WaterSense
WaterSense® Specification for Irrigation System Auditor
Certification Programs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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