Professional Certifying Organizations

Certifying organizations train and certify professionals to implement water-efficiency best practices according to specifications set by EPA in specific professional categories.

• Why Join?
• Am I Eligible?
• How Do I Join?
• How Do I Get My Program Labeled?
• How Can I Promote My Partnership?
• Where Can I Find More Information on Labeling?
• Questions?

Why Join?

• Certify landscape irrigation professionals in water-efficient practices.
  
  
• Receive recognition from EPA as an environmental steward.
  
  
• Distinguish your organization as a leader in water efficiency by using the WaterSense partner logo.
  
  
• Increase exposure for your organization by being listed as a partner on the WaterSense Web site.
  
  
• Access and customize free tools and resources to help promote WaterSense and the need for water efficiency.

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Am I Eligible?

• Organizations that have a certification program for landscape irrigation professionals can apply for the WaterSense label. When an organization's certification program has earned the WaterSense label, it can join WaterSense.
  
  
• Certifying organizations must offer a certification program that meets or exceeds the specifications set by EPA.
  

How Do I Join?

1. Review the program guidelines (PDF) (42 pp, 283K, About PDF) and make sure you are eligible to become a partner.
   
   
2. Review the specifications for certification program and the application for the WaterSense label (5 pp, 310K, About PDF) to learn what criteria your program must meet.
   
   
3. Submit a notification of interest in developing an application for the WaterSense label. WaterSense will contact you to learn more about your program and provide feedback.
   
   
4. Apply to have your program labeled by WaterSense.
   
   
5. After your program has earned the WaterSense label, complete and sign a Professional Certifying Organization Partnership Agreement (writeable PDF) (3 pp, 279K, About PDF) with EPA.
   
   
6. Submit your completed agreement to watersense@epa.gov or fax it to (703) 841-1440.

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How Do I Get My Program Labeled?

WaterSense labeled professional certification programs meet EPA criteria such as the need for independent oversight, experience requirements, examinations, and a focus on water efficiency as a key component.

Organizations that offer certification for irrigation professionals in irrigation system design, installation/maintenance, and auditing professionals may apply to have their program labeled by WaterSense. Certified professionals must confirm their ability to assess critical factors related to irrigation system efficiency. Certified irrigation professionals can then partner with WaterSense, helping customers reduce water use while maintaining a healthy landscape.

To apply for the WaterSense label, first submit a notification of interest in developing an application for the WaterSense label.

• Interest Notification Form

Then, complete and submit an application for the WaterSense label:

• EPA's WaterSense Labeled Program Application Form for Professional Certifying Organizations (writeable PDF) (5 pp, 310K, About PDF)
  

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How Can I Promote My Partnership?

• Once your certification program has been labeled, use the WaterSense label to designate recognition by EPA.

• Feature the WaterSense partner logo on Web sites and in printed materials.

• Use the WaterSense promotional label to help advertise and identify WaterSense labeled products and programs.
  

• Use the labeling tool kit to promote your partnership and WaterSense labeled products.

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Where Can I Find More Information on Labeling?

• Frequent Questions: Certification Programs for Irrigation Professionals
  
  
• Certification Programs for Irrigation Professionals
  
  
• Final Specifications for Programs That Will Certify Irrigation Professionals

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Questions?

Whether you're a partner now or would like to become one, feel free to share your questions and concerns by contacting the WaterSense Helpline.

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