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FALL 2026
YOWA NEWSLETTER
| | | | Regional Title 5 Contacts | | |
As onsite wastewater professionals, we know that the local health department is always the first stop for questions about how best to implement Title 5. There are times, however, when the local health inspector needs to speak with their relevant DEP regional staff to get clarity on a matter which might be unfamiliar. As a service to YOWA members, we have compiled contact information for the DEP regional staff so you can have this information handy.
Click this link to access the document of Regional Title 5 contacts.
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October 28 - 30, 2026
MassMutual Center - Springfield, MA
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The Yankee Onsite Wastewater Association (YOWA) is New England’s premier professional society for anyone passionate about advancing onsite system design, installation, operation, research, and management. Whether you want to grow your skills, connect with experts, or shape the future of the industry, YOWA is the place to be.
YOWA thrives through the dedication of our members—just like you! Your involvement in any of our three committees could make a real impact. Our meetings are both in-person and virtual, and any level of participation is welcome. Reach out to YOWA at 781-939-5710 or yankeeonsite@gmail.com, or simply fill out the online form to get started.
Explore the Committees:
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Education Committee – Help plan and host engaging in-person and virtual trainings that advance the skills and knowledge of onsite wastewater practitioners across New England.
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Communications Committee – Be the voice of YOWA! Contribute to our newsletter, keep the website fresh and informative, and share timely updates with members on special topics of interest. Outreach is one of YOWA’s primary goals.
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Membership Committee – Grow our community! Recruit new members, welcome newcomers, and help strengthen YOWA’s network across the region. We are looking for seasoned industry experts as well as emerging professionals.
Join us and help shape the future of onsite wastewater in New England! Your expertise, ideas, and energy can make a real difference in this dynamic and essential field.
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FEATURED ARTICLES
SCROLL DOWN TO CHECK OUT ARTICLES FROM YOWA BOARD MEMBERS AND OTHER ONSITE EXPERTS
| | | | | YOWA to Host Innovative/Alternative System Field Training on October 6 | Join YOWA for an engaging educational session that will explore what is found in wastewater—from nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to emerging non-organic contaminants—and examine the challenges these substances create for treatment systems and the environment. This event will be hosted at the MASSTC facility in Sandwich, MA. A tour of the facility will be offered. | | | | | Digging Into Soils: Hands-On Training Highlights | On June 6, the Yankee Onsite Wastewater Association (YOWA) hosted a hands-on soils training sponsored in partnership with NRCS at Twin Orchard Farm in Southampton, MA. Seventeen attendees participated in this field-based session, gaining practical experience evaluating soil conditions for onsite wastewater system suitability. | | | | | Interview with Health Director, Erin Hightower | |
In this regular newsletter segment, we will be interviewing local Health Directors to inform our readers about health departments throughout our region, the challenges they encounter, advice for our profession, and how YOWA helps them do their job.
This issue's column features an interview with Erin Hightower, Health Director for the town of Northbridge, MA.
| | | | | YOWA Awards First Scholarship | YOWA recently presented our first-ever Academic Research Presentation Scholarship. This award is designed to support students and early-career researchers studying onsite wastewater systems. Click the button below to learn more about this scholarship and this year's winner. | | | | | Head to Colorado for the 2026 NOWRA Onsite Mega-Conference! | Registration is now open for NOWRA's Onsite Wastewater Mega-Conference, taking place October 25–28, 2026, in Westminster, Colorado. This year's theme, “Peak to Plains: Elevating the Future of Wastewater”, is especially fitting for a conference that will bring onsite wastewater professionals from across the country together for several days of education, networking, technology and some pretty spectacular Colorado scenery. | | | | | SepticSmart Week: Help Your Customers Be SepticSmart | September 14–18, 2026 is SepticSmart Week! Now in its 14th year, EPA’s annual SepticSmart Week is an opportunity for the onsite wastewater industry to remind homeowners that a little knowledge and routine maintenance can go a long way toward protecting their septic systems, their property and the environment. | | | | | New DSCP Form Issued by MassDEP | Recently, MassDEP revised Title 5 Form 2A – the Disposal System Construction Permit. This new version of the form is located on DEP’s website and is available for use immediately by local and regional health departments across Massachusetts. | | | | | |
