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Onsite Wastewater Practitioner
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Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training (OWTS)

Saskatchewan Private Sewage Works Amendments Regulatory Changes Coming November 1, 2026

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 & Soils Field Evaluation 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
  • Entrepreneurs starting a business

No prior experience required — just a willingness to learn!

What You’ll Learn
  • Site & soil evaluation
  • Designing onsite wastewater systems
  • Installing & maintaining onsite wastewater systems
  • Inspecting & troubleshooting existing systems

Training Registration:

The OWTS Program Offers Ongoing Registration – START ANYTIME

Click to register - SOWMA OWTS Training
Scheduled Virtual Classes
  • January 7-9, 14-16, 21-2, 2027 
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 AOWMA 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:

306-988-2102
1-855-872-2650

adrienne@wcowma.com

Meet The Trainers
Aleena Pawlik
Chris Seeley

Field Training / Workshops

Site & Soils Evaluation Field Days

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Dates & Location:

TBA

System O Mound Installation Demo

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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 Multi-Day Workshop

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questions

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Saskatchewan Private Sewage Works Amendments: Regulatory Changes Effective November 1, 2026

In December 2025, the Government of Saskatchewan approved amendments to The Private Sewage Works Regulations and The Shoreland Pollution Control Regulations, 1976.

These changes come into effect on November 1, 2026. 

The key changes that will come into effect include:

✔ Designer Certification Required
After November 1, 2026, all private sewage works (except septic tanks and jet-type disposal systems) must be designed by a provincially recognized certified practitioner. Designers must also register with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).

✔ Permit Requirements Strengthened

  • Permit fee increases from $30 to $100
  • Site evaluation report required
  • Construction drawings required
  • Certified designer’s name must be included (where applicable)

Shoreland Requirements Updated
Relevant provisions from The Shoreland Pollution Control Regulations, 1976 have been incorporated into the Private Sewage Works Regulations. As of November 1, 2026:

  • Outdoor toilets/privies in shoreland areas must discharge into a minimum 1,000-gallon CSA-approved holding tank
  • Additional installation options available beyond 150m from the high-water mark.

Visit Saskatchewan Private Sewage Works website.

Private Sewage Works – Questions & Answers – Jan 2026

Aleena Pawlik

Aleena Pawlik has built a diverse and in-depth career in the onsite wastewater industry over the past 16 years. Beginning as Administrative Support with the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association (WCOWMA) from 2009 to 2014, she developed a strong foundation in the industry’s operations and completed her Certification Training in 2011 to deepen her technical understanding.

In 2014, Aleena moved to Saskatchewan, where she joined a tank manufacturer and treatment system distributor, expanding her knowledge of system components and technologies. Shortly after, she founded her own company specializing in onsite wastewater system design. Initially a sideline project, it has grown into a full-time business providing professional design services primarily throughout Saskatchewan.

Since 2020, Aleena has been an instructor with the Saskatchewan Onsite Wastewater Management Association (SOWMA) and the Manitoba Onsite Wastewater Management Association (MOWMA). In this role, she engages directly with students and leads them during the required Site and Soil Evaluation Field Day, combining technical instruction with hands-on field experience.

Aleena is an active member of the onsite wastewater community, regularly engaging with industry professionals and related sectors. She believes strongly that education is key to protecting the environment, property, and public health through proper wastewater management.

Beyond her professional life, Aleena enjoys learning new things, traveling to explore new places, tending to her “chaos garden,” and spending time at home with her boxer, Birdie.

Chris Seeley

Chris Seeley is a Professional Engineer with over 25 years of experience in both the private and public sectors. His career has focused on designing drinking water and wastewater systems, environmental monitoring, and managing complex construction projects.

While working with the provincial government, Chris was involved in the initial water program development that followed the North Battleford inquiry. He also addressed technical, policy, and regulatory issues for small drinking water systems, subdivision assessments, onsite sewage systems, swimming pools, and plumbing.

During his time at the Ministry of Health, Chris served as a primary author of the last two versions of the Saskatchewan Onsite Wastewater Disposal Guide. In the municipal sector, he gained experience in drinking water, wastewater, and construction management.

Chris has been an instructor with the WCOWMA for more than 10 years, and when time allows, he continues to design onsite wastewater treatment systems.

Site & Soils Evaluation Field Days

This practical training day is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience evaluating a site, as well as practicing hand texturing and sampling. Installers 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.

Click to Register

System O (Enviro-Septic) Mound Installation Field Day

Participants are invited to register for an Onsite Wastewater Installation Demonstration Field Workshop, a hands-on training event designed to provide practical, real-world learning in the installation of a System O (Enviro-Septic) mound system. This training session will focus on the following outcomes:

  1. Understand the basic principles of how System O mounds work – treatment in the distribution system and sand layer. Apply soil evaluation information. Understand ground water mounding.
  2. Learn System O mound design configurations and materials.
  3. Basic knowledge of utilizing topography of installation site.
  4. Know factors in locating the onsite wastewater treatment system – slope vs. level, clearance separations, and vertical separations.
  5. Ability to assist with preparation of basal area (soil interface).
  6. Ability to assist with construction of sand bed and distribution system.
  7. Assist with setting tanks, pumps, and installing filters.
  8. This will be a complete installation in the field.

Dates to be announced

Installation Field Day Workshop

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, in partnership with WCOWMA-BC, is offering a four-day, 30-hour virtual training program designed for individuals who are interested in specializing in, or expanding their knowledge of, onsite wastewater system operations and maintenance.

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 plan to work in BC
Registration is Now Closed

Dates to be Announced

Maintenance Provider Practical Workshop

This workshop provides a structured, three-part learning experience focused on the operations and maintenance of onsite wastewater systems. By combining regulatory theory, hands-on field application, and professional reporting, this program ensures participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the standards required for industry practice.

Theory and Regulation:

Pre-Field Virtual Session

Before heading into the field, participants will attend a webinar to review the maintenance requirements detailed in the Standard Practice Manual (SPM) and the ASTTBC practice guidelines for Maintenance Providers.

Practical Application:

Two-Day Field Training

Participants will engage in two days of hands-on training led by a recognized industry expert. This session focuses on the direct care, maintenance and operation of onsite wastewater systems and the development of accurate maintenance recommendations.

Professional Reporting:

Post-Field Virtual Session

Following the field days, a concluding webinar will guide participants through the process of compiling and reviewing professional maintenance reports to ensure compliance and accuracy.

This integrated approach ensures that every participant is prepared to navigate the technical and administrative demands of a Maintenance Provider.

Onsite Wastewater Systems Assessed:

Systems assessed during the workshop may include any combination of the following system types: 

  • Type 1
  • Type 2 
  • Type 3

Course Outcomes

  • Review of the maintenance requirements under the Sewerage System Regulation and the Standard Practice Manual – webinar
  • Overview of the reporting documentation for maintenance assessments – webinar
  • Maintenance processes and procedures – practical field training

Dates to be Announced
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