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Ivins staff previews voluntary ‘AquaStar’ irrigation‑certification concept to tighten landscape water use
Summary
City staff and council discussed a voluntary irrigation‑installation certification intended to curb outdoor water loss. The program would certify compliance on plan and field inspections and aim to educate homeowners and landscape contractors; staff said participation would be voluntary and would require training and inspections.
Ivins City staff and council explored a voluntary irrigation certification program on Jan. 16, 2025, intended to reduce landscape-related water losses by setting standardized installation and inspection benchmarks for new irrigation systems.
Staff described a draft standard, presented as a voluntary “AquaStar” program (name discussed as subject to trademark review), through which landscape contractors or developers could request certification that plans and installations meet water‑conservation best practices. The proposed process would include plan review, field inspection and a final sign-off; city staff acknowledged inspection and staff‑training requirements and suggested partnering with regional water entities for outreach and possible financial support for implementation.
Advocates at the meeting said inefficient irrigation systems are a significant source of municipal water loss and that a local certification — combined with promotion to buyers and builders — could drive adoption. Staff suggested the program would be voluntary, promoted to contractors and potential homebuyers as a point of differentiation, and could be combined with education and continuing‑education offerings for local landscape professionals.
Council members asked whether the program would create an enforcement burden; staff said it would be voluntary and implemented as a certification and inspection service rather than a mandatory permit requirement. The council expressed general support for continuing work on the program, asked staff to refine implementation checklists and training plans, and asked staff to confirm naming and trademark issues before formal adoption and promotion.
