The Onsite Wastewater Workforce Crisis

Why the Industry Is Facing a Critical Capacity Challenge—and What’s Being Done About It

The onsite wastewater industry is evolving rapidly. Housing growth outside sewer service areas, increased infrastructure funding, expanding environmental regulations, and the widespread use of advanced treatment technologies are reshaping how septic and decentralized wastewater systems are designed, installed, inspected, and maintained.

At the same time, the industry faces a growing and undeniable challenge:

The capacity of the workforce has not kept pace with the complexity and responsibility now required.

This challenge is already affecting system performance, regulatory timelines, business sustainability, and most importantly, public health and water quality.

A Growing Workforce Gap in the Septic Industry

Across the United States, the onsite wastewater workforce is changing just as expectations are rising.

Several factors are converging:

• A significant portion of the workforce is nearing retirement
• Fewer new professionals are entering the field
• Advanced and alternative systems are now commonplace
• Continuing education and professional accountability are expanding

Decades of field experience and institutional knowledge are transitioning out of the industry, while the technical demands placed on today’s professionals continue to increase.

Why Workforce Capacity Matters More Than Ever

Housing Growth Beyond Sewer Infrastructure

As communities expand beyond municipal sewer systems, septic and decentralized wastewater systems are often the only viable solution. Residential, commercial, and land development projects depend on qualified professionals to move forward responsibly and on schedule.

Infrastructure and Septic Funding Programs

State and federal investments in septic system repair, replacement, and nutrient reduction are increasing nationwide. These programs rely on competent professionals who understand not only installation, but inspection, operation, documentation, and long-term system performance.

Advanced Systems Require Advanced Skills

Modern onsite wastewater systems now include:

• Aerobic treatment units (ATUs)
• Drip dispersal systems
• Nutrient-reducing technologies
• Performance-based treatment systems

These systems require a higher level of technical knowledge, oversight, and accountability than conventional systems of the past.

Onsite Wastewater Is No Longer “Just a Trade”

One of the most persistent misconceptions holding the industry back is the idea that septic work is low-skill labor.

Today’s onsite wastewater professionals must understand:

• Soil science and site evaluation
• Wastewater treatment processes
• System hydraulics and performance
• Inspection protocols and documentation
• Sampling and monitoring requirements
• Digital tools, GIS, and reporting systems
• Regulatory compliance and professional liability

This is technical infrastructure work, combining hands-on field experience with applied science and regulatory responsibility.

The Real Constraint: Training Capacity, Consistency, and Relevance

There is no shortage of work in onsite wastewater.

The real constraint is ensuring that professionals have consistent access to education that reflects modern systems, current regulations, and real-world field conditions.

Historically, training has been fragmented, geographically limited, and slow to evolve. As onsite systems have become more advanced, the need for structured, scalable, and relevant education has become increasingly clear.

How Onsite Wastewater Professionals Is Strengthening the Workforce

Recognizing this challenge early, Onsite Wastewater Professionals (OWP) was built to support the long-term capacity and professionalism of the onsite wastewater workforce.

OWP focuses on:

• Delivering structured education aligned with current practice
• Supporting continuing education tied to licensing and accountability
• Offering professional credentials that reflect real competency
• Providing state-specific and role-specific training pathways

This work is centered on consistency, capacity, and professional standards, ensuring the workforce can meet today’s demands and adapt to future expectations.

Career Progression Depends on Education and Credentials

As the industry evolves, education is no longer just about entry—it is about progression and sustainability.

Professionals increasingly rely on training and credentials to:

• Expand services responsibly
• Transition into inspection or oversight roles
• Reduce long-term physical strain
• Take on greater responsibility and accountability
• Build durable, compliant businesses

Aligning education with real career pathways strengthens both individual professionals and the industry as a whole.

Why Workforce Capacity Is a Public Health Issue

When onsite systems fail due to inadequate design, installation, inspection, or maintenance, the consequences are real:

• Groundwater contamination
• Nutrient pollution
• System failures and backups
• Increased costs for homeowners and communities

Strong education and continuing competency are among the most effective tools available to protect water quality and public health, especially as decentralized systems become more prevalent.

Workforce capacity is not optional. It is foundational infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

The future of onsite wastewater does not depend on technology alone.

It depends on people who are properly trained, consistently educated, and professionally accountable.

As demand for onsite systems continues to grow and evolve, the strength of the workforce will determine how effectively communities, regulators, and professionals meet that responsibility.

The Bottom Line

The onsite wastewater workforce challenge is real, present, and structural.

Understanding the issue is the first step. Addressing it requires deliberate investment in education, professional standards, and long-term workforce capacity.

That work is already underway.