 Certification
Programs for Irrigation Professionals
Commercial and residential outdoor water use in the United States
accounts for more than 7 billion gallons of water each day, mainly
for landscape irrigation. As much as half of that is lost or wasted
due to evaporation, wind, or improper irrigation design, installation,
and maintenance. As part of an overall effort to improve national
water efficiency, WaterSense, a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), is labeling certification programs for
landscape irrigation professionals that advance the principles and
applications of water-efficient irrigation.
WaterSense Labeled Certification Programs for Irrigation Professionals
Programs that earn the WaterSense label have met several criteria
to ensure rigorous testing and certification processes that accurately
assess professional competency in designing, installing, maintaining,
or auditing water-efficient irrigation systems. To qualify for the
label, programs must evaluate proficiency through examinations and
be subject to independent oversight. WaterSense only labels programs
that certify experienced irrigation system design, installation/maintenance,
and auditing professionals. Certified professionals must confirm
their ability to assess critical soil/water/plant relationships
and resulting impacts on irrigation system efficiency. They must
also renew their certification periodically to confirm their qualifications
and demonstrate awareness of recent innovations and technology developments.
WaterSense labeled certification programs verify professional proficiency
in water-efficient irrigation system design, installation and maintenance,
and performance audits. Landscape irrigation professionals who are
certified by a WaterSense labeled program can signify their commitment
to promoting water-efficient landscape watering systems by becoming
a WaterSense partner.
Irrigation System Design
Irrigation design professionals with a WaterSense labeled certification
can tailor irrigation systems to the surrounding landscape and local
climate conditions.
Irrigation System Installation/Maintenance
Installation and maintenance professionals with a WaterSense labeled
certification are capable of selecting the appropriate equipment,
site layout, and proper scheduling for optimal irrigation system
performance.
Irrigation System Audits
Audits conducted by irrigation system professionals with a WaterSense
labeled certification can identify systems that are distributing
water unequally or inefficiently and determine how to improve performance.
What to Look for
When seeking irrigation services, ask for professionals who are
WaterSense partners or certified by WaterSense labeled programs.
In the future, look for the WaterSense label on water-efficient
products and programs that meet EPA criteria. For more information,
visit <www.epa.gov/watersense>.
This document is also available in PDF
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