Adopt QWEL in Your Region

BENEFITS OF ADOPTING QWEL

QWEL is available for adoption by retail water agencies, non-government organizations, and educational institutions.

Benefits of adopting QWEL include:

  • WaterSense labeled Professional Certification Program—a mark of distinction.
  • Listing of QWEL certified professionals on both the QWEL and WaterSense websites.
  • Use of QWEL teaching materials:
    • Reference manual.
    • PowerPoint slides.
    • Teaching and customization guides.
    • Exam.
  • Marketing materials to promote QWEL:
    • To landscape professionals to become QWEL certified.
    • To homeowners and property managers to hire a QWEL Pro.
  • QWEL website and database:
    • Listing of QWEL certified professionals.
    • Listing of events and classes.
    • Exam grading and certificate issuance.
    • Email communication with QWEL professionals.
    • Continuing education tracking and certificate renewal.
    • Secure portals for PCO administration and for QWEL professionals.

 

STEPS FOR ADOPTING QWEL

  1. Get in touch using the contact form to obtain further details and an application form. Tell us a bit about your organization and plans for the QWEL program.
  2. Prepare and submit your application to adopt QWEL to the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership. The application will be reviewed by the QWEL Board of Directors.
  3. Upon approval from the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership, apply to EPA WaterSense. Complete and submit an Application for Certifying Organization Approval and a Professional Certifying Organization Partnership Agreement to EPA WaterSense.
  4. Customize the QWEL teaching materials for your region. At a minimum Section 1: Where our Water Comes From must be customized. Additional customization is encouraged, but not required.

 

 

QWEL ADOPTING PROFESSIONAL CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION (PCO) FEES

 

Onboarding Fee

The onboarding fee is a one-time fee to cover the administrative cost of establishing a new PCO. This includes:

  • Establishment of new PCO on the QWEL website and association management system
  • Access to QWEL teaching materials
  • Access to QWEL marketing materials
  • Access to QWEL program management software
  • Instruction and training on the use of the program management software

Pricing may vary for PCOs with specific custom requirements. Other in kind arrangements will be taken into consideration upon request. Payable within 90 days of date of approval as a PCO.

Fees $
New Adopting PCO Onboarding Fee $5,000
New Adopting Educational Institution Sub-PCO Onboarding Fee $2,500
Existing PCO and Sub-PCO Staff Training Fee (as needed) $2,500

 

Ongoing Annual Fees

Invoiced annually in January for the prior calendar year by Sonoma County Water Agency, payable within 90 days of receipt of invoice.

Fee
 $
QWEL Course w/Exam (per student) $50
QWEL Exam Only (retesting, re-certification, testing out) $50
QWEL Certified Professional Annual Renewal (per QWEL Certified Professional, if elected) $20
Minimum Annual Fee (applies in lieu of Course Fees when less than $500) $500