Our Mission

Who We Are

The DOWRA was established in the fall of 1996 to promote the ideals and importance of the use and reuse of wastewater. Wastewater is the water that has passed through the plumbing system of your house. The recycling of water is vital to the environment, wildlife, and humans.

DOWRA wants to inform homeowners, politicians, real estate agents, and the on-site industry of the importance of the need for on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems.

Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems are found in various forms such as in individual on-lot systems, large/community systems, spray irrigation, or small treatment plants. DOWRA members represent every aspect of the industry from the site evaluator to the waste hauler.
What We Do

Our Work

  • Performance Standards

    Establish uniform performance standards for design, installation, and servicing of onsite treatment systems.

  • Service & Maintenance

    Promote the need for regular service and maintenance of onsite systems regionally and nationally.

  • Training & Certification

    Establish guidelines and materials to train and certify onsite operations/maintenance personnel.

  • Communication

    Communicate information among members and to organizations, agencies, and individuals in the industry.

  • Data & Research

    Collect and disseminate statistics, studies, and other facts affecting the onsite wastewater recycling industry.

  • Ecological Practices

    Assist in the development of sound ecological practices and expand national awareness of economic contributions.

Governance

2025 Board of Directors

Niki Gustafson
President 2026-2027
Apple Design
Brian Carbaugh
Vice President 2025-2026
Tidewater Utilities
Carol Evans
Treasurer 2026
Apple Design
Paula Hogan
Secretary 2026
Countryside Excavation
Mike White
Past President
Delmar Onsite Solutions
Carol Ohm
Class B Designer 2026
Apex Engineering Inc
Laf Erickson
Class D Soil Scientist 2026
Atlantic Resource Management Inc
Steven Parsons
Class E Installer 2026
Parsons Septic Service
Wayne Scotton
Class F Pumper 2026
Drew Jester
Class H inspector 2026
Sawyers Sanitation Service Inc
Niki Gustafson
Class I Inspector 2026
Apple Design
Kevin Sockriter
Manufacturer 2026
Gillespie Precast
Scott Currie
Supplier / Wholesaler 2026
Anua International
David L West
Regulator 2026
DNREC
David Austin
VIP 2026
Organization

Committees

Government Relations

Works closely with DNREC and other governmental agencies so that the concerns of the regulated community are heard during policy and regulation development.

Public Relations

Promotes and protects the onsite wastewater industry by communicating with the public, governmental agencies, other wastewater organizations, and the news media.

Education

Organizes CEU classes, workshops, and educational resources for members and the public to advance knowledge of onsite wastewater technologies.

Recognition

On-Site Professional of the Year Award

DOWRA annually recognizes an outstanding member who has made exceptional contributions to the onsite wastewater industry in Delaware.

2024
Ray "Whitey" Millman
Recognized for decades of service to Delaware's onsite wastewater industry.
2022
Mick Fink
Chesapeake Environmental
Outstanding contributions to professional standards in Delaware.
2019
Barry Callaway
Exemplary service and leadership in DOWRA.
2018
Joe Pappano
Distinguished service and dedication to the onsite wastewater industry.
Recognition

Lifetime Achievement Award

Honoring individuals whose sustained dedication and leadership have left a lasting impact on Delaware's onsite wastewater community.

2026
Hilary Valentine