The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense program has modified its approach for labeling programs that certify professionals.

EPA releases WaterSense Program labeling system

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program has modified its approach for labeling programs that certify professionals. The WaterSense Professional Certification Program Labeling System institutes a consolidated set of requirements for organizations seeking to offer a WaterSense labeled certification program.


WaterSense issued its first specifications to label irrigation professional certification programs in 2006. Other professional certification programs have expressed interest in earning the WaterSense label, but the previous structure made expansion difficult. This refined labeling system provides a framework to expand the types of certification programs that can earn the WaterSense label in the future. Also, WaterSense will be better positioned to provide national recognition and credibility for WaterSense labeled programs and those professionals who earn certifications.


For EPA’s existing irrigation professional certification programs, these changes extend the benefits of the WaterSense program—including potential job opportunities associated with WaterSense labeled new homes—to all certified irrigation professionals. Certified professionals no longer have to sign partnership agreements with EPA to be recognized for their water-efficient knowledge. Programs which currently require that WaterSense irrigation partners be used on irrigation projects can now specify any individual certified by a WaterSense labeled program.


Professionals interested in becoming certified and other stakeholders interested in learning more about WaterSense labeled certification programs can visit the WaterSense website, or contact the WaterSense Helpline at (866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) or watersense@epa.gov.