The Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor and Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor programs have earned the WaterSense label making IA certifications the first four programs recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for water efficiency.
“The WaterSense program will make it easier for consumers to find and choose contractors with the skills to evaluate, design, install and maintain efficient irrigation systems,” said IA Executive Director Deborah Hamlin.
Individuals who earn CLIA or CGIA after April 1 can apply to become WaterSense partners and use the WaterSense partner logo along with their IA certification logos. Those who earned CLIA or CGIA before April 1 will be eligible for WaterSense partnership with their 2008 renewal.
The WaterSense label will raise the profile of certified irrigation professionals as the EPA program increases consumer awareness of water efficiency. The WaterSense label identifies products and services that meet EPA specifications for water efficiency in the same way the Energy Star identifies energy-efficient products.
“We are pleased that all the IA’s certifications related to turf and landscape irrigation have earned the WaterSense label,” said IA Certification Board Chairman James Dowd. “This is great for certified professionals, great for the industry and great for irrigation efficiency.”
The IA Certified Irrigation Contractor and Certified Irrigation Designer programs were the first professional certifications to earn the WaterSense label. More than 200 IA CICs and CIDs have become WaterSense partners so far.
“Water-efficient landscapes can still be beautiful and healthy,” said Sheila Frace, director of EPA Office of Water Municipal Support Division. “WaterSense-labeled certification programs cover the latest water-saving technologies and techniques.”
WaterSense partners will soon be listed in a searchable national database hosted by the EPA for consumers. Partners can use the partner logo on business cards and other materials and will have access to promotional materials from WaterSense.
For more information, see IA/WaterSense Frequently Asked Questions, www.irrigation.org/certification/pdf/WaterSenseFAQ.pdf.