March 15, 2016
Applications for the 2016 Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) program are due by noon on March 18.

The Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) Certification Program provides contractors with the tools and knowledge to promote water-efficient irrigation practices to clients.

Participants learn about new tools and techniques to optimize irrigation systems for optimal performance with minimum water usage. Participating contractors also learn about new smart technology, including computerized systems that deliver water more efficiently and even take rainfall into account.

The WSIP training program features both in-class and field components. Training for data management technology will also makes irrigation assessments easier and faster. The result is significant water savings.

Following certification, irrigation contractors will be required to conduct at least five irrigation assessments using the new methods learned in the program.

A maximum of 20 irrigation firms and 40 participants will be selected for the 2016 program. Owners or managers applying to the program must currently be a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA), or enrolled to become a CLIA. Applicants must also have at least five industrial, commercial, institutional or residential clients in the Region of Peel, York Region and/or the City of Hamilton that would be willing to take part in the irrigation optimization incentive program in the spring/summer of 2016.

The cost of the certification program is free for those selected.

Landscape Ontario, in partnership with the Region of Peel, the Regional Municipality of York and the City of Hamilton, developed the WSIP program.

This program provides select irrigation companies with specialized training and certification to provide “Water Smart” irrigation system efficiency and maintenance services to clients in the Region of Peel, York Region and the City of Hamilton. This partnership benefits local businesses by providing the irrigation industry with enhanced training and knowledge, while supporting environmental protection and sustainable water use.

To find more information about the program and to apply, visit: horttrades.com/wsip.