WaterSense WaterSense® Specification for Irrigation System Auditor Certification Programs Version 1.1 July 24, 2014 ------- EPA WaterSense® Specification for Irrigation System Auditor Certification Programs WaterSense WaterSense® Specification for Irrigation System Auditor Certification Programs 1.0 Scope and Objective This specification establishes criteria for the labeling of certification programs for irrigation system auditors under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense program. It applies to certification of irrigation professionals who assess the proper functioning of irrigation systems, perform irrigation water audits, and recommend watering schedules. The purpose of the label is to identify programs that certify irrigation auditors who demonstrate the ability to apply water efficiency concepts as a fundamental component of their practices. This specification should be read in concert with the WaterSense Professional Certification Program Labeling System, which includes requirements that all programs shall meet. 2.0 Criteria for WaterSense Labeling To be labeled under the WaterSense program, a certification program shall meet the following criteria: 2.1 Experiential Requirement The certification shall require that the applicant have proof of successfully completing at least one irrigation audit either before taking the exam or within a specified time period following the exam, as established by an independent oversight committee. The oversight committee shall establish the standard of proof for the experiential requirement. 2.2 Exam Requirement The certification shall include a requirement for the successful completion of an exam or series of exams that encompass the content and passing-score requirements outlined below. The exam process may include a written component, field component, or combination of the two. 2.2.1 Exam Content The exam process should be structured so that passing practitioners shall have demonstrated proficient applied knowledge in the following subject areas and their relationships to water efficiency (Note: Exam content is not limited to these subject areas, as they are provided as a minimum for earning the WaterSense label): • Distribution uniformity. • Precipitation rates and irrigation scheduling. • Water pressure and impact on sprinkler performance. • Auditing process. Version 1.1 July 24, 2014 ------- EPA WaterSense® Specification for Irrigation System Auditor Certification Programs Water Sense • Soil/water/plant relationships. • Recognition of system problems and maintenance requirements. • Awareness of other aspects of good practice, such as U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration guidelines, electrical and plumbing codes, and when local and state regulations supersede federal regulations. • Recent innovations and technological developments, including WaterSense labeled technologies. 2.2.2 Exam Passing Score The passing score on an exam shall provide an objective level of assurance that the concepts listed above are understood and can be applied by the practitioner. 2.3 Renewal Process The certification shall have a renewal process with a set period for validity and specific requirements for maintenance of proficiency as outlined in this section. 2.3.1 Expiration An individual's certification shall be renewed at least once every two years, or more frequently as established by the oversight committee. 2.3.2 Maintained Proficiency The renewal process shall require the submission of documentation that the practitioner has maintained proficiency in the subject matter (e.g., continuing education units). The professional certifying organization (PCO) shall demonstrate that a minimum of 50 percent of proficiency requirements are related to water-efficient concepts in the field of irrigation (see Section 4.0). The oversight committee shall establish valid documentation requirements of maintained proficiency. The PCO shall either request submission of this documentation or have an auditing process in place to ensure individuals are completing their maintained proficiency requirements. 3.0 Effective Date This specification is effective as of July 24, 2014. 4.0 Definitions Independent Oversight Committee: A committee established by the PCO that supervises the certification program while exercising independent, professional judgment. This committee shall act as a governing body for the certification program and be responsible for establishing policies and requirements. It shall be composed of at least three professionals who are recognized for their expertise in the relevant professional field. No more than one-third of the positions can be held by employees of the PCO. Version 1.1 2 July 24, 2014 ------- Water Sense WaterSense® Specification for Irrigation System Auditor Certification Programs Irrigation System Auditor: An individual who assesses the proper functioning of irrigation systems, visually identifies malfunctioning equipment, performs irrigation water audits, and recommends watering schedules. Water-Efficient Concepts: Any concept directly related to best practices in the field of irrigation that promotes more efficient use of water outdoors. These include, but are not limited to smart scheduling technologies for irrigation systems, irrigation scheduling based on water budget techniques, drip irrigation, plant water demand, rainwater harvesting, and low impact development. The following concepts are examples of those that shall not be considered as water-efficient concepts: electrical systems, renewable energy, business practices, marketing, or nutrient/pesticide management. Version 1.1 3 July 24, 2014 ------- EPA WaterSense® Specification for Irrigation System Auditor Certification Programs Water Sense Appendix A: Informative Annex for WaterSense Labeling Programs earning the WaterSense label shall meet the following requirements: 1.0 General Approval PCOs offering labeled programs shall have their eligibility requirements approved by EPA in accordance with the WaterSense Professional Certification Program Labeling System. 2.0 Program Conformance Conformance to this specification shall be assessed and approved by EPA. 3.0 WaterSense Partnership PCOs must have a signed partnership agreement in place with EPA prior to receiving the WaterSense label for a certification program. Version 1.1 4 July 24, 2014 ------- |