NOWRA’s Privacy Policy
General Statement
This policy applies to all of NOWRA’s information-gathering activities whether conducted through the Internet or any other means of communication. The privacy of NOWRA members and members of the general public transacting business with NOWRA or accessing its Web site is important to us. NOWRA wants you to know that its functions as a trade association representing the onsite wastewater industry and its activities in serving the public necessitate the gathering of certain information. All such information is voluntarily supplied by those participating in NOWRA’s activities. No one is ever required to provide NOWRA with information, except in order to participate in one or more of NOWRA’s voluntary activities. NOWRA makes this Privacy Policy available to explain how it gathers information, the kind of information collected and how that information may be used so that you can exercise an informed judgment in deciding whether you wish to provide information to NOWRA. This policy is based upon NOWRA’s activities as a United States entity conducting business in the United States and is not intended to address privacy issues that may arise in any other contexts.
Why We Collect Information
The purposes for which NOWRA collects personally identifiable information include, but are not limited to the following: soliciting for and enrolling members; maintaining current contact information of members; registering members to use NOWRA.org; registering members and the public for NOWRA-sponsored events; conducting surveys concerning onsite industry related issues; fulfilling requests for goods and services received from members and the public; responding to requests for information; and enforcing member responsibilities under NOWRA’s Code of Ethics and Bylaws.
NOWRA may also collect personally identifiable non-public information such as date of birth, age, nationality, social security, driver license ID and passport number as may be required by a governmental authority, or as a condition of participation in an industry sponsored tour or other event.
NOWRA collects non-personally identifiable information such as the number of times various pages within its Web site are contacted, the number assigned to your computer, and the type of browser you use, for the purposes of monitoring, analyzing and improving its communication, education and information programs.
The Information We Collect
The information NOWRA collects includes the individual and company name, address, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address, state licensing numbers, services offered and company descriptions. Credit card information is collected when necessary to fulfill a request for goods or services.
In conjunction with its survey activities, NOWRA may collect various business data from members and other survey participants, which may include size and sales volume information, years in business, market segments served and other aspects of business practices.
Records are maintained of transactions between NOWRA and its members and NOWRA and members of the general public. These records may include, but are not limited to, the nature of the transaction, the publication or other item ordered, the class of NOWRA membership in which enrolled, the period of membership, date of the transaction, duration of the membership, when payment was received and the NOWRA activities in which the member participated. In addition, NOWRA collects and retains information it receives in the course of responding to inquiries directed to it by mail, e-mail or other means.
NOWRA also collects the taxpayer identification numbers of its employees and those to whom it makes payments, in accordance with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service.
How NOWRA Collects Information
NOWRA collects information by having it provided voluntarily by persons who supply it so that they may participate in a NOWRA activity such as NOWRA membership, participation in a survey, ordering a publication or other goods or services from NOWRA, registering for a meeting or event or making an inquiry. In addition, NOWRA may purchase or rent information from third parties in connection with the promotion of its activities.
NOWRA retains and compiles information developed in the course of members’ transactions with NOWRA, including dues payment history and attendance at NOWRA events.
Non-personally identifiable information such as the number assigned to your computer when it contacts the Internet and the type of browser you use are collected when you access NOWRA's Web site. NOWRA may tag your computer by the use of “cookies.”
NOWRA may also retain, or receive reports from third parties of information provided in the course of accessing online services for which NOWRA has a financial or other relationship. As of the date of this policy, no such services are currently operate.
NOWRA receives personally identifiable non-public information through online input, as a result of the submission of application forms sent to it, and in the course of telephone solicitations.
How NOWRA Uses Information It Collects
NOWRA uses the information it collects about its members to enroll them, keep in contact with them and provide them with information, including the availability of goods, services and opportunities that are of interest to onsite industry professionals. NOWRA publishes information about its members to enable consumers to learn about services offered by NOWRA members. NOWRA uses business information it collects or obtains from industry and other sources to determine whether a business potentially qualifies for NOWRA membership and to contact such businesses concerning their interest in joining NOWRA.
Information collected by NOWRA in response to surveys is used to develop statistically significant aggregate data that is analyzed and published to members and industry participants in the form of research reports that enable them to track industry developments and trends useful in enhancing the efficiencies of their businesses. No personally identifiable information is made public.
Information collected by NOWRA is also used to fulfill requests that NOWRA has received for memberships or other goods or services.
In addition, information collected by NOWRA may be made available to third parties, who do not necessarily subscribe to NOWRA’s Privacy Policy, who have expressed a wish to contact onsite wastewater professionals or companies to offer them goods or services that are deemed of interest. This information may be made available directly from NOWRA.
NOWRA uses non-personally identifiable information, such as the number of times various pages within its Web site are contacted, to improve its Web site and educational and informational offerings to members and the public.
NOWRA does not otherwise release personally identifiable non-public information about members without their consent except as required by law or as is necessary to cooperate with recognized law enforcement authorities. NOWRA considers participation by a non-member in a NOWRA activity as authorization to release any personally identifiable non-public information, other than credit card and checking account numbers, submitted by the non-member in the course of participating.
NOWRA Respects Privacy
NOWRA is committed to privacy. Submissions of personally identifiable information to NOWRA are always voluntary. Only non-personally identifiable information may be collected directly by NOWRA without an affirmative action on your part.
NOWRA’s Commitment To Children's Privacy
Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important. For that reason, NOWRA never collects or maintains information at our Web site from those we actually know are under 13, and no part of our Web site is structured to attract anyone under 13.
NOWRA’s Commitment To Data Security
To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.
Access to personally identifiable non-public information concerning transactions between NOWRA and its members, such as dues payment history, is limited to NOWRA’s professional staff, on a need to know basis, as authorized by a grant of log-on authority, and is further password protected. Such information is maintained only at NOWRA’s headquarters, and at physically secured back-up facilities or remote locations as approved by NOWRA.
Application forms and other paper documents that contain personally identifiable non-public information are retained and securely stored until destroyed.
How Members Can Access or Correct Their Information
Members always have the choice of directing that their information not be used to contact them by e-mail. They may also correct factual errors in their personally identifiable information by requesting a change that credibly shows error. NOWRA promptly complies with all such requests. A member may specify that his/her information not be used or correct it by calling NOWRA at 800-966-2942, by sending an email to web@nowra.org, faxing us at 703-997-5609, or by mail to 4601 Fairfax Dr, #1200, Arlington, VA 22203. Additionally, members may correct their information on NOWRA.org after they log into on the NOWRA website. Members may contact NOWRA to request that their information be withheld from third parties using any of the methods above. If such a request has not been made, members are deemed to have consented to the release of information for the purposes described above.
To protect your privacy and security, NOWRA will also take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or making corrections.
Changes to This Policy
This Policy is subject to change at any time without prior notice. NOWRA will communicate any such changes promptly by posting the revised Policy at this Web site. Users are responsible for consulting this posting for any changes. The Effective Date near the bottom of this document will indicate the last time modifications were made.
Links to Other Sites
NOWRA may, from time to time, provide links to other Web sites it deems of interest to our visitors. Such links are provided solely for convenience and do not represent any assurance that such sites have been reviewed by NOWRA or that information contained there is accurate or correct. The privacy policy and other terms and conditions of use of any linked site should be consulted to determine that site’s particular policies.
Content Disclaimer
The NOWRA.org Web site contains information that is believed to be accurate and correct as of the date of its posting. There can be no assurance that any specific content has been updated to reflect subsequent developments. NOWRA.org contains information and suggestions that are intended to be helpful to onsite industry professionals in the conduct of their businesses. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for legal, accounting or other professional services that may be required with respect to specific circumstances. If advice is needed with respect to specific circumstances, a qualified professional should be consulted.
How You Can Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about these privacy policies, please call NOWRA at 800-966-2942, send an email to web@nowra.org, fax us at 703-997-5609, or mail us at NOWRA 4601 Fairfax Dr., #1200, Arlington, VA 22203.