Certification Programs for
Irrigation
rofess orials
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Commercial and residential outdoor water use in the United States accounts for
more than 9 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 partnership 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 meet criteria
to ensure rigorous testing and certification processes.
WaterSense labeled programs assess a professional's
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 demonstrate their ability to
assess soil/water/plant relationships and their impacts
on irrigation system efficiency. They must undertake
continuing education and renew certification
periodically to stay abreast 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.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN
Irrigation design professionals certified by a
WaterSense labeled program can tailor irrigation
systems to the landscape and local climate conditions.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION/MAINTENANCE
Installation and maintenance professionals certified by
a WaterSense labeled program can select the
appropriate equipment, site layout, and proper
scheduling for optimal irrigation system performance.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM AUDITS
Audits conducted by irrigation system professionals
certified by a WaterSense labeled program can
identify systems that are distributing water unequally
or inefficiently and know how to improve performance.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Professionals looking to get ahead can seek
certification by a WaterSense labeled program.
Consumers seeking water-efficient irrigation services
can look for professionals certified by a WaterSense
labeled program. Also, look for the WaterSense label
on water-efficient products that meet EPA criteria.
EPA
PHONE (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) WEBSITE www.epa.gov/watersenseEMAlLwatersense@epa.gov
A rn/V EPA-832-F-14-005
^SVIIrjrV May 2014

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