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ENSURING QUALITY IN IRRIGATION DEVICES AND COURSES
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aterSense is a program that was established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2006 to identify and promote the very best water-conservation products and training courses. A WaterSense label is a nationally recognized symbol of quality. In addition, WaterSense-labeled products and certification providers are included in the program’s searchable online directory. In this interview with Irrigation Leader writer Parker Kenyon, WaterSense Program Manager Veronica Blette discusses the program’s relevance for irrigation professionals. Parker Kenyon: Please tell our readers about the EPA’s WaterSense Program. What is it designed to do and who can it benefit?
Veronica Blette: WaterSense is a voluntary EPA partnership program that started in 2006 with the goal of helping people save water. It is both a label for products and an information resource to help consumers make smart choices that save water and money on their utility bills. Through 2017, the program has helped to save more than 2.7 trillion gallons of water and $63.8 billion in utility bills. Products that have earned the WaterSense label are certified to be at least 20 percent more efficient without sacrificing performance. WaterSense currently labels two types of irrigation products: weather-based irrigation controllers and spray sprinkler bodies. In addition to labeling products,
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we also label programs that certify irrigation professionals who have been trained in water efficiency. Parker Kenyon: Why should irrigation professionals consider WaterSensecertified educational programs? Veronica Blette: Many communities are placing an increased emphasis on efficient water use so they can continue to provide vital water services in the face of drought or high water demand. Outdoor water use poses a particular concern for many water providers because demand usually peaks during the warmer seasons and can stress water supplies. As much as 50 percent of the water applied to landscapes and lawns can be lost because of evaporation, wind, or overwatering due to inefficient system design or improper installation, maintenance, and scheduling. Earning a certification from a WaterSense-labeled program demonstrates that an irrigation professional wants to become part of a solution to the challenges of outdoor water use. Certified professionals trained in water efficiency can provide added value to their customers by helping them to achieve beautiful and water-efficient landscapes. Parker Kenyon: Does the WaterSense program work with irrigation districts and municipal water districts? Veronica Blette: WaterSense focuses on landscape irrigation rather than agricultural irrigation, but we have also
THE EPA’S WATERSENSE PROGRAM
partnered with more than 700 water utilities and local governments. They help promote WaterSense-labeled products and services and educate the public on how to be more water efficient, both indoors and outdoors. WaterSense has labeled 24 professional certifying organizations that certify irrigation professionals in system design, installation and maintenance, and audits. The Irrigation Association
“Irrigation districts that also provide water services to municipal customers should consider becoming WaterSense partners to take advantage of our national messaging platform.” — VERONICA BLETTE
offers national certification in all three specialties, and a number of other regional programs offer certification for system audits. Parker Kenyon: Would you please describe the process for becoming WaterSense certified? Veronica Blette: The process will differ depending on the program for which the professional is seeking certification. Generally, the professional will be
