CA Landscape Group Water Conscious

The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) recently received the WaterSense Label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Water Management Certification Program.

Previously a WaterSense Program Partner, CLCA’s Water Management Certification Program was requested to include an irrigation system auditing component to the certification program in order to receive the WaterSense label. As a result, CLCA’s Water Management Certification program now includes irrigation system auditing, which allows individuals to conduct irrigation audits on new landscape projects that fall under California’s newly updated Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

Introduced in February 2009, CLCA’s Water Management Certification Program helps industry professionals meet the need to reduce landscape water usage by learning to work with advanced irrigation technology and a water budget. In many cases it also saves money, especially for those with tiered water prices.

“We are pleased that WaterSense has recognized the value of our program and that we are now allowed to formally use the WaterSense Label,” said Sharon McGuire, executive director of the CLCA. “We believe that water availability is an important issue that impacts us all. Using water management along with responsible ecological choices including sustainable landscaping, grasscycling, fire retardant plant choices, and more, not only saves water, but also helps protect our environment and shape our future. The landscape industry is part of the solution to California’s water shortage and changing climate.”

Launched in 2006, WaterSense is an EPA-sponsored partnership program that seeks to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water efficient products, programs, and practices. In order to become a WaterSense irrigation partner, professionals in the industry must first become certified through a WaterSense labeled certification program. This process helps ensure that WaterSense irrigation partners are trained on designing, installing, and maintaining water-efficient irrigation systems.

CLCA’s Water Management Certification program offers tests and trainings throughout California, and the group states the program would not be possible without the strong support of Ewing Irrigation Products, Toro Company, Hunter Industries, and Horizon Irrigation.