees charge from $500 to $350. Over the life of a $50,000 loan
financed for five years, the savings for NOWRA members would be approximately $500.00. As
with any loan request, applicants must still qualify for financing under the terms and conditions of
the lending authority.
This membership benefit is unique for NOWRA members. No other onsite association is able to
offer this discount to its members. Click here to take advantage of this member’s only program.
OFFICE SUPPLIES DISCOUNTS
NOWRA has teamed with Office Depot to bring your business a better office supply solution.
Office Depot Discount Application and Information
Join us at our next ANNUAL TECHNICAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE!
Find out how you can be involved!
Visit us at www.nowra.org or contact us at 1-800-966-2942
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
NOWRA brings together industry leaders from
around the country. Through technical and plenary
sessions, field trips, and discussions with industry
vendors, participants have the opportunity to better
understand how innovative onsite/decentralized
technologies, management approaches, and policies
are being implemented today.
ROE-D-HOE® COMPETITIONS
Held annually at the Pumper Show, this competition
is intended to showcase the skills of contractors and
the equipment they operate. NOWRA sanctions a
number of state Roe-D-Hoe® competitions; the state
winners are automatically entered into the National
finals held during the next Pumper Show.

8. SEPTIC LOCATOR
Every NOWRA member receives a free
listing on the Septic Locator (the only
national, searchable directory of providers of
onsite wastewater management services).
Your listing is controlled by you -- you can
change contact information, services offered
and other information in real time.
Search listings under the following
Categories: Academic/Educator,
Builder/Developer, Compliance Monitor,
Consultant/Designer, Consulting Engineer,
Contractor, Engineer, Environmentalist, Equipment
Manufacturer, Government/Regulatory Official,
Inspector/Waste Hauler, Installer, Laboratory
Services Provider, Maintenance Provider,
Manufacturer, Operation/Maintenance, Operator,
Pumper, Realty/Mortgage Service Provider,
Registered Sanitarian, Researcher, Septic Inspector,
Service Provider, Site Evaluator, Soil Evaluator, Soil
Scientist, Soil Tester, Supplier, System Designer,
Tank Manufacturer/Supplier, Waste Transporter,
Wholesale Distributor…
MODEL PERFORMANCE CODE
NOWRA offers a MODEL PERFORMANCE CODE produced by members of the National Onsite
Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA), volunteering their professional and technical
expertise. This work is intended to accomplish the following objectives.
Promote the rationalization of regulations across political boundaries with
performance and science based code provisions.
Establish an efficient method with which to evaluate and deploy new onsite
wastewater treatment processes.
Create a methodology to integrate decentralized wastewater treatment standard
setting mechanisms within the U.S.E.P.A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
program, and
Advance the professionalism of industry participants through education, training and
certification.

9. STATE AFFILIATES
NOWRA works to support its state organizations in a variety of ways:
Carolina Onsite Water
Recycling Association, Inc.
FOWAFlorida Onsite Wastewater Association
Kansas Smallflows
Organization
Michigan Onsite Wastewater
Recycling Association (MOWRA)
Missouri Smallflows
Organization
-POWRAPennsylvania Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association

10. NOWRA BUSINESS BENEFIT PROGRAM (BBP)
NOWRA is supported through the Business Benefit Programs NOWRA greatly appreciates
the commitment and support of Industry Sponsors through our “Business Benefit Program”
(BBP) members.
NOWRA GOLD BUSINESS BENEFIT SPONSORS
EPA’S SEPTICSMART PROGRAM: SEPTIC
(ONSITE / DECENTRALIZED) SYSTEMS
Did you know that one-quarter of all U.S. homes have
septic systems? Yours may be one of them. If you’re
not properly maintaining your septic system, you’re
not only hurting the environment, you’re putting your
family’s health at risk—and may be flushing
thousands of dollars down the drain!
EPA’s SepticSmart initiative is a nation-wide public
education effort that aims to inform homeowners
living on properties serviced by septic systems on the
importance of properly maintaining their septic
system and provide valuable resources to help
homeowners make important decisions regarding their wastewater management needs.
The initiative also provides resources for outreach organizations and government leaders
who seek promote this message locally.
Contact SepticSmart Staff:
Phone: (202) 564-1162
E-mail: decentralized@epa.gov

12. COURSE: ONSITE A TO Z
HOURS: 6-24 hours
The topics presented in this class:
Fundamental building blocks for both the general
understanding of the industry and applications in day to
day.
From the brand new service technician to the seasoned
local inspector there is something for everyone.
Participants will understand how wastewater is treated; the
differences between various onsite technologies; recognize
important site considerations; and comprehend key factors
in collection and management of wastewater for
decentralized systems. The Onsite A to Z course can be
modified in length to suit the audience.

14. COURSE: BASICS OF ONSITE WASTEWATER
HOURS: 6 hours
The topics presented in this class:
The foundation of installing, inspecting, designing and
understanding onsite wastewater systems is covered in this
class.
Learn the basic biology of wastewater and how soils can
change and treat effluent. Become familiar with
“wastewater math” and remove the fears of calculating tank
capacity, pump down, gallons per inch and much more.
Review conventional systems, old/new, and even get a look
at alternative wastewater systems. This is a very
comprehensive one day class that will give you a solid
understanding and foundation for future classes. This is a
one day (6 hour) class.

16. COURSE: CHOOSING THE CORRECT
SYSTEM TO FIT THE SITE
HOURS: 3 hours
The topics presented in this class
Do you find yourself stuck in a rut when it comes to
designing or installing system? Have you become
comfortable with one or two systems and avoid others? The
customer deserves the best for their site.
Understanding a wide variety of onsite systems and how
each one best fits the conditions will allow you to present
the best solutions to the customer. This class will introduce
you to the “Onsite Café Menu” of systems, from the simple
and least expensive to the most advanced systems. This
will allow you to become a more knowledgeable provider
and expand your profit opportunities. This is a ½ day (3
hour) class

18. COURSE: EARTHEN STRUCTURES
HOURS: 6 hours
The topics presented in this class:
Working with onsite systems requires a good understanding
of using soil as a construction material.
This class will cover onsite lagoons, constructed wetlands,
at-grade systems and curtain drains. The best designed
system can be compromised by improper handling of the
soil component. Learn how to keep this most important part
of the onsite system working for you, not against you. This
is a 1 day (6 hour) class.

20. COURSE: HIGH STRENGTH WASTE
HOURS: 12 hours
The topics presented in this class:
There are many reasons why an onsite wastewater
treatment system may not effectively accept and treat
wastewater.
While wastewater strength may not be the cause for
malfunction, it can certainly compound the problem and
must be addressed in crafting the solution. This workshop
is designed to provide specific guidance to determine if
organic and/or hydraulic loading is higher than expected
from typical residential or commercial sources. The
designer and service provider must consider not only the
wastewater source, but also the treatment capability of the
technologies. Additionally, the long-term operation and
maintenance needs of the system must be addressed to
ensure effective onsite wastewater treatment. This is a 2
day (12 hour) class.

22. COURSE: HYDRAULICS
HOURS: 6 hours
The topics presented in this class:
Many onsite systems are now using pumps to perform
different tasks.
Understanding how to read a pump curve, create a systems
curve and determine friction loss in a pressure system will
be covered in this class. You will also learn how to
determine “total dynamic head (TDH)” and “gallons per
minute (GPM)”, the two most important things when sizing
a pump. More and more onsite systems are being designed
by engineers. Installation contractors and onsite system
inspectors will find it important to be able to discuss the
hydraulics of these systems with the engineer. This is a one
day (6 hour) class.

24. COURSE: INSTALLER PROGRAM
HOURS:
The topics presented in this class:
There is a critical need for education of decentralized
wastewater system installers to assure sound, long-lasting
construction for all types of systems.
This course covers business models and ethics, soil and site
characteristics, installation techniques and material for
installing a range of systems from pretreatment units to
drainfield components. The Installer Program is a great
preparation for the National Environmental Health
Association (NEHA) exam for the Certified Installer of
Wastewater Treatment Systems credential.

26. COURSE: TROUBLESHOOTING ONSITE
SYSTEMS
HOURS: 6 hours
The topics presented in this class:
Troubleshooting onsite systems is no different than
troubleshooting Apollo 13 in some respects.
This course will help you understand the onsite system
“treatment train” and how the components work together
from the house to final dispersal. But this course will also
help you use the same troubleshooting techniques that
“Mission Control” or a “brain surgeon” would use to
narrow down the options and finally pinpoint the problem.
Take this course to make your troubleshooting visit
efficient and effective. Learn how to “run the rope” and
eliminate the guess work when troubleshooting. This is a
one day (6 hour) class.

28. NOWRA National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
601 Wythe Street Alexandria, VA 22314
Toll Free (800) 966-2942
fax (703) 535-5263
www.nowra.org | service@nowra.org | EVENTS CALENDAR
Design by Bio-Microbics, Inc. Marketing Department