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Optional Water Efficiency Measure: May contribute to the 30 percent water efficiency requirement,
depending on the chosen WaterSense® Approved Certification Method (WACM).
UNDERSTAND
It is essential to properly design and install a
landscape irrigation system for optimal water
efficiency.
WaterSense has labeled certification programs for
irrigation professionals in three categories: system
designers; installation and maintenance
professionals; and auditors. These individuals
have passed a comprehensive exam covering
general irrigation subjects, as well as specialized
areas related to water efficiency.
Certified irrigation professionals can address the
following topics:
o Design: Customize the irrigation system to suit
the landscape and local climate conditions,
o installation, maintenance, and repair: Select
and service the appropriate equipment and site
layout. Schedule the irrigation system to
optimize performance,
o Audit: Examine the irrigation system to ensure
that it performs efficiently.
BUILD
Benefits and Real-World Results
irrigation professionals certified by WaterSense
labeled programs help save water and maintain
healthy and beautiful landscapes across the
country by maximizing the efficiency of an
irrigation system. WaterSense's Certified
Professionals in Action web page at
www.epa.gov/watersense/certified-
professionals-action showcases these
professionals and describes the benefits of their
expertise. Check out the stories to learn how a
certified professional can help your property save
water.
CONTRACT with an irrigation professional certified
by a WaterSense labeled program to design and
install the irrigation system. Identify certified professionals using WaterSense's Find a Pro tool at
www.epa.gov/watersense/find-pro or. if one is not available in your area, look for a professional who
has other training or professional certifications that address water efficiency or sustainable
landscaping,
ASK potential irrigation professionals Questions to evaluate their knowledge of water-efficient
www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-01/documents/ws-outdoor-questions-for-landscape-
contractors.pdf when engaging in these conversations. For example, ask contractors about minimizing
water waste in the landscape and listen for some of the following suggestions:

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o CHECK sprinklers for breaks or leaks. Ensure that
water is being delivered to its intended destination,
o TEST the irrigation system to ensure the zones are
programmed correctly,
o CREATE an irrigation schedule that can be easily
adjusted by season.
SCHEDULE an irrigation audit by a certified irrigation
professional after an irrigation system has been
installed.
VERIFY
CONFIRM whether an irrigation professional certified
by a WaterSense labeled program was used for
irrigation system:
o Design
o Installation and controller scheduling/programming
o Auditing
USE the Find a Pro tool at
www.epa.gov/watersense/find-pro to verify
credentials.
*NOTE: Consult with the Home Certification Organization for
specific verification protocols.
Learn More
Visit WaterSense's Irrigation with Pro web page
at www.epa.gov/watersense/irrigation-pro to
learn more about irrigation professionals certified
through WaterSense labeled programs.
Bnl
Multifamily Makeovers
Certified irrigation professionals can provide
tailored advice to property managers at
multifamily complexes, which have different
considerations than single-family
residences:
•	Homeowners association: The
residential community of Harvest Gold
Village in Loveland, Colorado
implemented the recommendations of a
certified professional to save more than
$22,500 in water bills in the first year of
the project. To learn more, read the case
study at
www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-
06/documents/ws-commercial-
outdoor-casestudy-harvest-gold-case-
study.pdf.
•	Apartment complex: The La Paloma
Apartments in Albuquerque, New
Mexico, used the results of a landscape
audit conducted by certified
professionals to update its irrigation
system and, along with other water
efficiency upgrades, saved over five
million gallons of water in the first year.
To learn more, read the case study at
www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-
03/documents/ws-outdoor-la-paloma-
case-study.pdf.
This technical fact sheet is part of EPA's Technical Reference Manual for
WaterSense Labeled Homes. For the full document and other tools and
resources for homes, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/tools-and-resources.
EPA-832-F-23-016
July 2023

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