As of May 31, 2005, under the BC Health Act, Sewerage System Regulation (SSR) only an authorized person can design, plan, construct or do maintenance work on a sewerage system in BC. An Authorized Person is defined as a wastewater professional or Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) with education or experience in sewerage system construction and maintenance.

BCOSSA has defined and provided the courses and content required for wastewater practitioners through the Westcoast Onsite Wastewater Training Centre (WOWTC) since 2004. Current courses provide the appropriate education for registration through the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) to become a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP). WOWTC courses are offered several times per year in various locations throughout the province to increase accessibility for rural students and working contractors. Certain WOWTC courses are offered as a Fast Track (home study) option.

Once registered with ASTTBC and trained via the WOWTC the practitioner can be issued a certificate and awarded the title of: ROWP (Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner). Service providers who become registered in the Onsite Wastewater Registration Program are recognized as qualified practitioners within the industry.

For more information, please see Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)