Homeowners may qualify to install a liquid waste system after passing a homeowners installation test administered at your local NMED Field Office.  Please contact your local field office for more information.

Study Guides

1. Homeowner Installation Manual (English Version)
2. Guía para el Dueño de Casa: Cómo Instalar un Tanque Séptico y Campo de Desagüe (Spanish Version)

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Professional Organizations:

1. National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT) offers Inspector Training and also Vacuum Truck Technician Training for pumpers and septage haulers.
2. National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) provides leadership and promotes the onsite wastewater treatment and recycling industry through education, training, communication and quality tools to support excellence in performance.
3. Professional Onsite Wastewater Reuse Association of New Mexico (POWRANM) brings onsite wastewater reuse professionals in New Mexico into contact with resources, opportunities and information.
4. New Mexico Onsite Wastewater Association (NMOWA) actively participates in protecting the groundwater of New Mexico by furthering the onsite industry through collaboration and education of government, manufacturers, installers and consumers.
5. New Mexico Rural Water Association provides training and technical assistance to rural water and wastewater utilities throughout New Mexico, and represents the legislative and regulatory interests of its members.
6. New Mexico Water and Wastewater Association assists New Mexico’s Water Technology Professionals through training and certification testing.
7. Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment (CIDWT) is a group of Educational Institutions cooperating on decentralized wastewater training and research efforts.

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Technical Design References:

Technologies other than conventional septic tanks and drainfields are available for use on difficult sites or where conditions require a higher level of wastewater treatment.  NMED accepts designs of some alternative systems based on recognized sources: 

1. Wisconsin Mound Design Manual
2. At-Grade Systems (Elevated Beds)
3. Sand Lined Trench
4. Alternative Technologies to a Conventional Treatment System

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Miscellaneous References:

1. A Homeowner’s Guide to Evaluating Service Contracts – Owners of advanced treatment systems (ATS) are required to enter into a maintenance contract for the life of the system.  The Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment (CIDWT) provides this publication to assist evaluating maintenance contracts.