Training by MOWPA

MOWPA offers training courses for septic contractors, engineers, designers, and regulators within the onsite wastewater industry.

Our courses also help realtors and land developers to learn essential topics.

Courses Offered

In general, MOWPA will not cancel or delay its schedule event unless the county government where the class is being held is closed. In the event that inclement weather results in cancellation or delay or a scheduled MOWPA course. An email will be sent out and a phone call will be made to the phone number provided on the registration form.

For some courses, MOWPA will schedule an alternate “rain day” or “snow day” for an event to allow for weather contingencies. Attendees should ensure that they are available to attend the event on those alternate dates, if necessary, before registering/paying for the event. Refunds will not be provided for attendees that are unable to attend the schedule make-up date.

New Refund Policy (effective 1/1/24)

  • If a cancellation happens prior to two weeks before the course event than there will be a $30 processing fee taken out of the refund.
  • Cancellation 13-3 days: A ½ refund will be given along with a processing fee.
  • If a price point includes a membership than the membership portion of the price paid will not be refunded.
  • If a cancellation occurs 2 days (48 hours) or less before the course, no money will be given back.
    • They are eligible to transfer the spot to another person within their company (as long as that person meets class eligibility criteria) and/or:
    • A credit for a future course may be offered for the attendee to take the SAME SPECIFIC course in the future. If agreed upon by the registrant and MOWPA.

General Notes

  • For all MOWPA courses and events, full payment along with a registration sheet is required prior to each event. Early registration discounts apply only for those who submit full payment and a registration sheet by the date specified.
  • Membership fees are non-refundable.

Refunds and/or Credit will be given to those who need to cancel specifically due to COVID related illness. This would be valid up until the minute the course starts. If course is missed and COVID is claimed it will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Verification of documented illness may be required.

Certificates for MOWPA courses requiring an exam will only be issued to persons who:

  • Paid for the class;
  • Attended the class; and
  • Passed the exam for the class. Any person who fails to pass the exam on the first attempt, will be offered one opportunity to take the exam again at a specified time/location for an additional cost of $50. Persons failing the exam a second time will be required to take the entire course again.

Attendees Must:

  • Use a laptop or desktop computer to take the test – not an cell phone (i.e Iphone).
  • Show State Issued ID to verify identity prior to taking the test.
  • Must have camera on and microphone on during the duration of the test.
  • Complete the test in the prescribed amount of time using on allowed materials. Can not get outside help by people/online/etc.

Upcoming Events and Meetings

What is the Training Center?

For those who don’t know, MOWPA has been in negotiations with the University of Maryland for the past few years, to acquire about 2 acres of ground for us to construct an Onsite Wastewater Training Center. The location is at the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) at 4240 Folly Quarter Rd. in Ellicott City. They have granted us the use of this 2 acres to demonstrate technologies and construction practices of most all systems utilized in the Onsite Wastewater Industry in Maryland. We plan to have all of the BAT treatment systems represented on this site. We plan to have mock-ups of sand mounds, at-grade mounds, LPDs, drip dispersal, and any other exhibits we can construct. We hope to build a pavilion we can utilize for outdoor classes. The University of Maryland is planning to build a new facility, that we will have access to, to have a climate-controlled classroom. This is truly big!! And we need your support.

Our vision includes the training of Onsite Wastewater Professionals, University students, and the public on how Onsite Wastewater works. It can also be used for technology manufacturers to demonstrate current and new products.

PS: We are looking for a local company to mow the grass on this site. It is about 2 acres. If you know anyone interested, please let us know.