I pledge to do my part to save water in 2008 and beyond. By taking just a few small steps, I can save a significant amount of water, which will help me protect the environment, save money for our clients, and preserve water supplies for future generations. This is the pledge Jeremy took as part of his membership into the EPA’s WaterSense Program. Jeremy was chosen for this program by effectively passing the required Irrigation Association Certifications (IA) and his commitment to water conservation and the irrigation industry. Jeremy takes his commitment to water conservation and water smart irrigation designs very seriously. Jeremy was one of the original 750 professionals chosen nationwide and one of twelve irrigation professionals in the state of Nebraska. It is this continued professionalism that differentiates Jeremy from other irrigation contractors in the City of Lincoln and the surrounding communities, and it is this kind of dedication that Jeremy will use when designing your irrigation project.
Specification for WaterSense Labeling of Certification Programs for Irrigation System Installation and Maintenance Professionals
1.0 Scope and Objective
This specification establishes criteria for the labeling of certification programs for irrigation system installation and maintenance professionals under EPA’s WaterSense Program. It applies to irrigation professionals who install new irrigation systems and/or repair and maintain existing irrigation systems. The purpose of the label is to identify programs that certify irrigation system installation and maintenance practitioners with demonstrated ability to apply water efficiency concepts in their practice. An irrigation practitioner who holds a WaterSense labeled certification should be capable of installing and maintaining irrigation systems with water efficiency being a fundamental component of their practice.
2.0 Criteria for WaterSense Labeling
To be labeled under EPA’s WaterSense Program, the certification program must meet the following criteria:
2.1 Independent Oversight Committee
The certification process provided by an organization must be supervised by an independent oversight committee. The oversight committee must be established by the organization and be composed of at least three professionals who are recognized for their expertise in the irrigation field. Employees of the certifying organization must hold no more than one third of the oversight committee positions. The committee must be able to exercise independent judgment and oversight to ensure the integrity of the certification process.
2.2 Experiential Requirement
The certification must require that the applicant have a minimum of one year of demonstrated experience in the field of irrigation installation and maintenance. In addition, the professional must provide evidence of a working understanding of system components, and the ability to disassemble, repair, and assemble system components. The oversight committee must establish the documentation required to demonstrate the experiential requirement has been met.
2.3 Exam Requirement
The certification must include a requirement for the successful completion of an exam or series of exams. The exam process may include a written component, a field component, or a combination of the two. Exam procedures must be established or approved by the oversight committee.
2.3.1 Exam Content
The exam process should be structured so that passing practitioners must have demonstrated proficient applied knowledge in the following subject areas and their relationship to water efficiency (note: exam content is not limited to these subject areas as they are provided as a minimum for recognition by WaterSense):
The exam process should be structured so that passing practitioners must have demonstrated proficient applied knowledge in the following subject areas and their relationship to water efficiency (note: exam content is not limited to these subject areas as they are provided as a minimum for recognition by WaterSense):
- Knowledge of system components, system design layout and equipment specifications particularly as they pertain to distribution uniformity and system efficiency
- System maintenance
- Soil/water/plant relationships
- Precipitation rates and irrigation scheduling
- Impact of site conditions on equipment choice
- System hydraulics
- System pumps
- System pressure
- Equipment commissioning
- Blueprint reading and interpretation
- Awareness of other aspects of good practice, such as OSHA, and electrical and plumbing codes, as well as the knowledge of when local and state regulations supersede federal regulations.
- Recent innovations and technology developments Specific exam questions should be established or approved by the oversight committee.
2.3.2 Exam Passing Score
The oversight committee should establish the passing score. The passing score on an exam must provide an objective level of assurance that the concepts listed above are understood and can be applied by the practitioner.
2.3.3 Quality Assurance/Quality Control
- Exams must be administered by an independent academic institute, a professional testing organization, professional test administrator, or an irrigation professional certified in the subject matter.
- Exams must be graded by an independent academic institute, professional testing organization, professional test administrator, or a certified irrigation professional not involved in the training or proctoring of the practitioner being examined.
- The security and integrity of the test questions and test processes must be protected at all times.
2.4 Renewal Process
The certification must have a renewal process with a set periodicity.
2.4.1 Expiration
A certification must be renewed at least once every two years, or more frequently as established by the oversight committee.
2.4.2 Maintained Proficiency
One aspect of the renewal process must require the submission of documentation that the practitioner has maintained proficiency in the subject matter (e.g. continuing education units). Documentation of maintained proficiency must include evidence of the professional’s ongoing application of water efficient concepts in their area of certification. The oversight committee should establish valid documentation requirements of maintained proficiency. The certifying organization must either request submission of this documentation or have an auditing process in place to ensure individuals are completing their maintained proficiency requirements.
3.0 Application for the WaterSense Label
The organization seeking the label must submit an application to EPA’s WaterSense Program for review. The label will be granted upon the approval of an organization’s application by WaterSense staff. The application should document that the organization’s certification process meets the criteria listed in Section 2.0. The application must include the following materials:
3.1 Letter of Intent
The letter of intent serves to introduce the organization’s certification program and should include a background section that describes their certification and reason for seeking the label under EPA’s WaterSense Program. The letter should include a statement attesting to the validity of information submitted, and be signed by the chairman of the oversight committee responsible for the certification program and an officer of the organization.
3.2 Identifying Information
Specification for WaterSense Labeling of Certification Programs for Irrigation System Installation and Maintenance Professionals. Provide the following identifying information for this application: a) Title of certification, b) Name and address of certifying organization, and c) Name, address, phone number, and email address of point of contact with certifying organization.
3.3 Documentation of Independent Oversight Committee Responsibility
For the oversight committee identified in Section 2.1, provide a description of the role, responsibility, and function of the oversight committee within the organization. The description should address the following topics: 1) How committee members are selected or appointed, and 2) Committee member terms of service, such as duration of appointment or nature of compensation, if any. If available, a copy of the organization’s by-laws pertaining to the oversight committee may be submitted as documentation.
3.4 Documentation of Independent Oversight Committee Composition
For the current oversight committee, provide each committee member’s name, committee position, professional affiliation, and a brief synopsis of irrigation expertise.
3.5 Documentation of the Certification Process
This portion of the application consists of documentation for both the experiential and exam requirements.
3.5.1 Experiential Requirement
The organization must submit a description of the process they use to ensure the experiential requirement listed in Section 2.2 is met as part of the certification process.
3.5.2 Exam Content
The organization must submit a sample certification exam that has been administered no more than 6 months prior to the application date. The sample exam should be annotated to indicate how each subject, listed in Section 2.3.1, is tested in a sufficient manner. This documentation should link exam questions or field demonstration requirements with the subject areas and demonstrate how each subject area was tested. The exam may be claimed as confidential business information and if so, will be safeguarded as such.
3.5.3 Exam Administration
Describe the process used to administer and grade the exam. Indicate what a passing grade is.
3.5.4 Documentation for the Exam Material Review Process
Specification for WaterSense Labeling of Certification Programs for Irrigation System Installation and Maintenance Professionals Provide the name and address of the independent academic institution or professional testing organization used to review exam material, and describe the process used by that organization for the review.
3.6 Documentation of the Certification Renewal Process
The organization must submit a description of the certification renewal process, including the documentation required for renewal, or a description of the auditing mechanism used to ensure compliance.
3.7 Letters of Reference
The organization must submit two letters of reference that address how the certification program has benefited water efficiency within their region, their state, or on a national level. One letter must come from a utility and the other from a state agency or regional water district. Both letters must be signed and dated by the individual responsible for the reference.
4.0 Effective Date
This specification is effective on 20 October 2006. Certifying organizations may apply for the label upon release of this specification.
5.0 Renewal Process for the WaterSense Labeling of Certification Programs
The WaterSense label for a certification program is effective for 3 years from the date use of the label is granted. To renew their label, the certifying organization must submit a new application prior to the expiration of their label for review by WaterSense staff. This application must include all materials designated in Section 3.0.
In addition, it is the responsibility of the certifying organization to notify WaterSense of any changes to their program which result in the program no longer meeting the criteria designated in Section 2.0. The WaterSense label will be revoked if the certification program no longer meets the listed criteria.
6.0 Definitions
Irrigation System Installation and Maintenance Professional: Individuals who install new irrigation systems and/or repair and maintain existing irrigation systems.
Independent Oversight Committee: A committee formed by the certifying organization that supervises the certification program while exercising independent, professional judgment. This committee should act as a governing body for the certification program and be responsible for establishing policies and requirements. It must be established by the organization and be composed of at least three professionals who are recognized for their expertise in the irrigation field. No more than one third of the positions may be held by employees of the certifying organization.
Professional Testing Organization: An organization that supports, or provides for the development or administration of standardized tests, typically on a fee for service basis.
Independent Academic Institution: A public or private institution dedicated to higher education, which grants academic degrees.
Professional Test Administrator: A professional trained to maintain a secure, fair, and consistent testing environment.
Equipment Commissioning: Verifying through inspection, testing, and operator training that installed equipment functions as designed.
Specification for WaterSense Labeling of Certification Programs for Irrigation System Auditors
1.0 Scope and Objective
This specification establishes criteria for the labeling of certification programs for irrigation auditors under EPA’s WaterSense Program. It applies to irrigation professionals who assess the proper functioning of existing irrigation systems, perform irrigation water audits, and recommend watering schedules. The purpose of the label is to identify programs that certify irrigation auditors with demonstrated ability to apply water efficiency concepts in their practice. An irrigation auditor who holds a WaterSense labeled certification should be capable of auditing irrigation systems with water efficiency being a fundamental component of their practice.
2.0 Criteria for WaterSense Labeling
To be labeled under EPA’s WaterSense Program, the certification program must meet the following criteria:
2.1 Independent Oversight Committee
The certification process provided by an organization must be supervised by an independent oversight committee. The oversight committee must be established by the organization and be composed of at least three professionals who are recognized for their expertise in the irrigation field. Employees of the certifying organization must hold no more than one third of the oversight committee positions. The committee must be able to exercise independent judgment and oversight to ensure the integrity of the certification process.
2.2 Experiential Requirement
The certification must require that the applicant have proof of successfully completing at least one irrigation audit either before sitting for the exam or within a specified time period following the exam, as established by the oversight committee. The oversight committee must establish the standard of proof for the experiential requirement.
2.3 Exam Requirement
The certification must include a requirement for the successful completion of an exam or series of exams. The exam process may include a written component, a field component, or a combination of the two. Exam procedures must be established or approved by the oversight committee.
2.3.1 Exam Content
The exam process should be structured so that passing practitioners must have demonstrated proficient applied knowledge in the following subject areas and their relationship to water efficiency. (Note: exam content is not limited to these subject areas as they are provided as a minimum for recognition by WaterSense.):
- Distribution of uniformity
- Precipitation rates and irrigation scheduling
- Water pressure and its impact on sprinkler performance
- Auditing processes and the benefits of an audit
- Soil/water/plant relationships
- Reconognition of system problems and maintenance requirements
- Awareness of other aspects of good practice, such as OSHA, and electrical and plumbing codes, as well as the knowledge of when local and state regulations
- Keeps abreast of recent innovations and technology developments the conserve and or protect our most precious natural resource WATER
- Specific exam questions should be established or approved by the oversight committee.
2.3.2 Exam Passing Score
The oversight committee should establish the passing score. The passing score on an exam must provide an objective level of assurance that the concepts listed above are understood and can be applied by the practitioner.
2.3.3 Quality Assurance/Quality Control
The exam process must include the following QA/QC elements:
- The technical content of exam questions should be established or approved by, and periodically reviewed by the oversight committee to ensure that the exam meets the requirements specified in Section 2.3.1. In addition, an independent academic institution or professional testing organization must review the exam questions to ensure that they accurately test the subject material. The exam review process should be conducted at least once every two years or every 1,000 exams, whichever occurs first.
- Exams must be administered by an independent academic, or irrigation professional certified in the subject matter.
- Exams must be graded by an independent academic institute, professional testing organization, professional test administrator, or a certified irrigation professional not involved in the training, proctoring of the practitioner being examined.
- The security and integrity of the test questions and the test process must be protected at all times.
- The certification must have a renewal process with a set periodicity.
2.4.1 Expiration
A certification must be renewed at least once every two years, or more frequently as established by the oversight committee.
2.4.2 Maintained Proficiency
One aspect of the renewal process must require the submission of documentation that the practitioner has maintained proficiency in the subject matter (e.g. continuing education units). Documentation of maintained proficiency must include evidence of the professional’s ongoing application of water-efficient concepts in their area of certification. The oversight committee should establish valid documentation requirements of maintained proficiency. The certifying organization must either request submission of this documentation or have an auditing process in place to ensure individuals are completing their maintained proficiency requirements.
3.0 Application for the WaterSense Label
The organization seeking the label must submit an application to EPA’s WaterSense Program for review. The label will be granted upon the approval of an organization’s application by WaterSense staff. The application should document that the organization’s certification process meets the criteria listed in Section 2.0. The application must include the following materials:
3.1 Letter of Intent
The letter of intent serves to introduce the organization’s certification program and should include a background section that describes its certification and reason for seeking the label under EPA’s WaterSense Program. The letter should include a statement attesting to the validity of information submitted, and be signed by the chairman of the oversight committee responsible for the certification program and an officer of the organization.
3.2 Identifying Information
Provide the following identifying information for this application: a) Title of certification, b) Name and address of certifying organization, and c) Name, address, phone number, and email address of point of contact with certifying organization.
3.3 Documentation of Independent Oversight Committee Responsibility
For the oversight committee identified in Section 2.1, provide a description of the role, responsibility, and function of the oversight committee within the organization. The description should address the following topics: 1) How committee members are selected or appointed, and 2) Committee member terms of service, such as duration of appointment or nature of compensation, if any. If available, a copy of the organization’s by-laws pertaining to the oversight committee may be submitted as documentation.
3.4 Documentation of Independent Oversight Committee Composition
For the current oversight committee, provide each committee member’s name, committee position, professional affiliation, and a brief synopsis of irrigation expertise.
3.5 Documentation of the Certification Process
This portion of the application consists of documentation for both the experiential and exam requirements.
3.5.1 Experiential Requirement
The organization must submit a description of the process they use to ensure the experiential requirement listed in Section 2.2 is met as part of the certification process.
3.5.2 Exam Content
The organization must submit a sample certification exam that has been administered no more than 6 months prior to the application date. The sample exam should be annotated to indicate how each subject, listed in Section 2.3.1 is tested in a sufficient manner. This documentation should link exam questions or field demonstration requirements with the subject areas and demonstrate how each subject area was tested. The exam may be claimed as confidential business information and if so, will be safeguarded as such.
3.5.3 Exam Administration
Describe the process used to administer and grade the exam. Indicate what a passing grade is.
3.5.4 Documentation for the Exam Material Review Process
Provide the name and address of the independent academic institution or professional testing organization used to review exam material, and describe the process used by that organization for the review.
3.6 Documentation of the Certification Renewal Process
The organization must submit a description of the certification renewal process, including the documentation required for renewal, or a description of the auditing mechanism used to ensure compliance.
3.7 Letters of Reference
The organization must submit two letters of reference that address how the certification program has benefited water efficiency within their region, their state, or on a national level. One letter must come from a utility and the other from a state agency or regional water district. Both letters must be signed and dated by the individual responsible for the reference.
4.0 Effective Date
This specification is effective on 20 October 2006. Certifying organizations may apply for the label upon release of this specification.
5.0 Renewal Process for the WaterSense Labeling of Certification Programs
The WaterSense label for a certification program is effective for 3 years from the date use of the label is granted. To renew the label, the certifying organization must submit a new application prior to the expiration of the label for review by WaterSense staff. This application must include all materials designated in Section 3.0.
In addition, it is the responsibility of the certifying organization to notify WaterSense of any changes to its program that result in the program no longer meeting the criteria designated in Section 2.0. The WaterSense label will be revoked if the certification program no longer meets the listed criteria.
6.0 Definitions
Irrigation System Auditor: Individual who assesses the proper functioning of existing irrigation systems, visually identifies malfunctioning equipment, perform irrigation water audits, and recommends watering schedules
Independent Oversight Committee: A committee formed by the certifying organization that supervises the certification program while exercising independent, professional judgment. This committee should act as a governing body for the certification program and be responsible for establishing policies and requirements. It must be established by the organization and be composed of at least three professionals who are recognized for their expertise in the irrigation field. No more than one third of the positions may be held by employees of the certifying organization.
Professional Testing Organization: An organization that supports, or provides for the development or administration of standardized tests, typically on a fee for service basis.
Independent Academic Institution: A public or private institution dedicated to higher education, which grants academic degrees.
Professional Test Administrator: A professional trained to maintain a secure, fair, and consistent testing environment.