Aspen offers Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper training course

The city of Aspen has partnered with WaterNow Alliance to host a three-day Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) training course designed for landscape professionals, resort and grounds staff, water utility staff, and municipal staff engaged in water or irrigation management within the Roaring Fork Valley.

The course will be held from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 23 to 25, at Aspen City Hall. Non-professional Roaring Fork Valley residents interested in water efficient landscaping and irrigation are also welcome to participate.  

“QWEL, an EPA WaterSense labeled professional certifying program for irrigation system audits, is a comprehensive training opportunity that equips landscape professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance water efficiency in landscaping practices,” a press release states.

The curriculum will cover a wide range of topics that include proper plant selection, landscape water use, irrigation system design and maintenance, controller programming and operation, and other sustainable landscaping principles.

Graduates of the QWEL program will be certified to conduct third-party irrigation audits in accordance with the city of Aspen’s Water Efficient Landscaping Standards. They will be listed as certified professionals for hire on the city of Aspen, QWEL, and EPA WaterSense websites.

Individuals can register online for $50, a fee that includes course materials, testing, and lunches for all three days of the program. For more information and to access additional resources, visit qwel.net.