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QWELQualified Water Efficient LandscaperCandace SchaibleUSU Extension/CICWCDInteresting positionFrom SD, Waterwise learning curveLooking for a programAttracted to CA QWEL, wasnt intending to pursue as a recourse for the countyCynthia found same program, has done a great job of making this a state wide program and involving multiple organizations to help support and promote the programGive you an introduction to the program, let you know whats available so you can pass this information on and hopefully get others interested. 1

What is QWEL?Water management training series for landscapers, water managers, municipalities, etc.

Completing the training earns one the title of certifiedIrrigation Auditorin the eyes of the QWEL Board, the Utah Nursery & Landscape Association (UNLA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

HistoryDeveloped in cooperation with the California Landscape Contractors Association, Sonoma County Water Agency, City of Santa Rosa, Marin Municipal Water District and the colleges of Santa Rosa and Marin.QWEL is the second approved US EPA WaterSense Irrigation Auditor certification program

QWEL is the second approved US EPA WaterSense Irrigation Auditor certification programs in the nation and was developed in cooperation with the California Landscape Contractors Association, Sonoma County Water Agency, City of Santa Rosa, Marin Municipal Water District and the colleges of Santa Rosa and Marin.

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Where is QWEL Offered?Purple: Current States Offering QWELOrange: Interested States

At the present time, 11 additional Western states are offering or may offer the QWEL program to assist landscape professionals improve the water efficiency of landscapes and to provide a pool of qualified individuals that the public can hire with confidence. QWEL certified individuals may include landscape technicians, landscape designers, landscape maintenance workers and landscape installation contractors.

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Mission StatementThe Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper training presents an affordable proactive local 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.

Course descriptionQWEL provides approximately 20 hours of education focused on water efficient principles.

Trainingcovers irrigation systems and efficient irrigation, soils and plants, water management and budgeting, irrigation controllers and new, 'smart' technology, and much more.QWEL provides approximately 20 hours of education focused on water efficient principles. In this course, landscape professionals learn how to reduce landscape water use by becoming efficient and effective water managers. Trainingcovers irrigation systems and efficient irrigation, soils and plants, water management and budgeting, irrigation controllers and new, 'smart' technology, and much more.

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Course DescriptionClass 1: Where Your Water Comes From Class 2: Irrigation Systems Class 3: Efficient Irrigation Basics Class 4: Soils Class 5: PlantsClass 6: Water Management Class 7: Determining Water Budgets Class 8: Irrigation SchedulingClass 9: Irrigation Controllers Class 10: Valve, Controller & Field Wire Troubleshooting Class 11: New Technology Class 12: Putting It All Together

Role in the Industry"The class definitely expanded my crews awareness of the importance of doing irrigation properly, and I feel confident that our installations will be even better now. It provides a reference point for the crew, also, and they have fun reviewing the class material on the job," writes a landscape company owner on her class evaluation.Irrigation Auditorcertification program

EPA PartnershipPassing the course also makes one eligible to become anEPA WaterSense Partner. This is a way for irrigation professionals and others to differentiate themselves and/or their products as meeting a high standard in water efficiency and performance.

USU Extension has taken the needed steps to be considered a professional certifying organization thought the EPA. Meaning we can offer the qwel program and our graduates will automatically become watersense partners, be listed on the watersense website and gain access to the partner tools available through the EPA Watersense program.

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QWEL in Utah

QWEL in UtahThere are currently 55 Utah GraduatesUtah State University Extension (USU), The Utah Nursery and Landscape Association (UNLA), The Utah Division of Water Resources (UDWR), Iron County Water Conservancy District (ICWCD) and Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District (JVWCD) partnered together to bring the QWEL program to Utah.

Thank you Cynthia Bee! Shes done an amazing job of bring all the organizations together. 11

Thank you Cynthia Bee! Shes done an amazing job bringing everyone together, and developing the Northern Regions program.

Offering a QWEL Training

California did a pretty good job setting up this program. Once we were approved we gained access to their manual, all power points, certificates, test, everything. After you receive that material comes the fun task of customizing it for your area. The content in the provided powerpoints is pretty general but youre welcome to make additions. They just dont want you to change the core content. And if you do you have to get the changes approved. 13

www.qwel.net

www.qwel.net

www.qwel.net

Resourceshttp://www.qwel.net/http://www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor/cert_programs.htmlhttp://www.qwelutah.com/http://extension.usu.edu/ironmg/

Candace SchaibleCandace.schaible@usu.edu435-586-8132