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Professional Certification Program

WaterSense labels certification programs for landscape irrigation professionals that advance water-efficient irrigation techniques and practices. An irrigation professional certified by a WaterSense labeled program can design, install, maintain, or audit your irrigation system to ensure it uses the right amount of water to maintain a healthy landscape while minimizing waste.

Learn about WaterSense labeled certification programs in the following specialties:

Irrigation System Design

Irrigation professionals who earn a WaterSense labeled certification in system design know how to tailor irrigation systems to match the surrounding landscape and local climate conditions.

Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) (landscape/turf specialties only)Exit EPA Disclaimer
Offered by the Irrigation Association
Available nationwide
A certified irrigation designer is a professional that prepares irrigation designs. A CID evaluates site conditions and determines net irrigation requirements based on the needs of the project. The designer selects the most effective irrigation equipment and design methods. A CID’s objective is to establish specifications and design drawings for the construction of an irrigation project. The CID certification is available nationally.

Irrigation System Installation and Maintenance

Irrigation professionals who earn a WaterSense labeled certification in installation and maintenance know how to select the appropriate equipment, lay out the site, and ensure proper scheduling for optimal irrigation system performance.

Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) Exit EPA Disclaimer
Offered by the Irrigation Association
Available nationwide
A certified irrigation contractor is an irrigation professional whose principal business is the execution of contracts or subcontracts to install, repair, and/or maintain irrigation systems. A CIC must conduct business in such a manner that projects meet the specifications and requirements of the contract. The CIC certification is available nationally.

Irrigation System Audits

Irrigation professionals who earn a WaterSense labeled certification in audits can identify systems that are distributing water unequally or inefficiently and determine how to improve performance.

Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor (CGIA)Exit EPA Disclaimer
Offered by the Irrigation Association
Available nationwide
A certified golf irrigation auditor is involved in the quantification of turf irrigation water use tailored to the unique conditions found on golf courses. Auditors collect site data, make maintenance recommendations and minor repairs, and perform field measurements and observations on golf courses. Through this data gathering, a basic irrigation schedule can be developed for greens, tees, and fairways that will assist the superintendent in making irrigation decisions. The CGIA certification is available nationally.

Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA)Exit EPA Disclaimer
Offered by the Irrigation Association
Available nationwide
A certified landscape irrigation auditor is involved in the quantification of landscape irrigation water use. Auditors collect site data, make maintenance recommendations and minor repairs, and perform field measurements and observations. Through this data gathering, a basic irrigation schedule can be developed that will assist a site water manager or property owner manage his overall irrigation water usage. The CLIA certification is available nationally.

Certified Water Management Program Exit EPA Disclaimer
Offered by the California Landscape Contractors Association
Available in California
Certified Water Managers utilize water audits, budgets and advanced irrigation technology to reduce landscape water usage. Open to all green industry professionals, this program is designed as a practical, profitable solution with a simple goal: to train water managers to provide customers with good to excellent landscape appearance using the right amount of water based on actual plant requirements. The Certified Water Management Program is available in California.

Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL)Exit EPA Disclaimer
Offered by the Sonoma–Marin Saving Water Partnership
Available in California, Utah, New Mexico, Florida, Wyoming
Available for adoption nationwide
The Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) training presents an affordable, proactive, and localized approach to reducing landscape water demand. QWEL provides graduates with knowledge in water efficient and sustainable landscape practices, including water management and preservation of other valuable resources. The QWEL program is available for adoption and has expanded throughout California and nationwide in a campaign to improve landscape water management around the country. The following adopting professional certifying organizations have been approved by Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership to offer QWEL as a WaterSense labeled certification:

  • Central Iron County Water Conservancy District (Cedar City, Utah)
  • Chino Basin Water Conservation District (Montclair, California)
  • City of Gillette, Wyoming
  • City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
  • College of Western Idaho (Nampa, Idaho)
  • FL–Wet Inc. (Winter Springs, Florida)
  • Mammoth Community Water District (Mammoth Lakes, California)
  • Mojave Water Agency (Apple Valley, California)
  • New Mexico Water Conservation Alliance (Gallup, New Mexico)
  • San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District (Redlands, California)
  • San Diego County Water Authority (San Diego, California)
  • San Joaquin Delta College (Stockton, California)
  • Santa Clara Valley Water District (San Jose, California)
  • Shasta College (Redding, California)
  • Utah State University Extension, Iron County (Cedar City, Utah)
  • WaterNow Alliance (San Francisco, California)
  • Zone 7 Water Agency (Livermore, California)

Texas Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Program (TxCLIA)Exit EPA Disclaimer
Offered by Texas A&M AgrilLife Extension Service, Texas A&M School of Irrigation
Available in Texas
Irrigation professionals and water conservation staff learn how to improve the efficiency of landscape irrigation through auditing of irrigation systems and developing irrigation schedules that conserve water while promoting quality landscapes. The course covers the eight steps of auditing including site selection for prioritizing sites based on potential water savings, inspecting irrigation system hardware, conducting field work to measure system performance, calculating irrigation schedules, and follow-up for adjusting schedules and producing audit reports. The Texas Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Program is available in Texas.

Watershed Wise Landscape Professional (WWLP)Exit EPA Disclaimer
Offered by G3LA, LLC
Available nationwide
The Watershed Wise Landscape Professional training presents a holistic watershed approach to outdoor water use efficiency, emphasizing plant, soil, water relationships, and rainwater as a resource. Certified professionals assess the proper functioning of irrigation systems, perform irrigation water audits, recommend watering schedules, and conduct whole-site evaluations. The purpose is to certify WWLPs who demonstrate the ability to apply outdoor water efficiency concepts as a fundamental component of their practices. G3LA’s certification also requires a solid understanding of the principles of watershed management in the landscape. The WWLP program is available throughout the United States.

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