The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering expanding its WaterSense labeling program for professional certification programs.

WaterSense looks to expand labeled programs, promotions for certified professionals

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering expanding its WaterSense labeling program for professional certification programs. A recently released notice of intent (NOI) describes potential revisions to the process by which certification programs earn the WaterSense label, as well as the partnership for individuals who are certified through such programs.


Certification programs for irrigation system designers, auditors, and installation/maintenance professionals were the first to be eligible for the WaterSense label after EPA launched the program in 2006. Since then, nine certification programs have earned the WaterSense label, and any professionals certified through those programs have been eligible to become WaterSense irrigation partners.


In order to expand its certification program labeling to more types of programs and professions, EPA is considering the following:

Reorganizing the Specification Process: WaterSense would restructure its current specifications for professional certification programs by creating a set of general requirements applicable to all certifying organizations. Requirements specific to particular types of professional certification programs would continue to be defined in individual specifications.
Broadening the Benefits Beyond Partnership: WaterSense would expand the program’s benefits to all professionals certified by WaterSense labeled programs, and in doing so would remove the individual partnership designation.

 


EPA is soliciting input from stakeholders or organizations that support and promote individuals certified through WaterSense labeled programs, including the certification programs themselves, certified individuals, utilities, manufacturers, retailers, and certification programs that are potentially interested in the WaterSense label. To learn more about WaterSense labeled certification programs or review the NOI, visit www.epa.gov/WaterSense/partners/programspecs.html.