Online anytime - EPA WaterSense Inspector

Why Should You Take This EPA WaterSense Inspector Course?

WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by the EPA to promote water efficient products and practices across the country. The WaterSense label makes it easy to find products and services that save water while ensuring performance. The EPA created WaterSense to help protect the future of our nation's water supply.

Because residential water use accounts for more than half of the publicly supplied water in the United States, WaterSense has a specification for single-family new homes that use 20% less water than a typical new home. A WaterSense labeled home is a marketing tool that can help new homeowners save water now, pay less for utilities every month, and protect resources for future generations.

Becoming a WaterSense Inspector is the first step to helping your builders build water efficient homes. This training will enable you to become a WaterSense Inspector. By partnering with a WaterSense Licensed Certification Provider, you will have the ability to certify homes for the WaterSense program.

Course Outline:

The EnergyLogic Academy utilizes a learning management system to host the WaterSense Inspector training. This course is a self-paced course with learning resources, activities, and quizzes. The course should take between 4 and 8 hours to complete and consists of 2 modules:

• Module 1: This module is designed to briefly introduce you to the purpose of the Inspector training and the WaterSense program overall. During this module, we will introduce you to the WaterSense New Homes Program and the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders.
• Module 2: This module will provide in-depth coverage of the requirements and inspection processes. In addition, it will cover the quality assurance requirements of the program.

Each module will consist of learning resources, activities, and a 25 question quiz. You need to complete all items in each of the modules, including testing on your own residence. Please make sure to complete all items in the course to receive a certificate of completion.

Your enrollment in the course begins immediately after purchase and you have 14 days to complete the materials outlined above. You will receive two emails from the EnergyLogic Academy. One will contain instructions, links, and credentials to access the course. The second will be an invoice for the purchase of the course.

Certification Process:

Certification as a WaterSense inspector is a three-step process:

1. Complete a WaterSense Inspector course to receive a certificate of completion.
2. Select a WaterSense Provider.
3. Complete the required probationary inspection. The WaterSense Provider you select will require that you perform a minimum of three inspections, which they will review to determine whether you are prepared to receive your formal certification or if additional field training is needed.

Course Materials:

Completing testing on a house of your choice is part of this course. All of the items needed for this task can be found at your local hardware store. Materials include:

• A container to use for inspections
• It needs to be durable and have a wide opening. In addition, it needs to be able to hold at least 10 cups (2.5 quarts) of water and cannot hold more than 1 gallon. It is ideal if it has a handle to be able to hang it on a showerhead (i.e. a small bucket). In addition, it is easier if the container is translucent (see‐through) so you can easily ascertain the waterlevel vs. your marking. 
• Measuring cups
• This will be used to measure water amounts. You will need different sizes, including: 1 cup, 1/3 cup, 1 Tablespoon, ½ teaspoon and ¼ teaspoon.
• Another smaller container
• This will be used as a stand to raise your measuring container or to make it flat in a rounded sink. A small round Ziploc container - no larger than 1.75 cup capacity - works well.
• A permanent marker
• This will be used to mark the flow container.
• Pressure gauge
• It should easily screw onto an outside hose spigot or other threaded connection (such as the cold water faucet for the clothes washer).
• Watch with a second hand or stop watch
• This is necessary for the final assessment lesson.
• Digital thermometer, such as a digital food thermometer
• A dialtype thermometer will not work. A thermometer with a shorter probe is best as you will get results almost instantaneously.
• Dye tablets or food coloring
• This is necessary for the final assessment lesson.
• Small flashlight
• This will be used to look for leaks in small dark areas.
• Digital camera
• You must be able to download the photos to the computer. This is necessary for the final assessment lesson.
• Tape measure
• Clinometer or laser level
• This will be used for determining the slope of the ground.
• A printer (or access to a printer)
• You will need to be able to print out the Inspection Checklist.
• Downloading/uploading cabability
• Uploading via scanner or by using a digital camera will be necessary.