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Water Use Efficiency Practitioner

 

PLEASE NOTE: The Water Conservation Certification has been renamed Water Use Efficiency. The certification name change will not affect any previous Water Conservation Certifications. Going forward when Water Conservation Practitioner's renew, they will receive a Water Use Efficiency Certification. If you have any questions, please email us.

 


Now Accepting
Exam Applications for
Grade 1 & 2

To apply for the Water Use Efficiency Practitioner Grade 1 & 2 examination:

  1. Return your examination application and proof of  eligibility to
    Gina Enriquez, Certification Administrator at The Section Office
    by email or fax to (909) 291-2107.
    All documents must be submitted no later than 20 days prior to the examination.

 

We appreciate your continued dedication to the Drinking Water Industry!

 

*Date is subject to change. Any changes will be made with notice.

Required Range of Knowledge

I. Water Supply and Demand

II. Utility Water demand characteristics, operations, and measures

III. Residential uses and measures

IV. Commercial, industrial and institutional uses and measures

 

IV. Commercial, industrial and institutional uses and measures

V. Landscape Uses and Outdoor Measures

 

 

RECOMMENDED STUDY LIST

WUE GRADE 1: Bibliography/Reference Materials

1. Handbook of Water Use and Conservation (Vickers, 2001)
2. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To Water Rights Law
3. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To California Water
4. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To Nevada Water
5. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To The Delta
6. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To The State Water Project
7. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To The Central Valley Project
8. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To The Colorado River
9. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To The Groundwater
10. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To The Water Recycling

 

WUE GRADE 2: Bibliography/Reference Materials

1.  WUCOLS Study (1999): Landscape reference covering ET andplant water needs
2.  2008 CA DWR Drought Handbook
3. Handbook of Water Use and Conservation (Vickers, 2001)
4. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To Water Rights Law
5. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To California Water
6 Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To Nevada Water
7. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To The Delta
8. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To The State Water Project
9. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To The Central Valley Project
10. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To The Colorado River
11. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To The Groundwater
12. Water Education Foundation – Layperson’s Guide To The Water Recycling
13 AWWA Manual M22: Sizing Water Service Lines and Meters, Second Edition
14. AWWA Manual M50: Water Resources Planning, Second Edition, 2007
15 AWWA Manual M52: Water Conservation Programs - A Planning Manual, 2006
16. AWWA Manual M36: Water Audits and Leak Detection, Second Edition

Rules Governing Certification

Application for Water Use Efficiency

Definitions

Certification Fees

Examination

Certificates

Revision of Rules

Equivalency of Education and Experience

General Certification Procedure

Certification Upgrade

Certification Renewals

Revocation / Appeals

General Qualifications

Grade Qualifications

Recommended Study List

 

Downloads

Application for Water Use Efficiency Practitioner Certification

Need to Know Criteria - Grade 1

Need to Know Criteria - Grade 2

Water Use Efficiency Rules

 


Required Range of Knowledge

 

WATER USE EFFICIENCY GRADE 1

NEED-TO-KNOW CRITERIA

NOTE: This Need-To-Know Criteria is intended to provide a comprehensive

outline of topics a prospective  Water Use Efficiency Practitioner should know and

understand. Each topic should be presented as they relate to the responsibility of

a Water Use Efficiency Practitioner.

 

I. Water Supply and Demand

a. Water supplier and regulator roles and responsibilities

b. Water rights

c. Groundwater supplies

d. Surface water supplies

e. Other supplies of water (e.g., recycled water, desalination,

groundwater recharge, and transfers)

f. Urban demand Memorandum of Understanding and best

management practices

i. Single and multi-family residential

ii. Commercial

iii. Industrial

iv. Institutional

v. Irrigation

g. Agricultural demand and Memorandum of Understanding and best

management practices

h. Role of water use efficiency practitioner

i. Long-term versus short-term conservation programs

i. Urban water management plans

ii. Water shortage contingency plans

j. Major water systems (e.g., Bay Delta, Colorado River and Truckee

River)

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II. Utility Water Demand Characteristics, Operations, and Measures

a. Common units of measurement

i. Gallons per capita per day

ii. Customer billing units

iii. Acre feet

iv. Million gallons

v. Cubic feet per second

b. Customer demand characteristics

i. User classification

ii. Demand hardening

c. Utility conservation measures

i. System water pressure

1. Impacts on demand

2. Public health issue

ii. Water loss control

1. System audits

2. Leak detection

3. Non-revenue water

iii. Water meters

1. Types

2. Functions

3. Accuracy

4. Leak detection

iv. Water waste ordinace

d. Customer billing, cycles and rate structures

e. Conservation fixture standards

i. California, Nevada and US plumbing standards

ii. U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992

iii. WaterSense, green building and LEED standards

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III. Residential Uses and Measures

a. Indoor end-uses of fixtures and appliances

b. Conventional, water saving and high efficiency fixture and

appliance water usage

c. Leak detection, field tests and measurements

d. Indoor water conservation measures

i. Toilets

ii. Shower and faucet standard flow rates

iii. Clothes washer water usage

iv. Dishwasher water usage

e. Outdoor water conservation measures

i. Pool-Spa and water features

ii. Outdoor cleaning

iii. Water-efficient irrigation and landscape

f. Water use survey techniques, recommendations and incentives

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IV. Commercial, Industrial and Istitutional Uses and Measures

a. Indoor end-uses of fixtures and appliances

b. Conventional water saving and high efficiency fixture and appliance

water usage

c. Leak detection, field tests and measurements

d. Indoor water conservation measures

i. Toilets

ii. Shower and faucet standard flow rates

iii. Clothes washer water usage

iv. Dishwasher water usage

v. Treatment/water purification

vi. Cooling towers

vii. Process water

e. Outdoor water conservation measures

i. Pool-Spa and water features

ii. Outdoor cleaning

iii. Water-efficient irrigation and landscape

f. Water use survey techniques, recommendation and incentives

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V. Landscape Uses and Outdoor Measures

a. Soil, water and plant relationships

b. Water efficient landscaping principles

i. Hydrozones

ii. Irrigation systems

iii. Appropriate plant materials

iv. Evapotranspiration and CIMIS

v. Weather-based irrigation controller

vi. Soil improvement and mulching

c. Water use survey

i. Water budget

ii. Irrigation controllers

iii. Irrigation efficiency

iv. Area measurement

d. Turfgrass

i. Types

ii. Horticultural practices

iii. Alternatives to turfgrass

e. Other outdoor water conservation measures

f. Non-potable water

i. Recycled

ii. Graywater

iii. Rain capture

g. Water use survey techniques, recommendations and incentives

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Rules Governing Certification

 

Definitions:

The terms defined hereby apply explicitly to the California –Nevada Section, American Water Works Association (CA-NV Section) Water Use Efficiency Practitioner Certification Program

1.1 Applicant - An individual applying for initial, upgraded, or re-certification by submission of a standard application to the administrator

1.2 Administrator - The CA-NV Section Volunteer evaluating applications, administering examinations, issuing certificates, and performing associates duties.

1.3 Certificate - A certificate issued by the CA-NV Section AWWA attesting to the fact that a practitioner has proven his or her qualifications in the water use efficiency field, according to the requirements stated herein.

1.3a Certificate of Achievement - A certificate issued to those individuals who have successfully passed a Grade I certification exam and are seeking employment in the water industry.

1.4 Certification Director - The person appointed by the Governing Board of the Section to present the certification programs.

1.5 Certification Grade - The level of practitioner certification as Grade I (or Certificate of Achievement), II, or III, as defined within these Rules, corresponding to an applicant’s degree of knowledge, experience and responsibility in the field of water use efficiency.

1.6 Committee - The CA-NV AWWA Section Water Use Efficiency Certification Committee as appointed and administered by the Section via the Certification Board and charged with implementing the program for California and Nevada Practitioners.

1.7 Section - The California-Nevada Section, American Water Works Association (AWWA).

1.8 Practitioner - An individual performing water use efficiency activities in the potable water industry

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2 GENERAL CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE

2.1 Applicants for certification upgrade or reciprocity must submit a completed application, as available from the certification Administrator or section office for evaluation at least 30 days prior to the time set for the examination. Applicant shall be notified of the time and place of the examination at least twenty (10) days prior to the date of the examination.

2.2 Applicants will be notified within thirty (30) working days of passage or failure of the examination. Upon passage applicant is considered to be certified by the CA-NV Section of the AWWA.

2.3 Wallet cards for any grade are valid for two years from the date of issuance. Updated wallet cards will be issued upon renewal.

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3 CERTIFICATION FEES

3.1 The application fee for certification examination in any grade shall be payable to the CA-NV Section. The current application fee shall be posted on the application forms provided by the Section.

3.2 The application fee must accompany the completed application form.

3.3 Checks returned for non-sufficient funds (NSF) will be subject to a returned check charge equal to the application fee.

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4 CERTIFICATION UPGRADE

4.1 Practitioners with current Grades I through II may apply for the next higher grade with submittal of an application and required fee. (See Section 9 of these Rules).

4.2 Individuals holding a Certificate of Achievement will be eligible for a Grade I Certificate with proof of six months employment in the water works industry and remittance of an appropriate fee set by the Section for a new certificate.

4.3 Applications will not be accepted from any individual requesting a grade more than one grade higher than they currently hold, or their present job duties or position justify.

4.4 The Administrator’s decision as to any practitioner’s qualifications for upgrade may be appealed per Section 8 of these rules.

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5 CERTIFICATION RENEWAL

5.1 Renewal notices are mailed sixty (60) days prior to a practitioner’s expiration date. It is the responsibility of the Practitioner to notify the Section of a change in address.

5.2 Practitioners failing to renew their certificate within three (3) months after their expiration date will pay a penalty equal to the amount of the renewal fee. Practitioners, who have not renewed their certificates within six (6) months of their expiration date, will be removed from the current certification program files.

5.3 Practitioners delinquent over six (6) months, yet less than one (1) year, may request reinstatement by submitting an application, the application fee, and show continued employment in the water industry and/or continued education.

5.4 Practitioner’s delinquent over one (1) year must submit an application and pass the water use efficiency examination with a passing score.

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6 EXAMINATION

6.1 The Section utilizes water use efficiency practitioner examinations prepared by the Section’s Water Use Efficiency Committee. The examinations are changed regularly to ensure their confidentiality and reflect current practice.

6.2 Examinations of Grades I through III are written exams.

6.3 Written examinations will be conducted at scheduled locations and dates within the state to meet the needs of the majority of practitioners, with the Section providing the information upon request. Exams are administered by a local proctor approved by the Administrator. Written may also be given at the semi-annual Section conferences.

6.4 An applicant failing an exam (less than 70% score) may apply for re-examination after 6 months upon submission of a new application and payment of fee.

6.5 If an applicant fails to appear for a schedule exam, without prior notification to the Administrator and/or Section office, he/she will be required to resubmit an application and fee for a future exam.

6.6 Applicants seeking a higher certification grade must be current with the grade they currently possess.

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7 CERTIFICATES

7.1 Upon passing the certification exam with a score of seventy percent (70%) or better, a Certificate, issued by the Section, will state the type and grade of certification, full name of the practitioner, certificate number, date of issuance, the official seal of the Section, and signed by the Certification Administrator and Certification Board Director.

7.2 A currently certified Practitioner may request a replacement or duplicate certificate from the Section office for a nominal fee.

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8 REVOCATION/APPEAL

8.1 The Section may revoke any certificate issued under these rules, upon the submission of conclusive evidence from the committee that the holder of the certificate has been found to have obtained the certificate by fraud or deceit, or displays gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in the performance of his/her duties as a practitioner.

8.2 All appeals and protests must be in writing to the Committee Chair. This notification shall be fifteen (15) days of the receipt of the Administrator’s written determination. The Committee Chair shall, within thirty (30) days, make an inquiry of the protests and give an answer in writing. Any further appeals must be in writing to the Certification Director. Further appeal may be made to the Section Secretary who shall consult the Section Governing Board, whose decision shall be final. Appellant must send the original facts, then state in writing what part of the Director’s decision is deemed improper, and why.

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9 REVISION OF RULES

9.1 The Committee may recommend revisions to these Rules to the Certification Board from time to time, as it deems necessary to institute new policies and improve the program. Upon approval from the Section Governing Board, such revisions will be published sixty (60) days prior to the effective date.

9.2 The Certification Director and the Section Chair may render decisions on matters not explicitly covered in these Rules.

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10 GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

Practitioners certified under this program must:

10.1 Be able to carry out all duties and responsibilities inherent in the field of water use efficiency.

10.2 Be able to comprehend the English language to the extent that effective communications can be held with co-workers and supervisors.

10.3 Have attained his/her 18th birthday.

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11 GRADE QUALIFICATIONS

11.1 Certificate of Achievement

A. Description - An individual in good standing in a waterworks course of instruction, as herein defined, not yet employed in the water use efficiency field but actively seeking employment therein.

B. Qualifications

1. Education - Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent or demonstrated academic ability.

Notes: Upon completion of six months employment in the water use efficiency field, and meeting all other qualifications, a grade I certificate will be issued per 4.2.

11.2 Grade I Water Use Efficiency Practitioners

A. Job Description – Performance of entry level water conservation duties such as residential and landscape water audits.

B. Qualifications

1. Education- High school diploma or demonstrated equivalent academic ability.

2. Experience – Six months performance in water conservation field.

11.3 Grade II Water Use Efficiency Practitioner

A. Job Description – Performance of water use efficiency duties such as non-residential water audits, public relations, drought response activities and program implementation strategies.

B. Qualifications

1. Education – High school diploma or demonstrated academic equivalent.

2. Experience – Three years with high school diploma, or two years with AA degree or 18 months with BS/BA degree, and six months currently with Grade 1.

11.4 Grade III Water Use Efficiency Practitioner

A. Job Description – Performance of water use efficiency duties such as project management, reports, benefit/cost analysis and program monitoring and evaluation.

B. Qualifications

1. Education – AA degree or completion of two years of college or demonstrated academic equivalent.

2. Experience – Four years experience in field with AA degree or three years in field with BA/BS degree, and six months currently with Grade II.

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12 EQUIVALENCY OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The Administrator, Committee Chair, or Certification Director may consider that the educational and/or experience qualifications for any of the certification grades may be met other than as specifically cited.

Application for Water Use Efficiency Practitioner Certification

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Related Documents
Grade 2 Qualifications (Adobe PDF File)