Wisconsin Onsite Water Recycling Association

It is the mission of the Wisconsin Onsite Water Recycling Association (WOWRA) to serve its members by helping them run their businesses profitably, safely and lawfully. As Wisconsin’s only statewide organization of septic system installers, soil testers, designers, manufacturers and related governmental and educational personnel, WOWRA aims to represent, service, and protect the collective interests of all WOWRA members. The association proved earlier this summer that they also aim to protect and give back to that community they serve.

On July 25, 2013, WOWRA donated an entire residential Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) to the Joslyn family from Cascade, Wisconsin. Due to unforeseen medical expenses, the family needed to focus all their money on increasing medical bills and were not able to afford a much-needed septic system.

The idea for WOWRA’s ‘Rejuvenate a Family Day’ stemmed from a desire to give back to a family in need. “I could not be more pleased with the outcome for WOWRA, our member companies, and especially the Joslyn family,” explained local WOWRA member Damon Huibregtse.

WOWRA member companies donated all materials and labor for the design and install of the private onsite wastewater treatment system to the Joslyn’s in accordance with their philosophy of environmental stewardship and to maintain and enhance Wisconsin’s public health and safety.

Barb Joslyn, a recipient of the POWTS system, was overwhelmed with gratitude. “God bless WOWRA and the members who saw our needs and decided to do something about it. It’s easy to talk about it but this group is actually doing something about it.”

The design and installation was followed by a public dedication event to recognize all those involved. Attendees included Department of Safety and Professional Services Secretary Dave Ross, State Senator Joseph Liebham, Sheboygan County Administrator Adam Payne, members and staff of WOWRA and the extended Joslyn family.

Do-Gooding Is the #1 Member Benefit

WOWRA was formed in the mid-seventies by a group of installers who wanted to improve their trade and gain a voice in legislation affecting their industry. In early 2008, WOWRA underwent a name change to encompass their work with stormwater management, going from the Wisconsin Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association to what it is today.

Upon joining, members of WOWRA are pledging their commitment to protecting their environment and promoting the best possible business practices for their industry. Members are also given an opportunity to put themselves in front of legislators if the need arises, and are afforded numerous networking opportunities and receive discounts to conferences, the next of which will be held in Stevens Point, Wisconsin in early 2014.

Every year, WOWRA awards an annual scholarship to a member or a member’s direct relation interested in higher education. Since the scholarship program began in 1990, the association has awarded $11,000 to approximately 100 students. Members also get to see firsthand the direct benefit of giving back to the people whom they serve, namely, people like the Joslyn family.

For more information, visit www.wowra.com

Story by WOWRA and Megan McClure

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