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

Mike White
President 2025
(302) 841-3548
Rick Pfeifer
Vice President 2025
Hi-Tech Environmental
(302) 697-2930
Joe Pappano
Treasurer 2025
Carol A. Evans
Secretary 2025
DNREC Div. of WQSC
(302) 670-7301
James Blackburn
Director 2025
Blackburn Disposal
(302) 398-8394
Joshua Booth
Director 2025
Barry Callaway
Director 2025
Shawn Cox
Director 2025
Scott Fetters
Director 2025
Fetters Surveying
Vince Housman
Director 2025
Terry Iacono
Director 2025
T & T Land Services
Bud Johnson
Director 2025
Johnson Surveying
(302) 422-4680
Todd Johnson
Director 2025
Walter Miller
Director 2025
Joe Trolio
Director 2025
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.