March 25, 2025

Water Efficiency Partner Spotlight: Irrigation Association

Northern Water partners with several local organizations to make up its Water Efficiency training program. Since 2014, Northern Water has hosted annual Irrigation Association (IA) trainings for landscape industry professionals to increase their knowledge of water-efficient irrigation practices and earn certifications. Northern Water looks for IA certifications when approving contractors for grant projects.

IA is a nonprofit located throughout the United States and is the industry standard for irrigation certification as they provide the only irrigation-specific certification training to every aspect of the irrigation industry. IA training covers every corner of the market including technician training, design, auditing, contracting, water management, golf course irrigation and more.

“There is no other organization that provides training and education on the same level as IA,” said Spencer Bernard, Water Efficiency Specialist. “People look forward to the classes every year because they have the opportunity to learn from top educators and earn a certification that will advance their careers.”

A group of people gather in a classroom setting for irrigation and landscape training

Aside from education and certification, IA serves as a clearinghouse for research and innovation, lends expertise to and advocates for sound water-use policy, works to define best practices and establish benchmarks for effective water management, promotes efficient irrigation technology and practices and connects people to job opportunities. Their vision is to, “Transform humanity’s stewardship and use of water, enabling the long-term sustainability of the planet’s water and natural resources, and improving the quality of life through a reliable global food supply and vital green spaces.”

This year, more than 100 landscape professionals and municipal employees participated in IA trainings at Northern Water. In 2025, Northern Water hosted Principles of Irrigation, Landscape Irrigation Auditor and Landscape Irrigation Technician classes, as well as two exam sessions. Attendance fees were waived this year to expand accessibility, so all classes were free and included lunch.