Trainings and Events

Providing Education

As Northern Water expands its Water Efficiency Program offerings, we are leveraging resources with other entities to provide educational opportunities for landscape professionals, those who oversee commercial landscapes, and the general public. These classes and training aim to give attendees a deeper understanding of many topics, including the plant-soil-water relationship, plant water requirements, landscape water budgeting and irrigation management, among others. In addition to classes and exams through the Irrigation Association, other special classes are hosted throughout the year.  

Northern Water Events

Water Efficiency Stakeholder Meeting
March 31, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Northern Water 

Registration is now open to attend our annual Water Efficiency Stakeholder meeting, with lunch included. This meeting will showcase our 2022 results, preview new program offerings and invite you to provide input on the need for future water efficiency services. The program features partner presentations, a regional messaging initiative and new tools to manage sustainable landscapes. Agenda coming soon. 

Classes & Trainings

Irrigation Association

Northern Water is excited to host another season of Irrigation Association (IA) courses and certifications. Irrigation Association is a nationally recognized leader in irrigation trainings.

• March 1 - Landscape Drip Irrigation Design & Management: Intermediate | Landscape (8 CEUs) - Incorporate drip irrigation in landscape applications with this comprehensive overview of key design elements: emitter selection, system layout, system applications and scheduling. This full-day session includes a detailed overview of applications for line source and point source products.   
• March 6 & 7 - Landscape Irrigation Auditor: Intermediate | Landscape (16 CEUs) - Assess irrigation system performance with this comprehensive overview of auditing techniques. This two-day session covers field tests and calculating accurate watering schedules based on plant water use, soils and local weather data. Recommended review for the certified landscape irrigation auditor and certified irrigation contractor exams. 
• March 9 - Advanced Landscape Irrigation Design & Management: Advanced | Landscape (8 CEUs) - Improve landscape water efficiency with better design, including uniformity, equipment selection and technology. This full-day session will address advanced concepts for irrigation designers, contractors, water purveyors, suppliers and other irrigation professionals. 
• March 13 - Exams for Certified Irrigation Auditor (CLIA), Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) and Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT), 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

The SLM training and certificate program outlines sustainable landscape maintenance practices, why they are important and different from prior practices, anticipated outcomes of proper techniques, and who will benefit from the application of these techniques and practices. After the class, attendees will take an online exam. A passing score on the exam will earn attendees the SLM certificate. Each registrant must have an SLM manual for the class. Registrants may purchase the manual online at the same time they register for the class. The SLM training class and certificate is open to ALCC members only. Both trainings will take place at Northern Water.  

• March 22 - Sustainable Landscape Management, 8 a.m.-noon
• Oct. 24 - Sustainable Landscape Management, 8 a.m.-noon

Partnership Trainings

As part of our partnerships at Northern Water, the following trainings are available through various partners. 

Growing Water Smart Three-Day Workshop in Estes Park  

Northern Water is pleased to sponsor a Growing Water Smart workshop on May 8-10 at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. Growing Water Smart is a joint project between the Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Sonoran Institute and the Lincoln Institute featuring workshops that bring leaders from a city, town, county or region together to devote entire days to learning, collaboration and planning, which lead to custom action plans to integrate land use and water planning, tailored to their unique needs and goals. The Growing Water Smart program introduces communities to the full range of communications, public engagement, planning, and policy implementation tools to realize their watershed health and community resiliency goals.    

Funding and support are available post-completion to ensure implementation of the action plans. Registration is free and the Water Efficiency team is available to support prospective entities that may need guidance in preparing their application and assembling their team. 

Applications are now being accepted and are due by March 1. Up to seven applicant teams will be selected to take part in this workshop. After the workshop, these teams will join the ranks of other Northern Water allottees who have completed Growing Water Smart, including Fort Collins, Windsor, Berthoud, Erie, Greeley, Evans, Platteville, Longmont, Lyons, Broomfield, Little Thompson Water District, Central Weld County Water District, and Boulder and Weld Counties. This video from past participants shows the value they found working together.  

Resource Central Waterwise Yard Seminars 

Northern Water is excited to partner with Resource Central to provide three Waterwise Yard Seminars. All seminars will be offered as online webinars to maximize attendance and allow anyone to attend. The topics and tentative dates are as follows: 

• April 11 - Navigating Your HOA During Landscape Conversion, 6-8 p.m. (tentative) 
• April 26 - Water Smarter with Smart Irrigation!, 6-8 p.m. (tentative) 
• June 14 - Waterwise Basics: New to Colorado Landscaping, 6-8 p.m.