The Irrigation Association named the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership in California as the Smart Water Application Technologies 2024 Outstanding Industry Partnership Award recipient.
The award recognizes a water provider that has successfully implemented a program focused on partnership building with landscape and irrigation professionals to promote outdoor water conservation. By highlighting outstanding water providers and their innovative projects, the Irrigation Association aims to raise awareness of the value of irrigation within the green industry and the positive impact these types of partnerships can have on our communities.
The Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership received the award for its locally focused work to engage the irrigation industry through its Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) program. The QWEL program is an EPA WaterSense-labeled program focused on irrigation system audits. It’s also tailored to the specific region where it is offered and educates landscape professionals on making wise landscape choices from the start, preventing the creation of water-thirsty landscapes and demonstrating sustainable alternatives.
“The Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change within our industry,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE. “Their commitment to engaging landscape professionals through the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper program has had a lasting impact not only in their local community but across the broader western United States and beyond. The Irrigation Association is proud to recognize their leadership and innovation in promoting sustainable water management, and we look forward to seeing continued success as we work together to promote efficient irrigation practices.”
The original program, originally developed in the Sonoma-Marin area, is now offered in seven western states and British Columbia, Canada. Since 2007 more than 6,000 people have completed the program, with more than 2,500 professionals currently in good standing and 600 professionals listed for hire.
