Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) was created in 2007 by the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership and has been modified to meet the needs of Nevadans. The training was designed to provide an affordable, proactive and local approach to reducing landscape water demands, as well as share the knowledge of water efficient and sustainable landscape principles. This program is EPA certified through the WaterSense program.
QWEL will provide participants with local water, soil and plant information, basic and advanced irrigation principles and hands-on water audit skills they can use in the field. The program covers the following topics:
- Where Our Water Comes From
- Sustainable Landscaping
- Soils
- Landscape Water
- Irrigation Systems
- Irrigation Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Irrigation System Auditing
- Irrigation Scheduling
- Irrigation Controllers
Participants can take the 18-hour training course just for the knowledge, or they can also take the exam to obtain a certification. Upon certification, professionals will need to continue their education with at least 2 continuing education units per year to uphold their certification.
Why get a QWEL certification?
With the continued need to reduce water use and create a more sustainable landscape, certified professionals will be making progressive strides to earn the knowledge and practical skills to meet this need.
Being that QWEL is EPA certified, participants who QWEL certify will not only be part of the QWEL.net Map directory of qualified professionals, but will also be listed as certified professionals in a searchable database on the WaterSense website. Certified QWEL professionals can use the logo on their trucks and business cards as a means of marketing their qualifications with their customers.
Training is co-sponsored by Truckee Meadows Water Authority and the Nevada Landscape Association
Summer 2020 Class Dates:
- Tuesday, September 22nd: 8:30 am – 1:15 pm
- Wednesday, September 23rd: 8:45 am – 1:00 pm
- Thursday, September 24th: 8:30 am – 1:15 pm
- Friday, September 25th: 8:30 am – 2:15 pm
Exam:
- Monday, September 28th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Program Fees:
- Varies based on in-person or online class sessions and is to be determined
Registration is a two step process:
- Register at QWEL.net
- Register and pay at Eventbrite
Classes are held at the Washoe County Extension office at 4955 Energy Way in Reno as well as online for those that prefer remote classes.
Program Contact:
Chad Morris
chadmorris@unr.edu
Phone: (775) 336-0249, Direct Line
Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance must call or notify Chad Morris via email or at 775-336-0249 at least three days prior to the scheduled class.