This QWEL class is primarily for landscapers doing business in the City of Surprise. Others may be admitted with permission.
This is an online class using Canvas Infrastructure and includes an in-person component. The kick off class on April 14th and in-person Field Day on May 14th are MANDATORY. The class sections can be done at your convenience within the time frame shared below.
By registering for this class, you agree to attend all sessions listed below. To pass the QWEL course participants must complete an irrigation audit and pass the QWEL exam.
The class sessions are as follows:
April 14, 2026 - MANDATORY Online Kick-off class to discuss Syllabus and online class expectations. Class materials will open on April 14th.
Week 1 - ONLINE - Watch YouTube videos on Section 1 Where Our Water Comes From and Section 2 Sustainable Landscaping. Complete quizzes, homework, and/or discussion assignments by April 21.
Week 2 - ONLINE - Watch YouTube videos on Section 3 Soils and Section 4 Landscape Water. Complete quizzes, homework, and/or discussion assignments by April 28.
Week 3 - ONLINE - Watch YouTube videos on Section 5 Irrigation Systems and Section 6 Irrigation Maintenance & Troubleshooting. Complete quizzes, homework, and/or discussion assignments by May 5.
Week 4 - ONLINE - Watch YouTube videos on Section 7 Irrigation Auditing and Section 8 Irrigation Scheduling, and section 9 Irrigation Controllers. Complete quizzes, homework, and/or discussion assignments by May 12.
May 14, 2026 - MANDATORY FIELD DAY
Meet at the Water Education Center, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza at 7:30 AM for in-person activities, including:
QWEL graduates are certified to perform third party irrigation audits will be listed for hire on the QWEL, and EPA WaterSense websites.
As a summary, the curriculum includes the following sections:
This class is for professionals wanting to learn more about water efficient irrigation systems. if you would like to attend and have questions, please contact sandra.hurlbut@surpriseaz.gov
Location:
Online & in-person class
16126 N. Civic Center Plaza
Surprise, AZ 85374
View in Google Maps
Location: 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza
Presenter: Sandra Hurlbut is the Water Conservation Coordinator for the City of Surprise. She is a QWEL Instructor, a Certified Irrigation Technician and a Certified Landscape Irrigation auditor with the Irrigation Association. She supports irrigation management of the Surprise Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. She has completed additional training in Advanced Smartscape - Irrigation; Master Gardener with Cochise County Cooperative Extension; and Home Horticulture with Maricopa County Cooperative Extension. She has decades of experienced as a presenter and likes to employ hands-on learning.
When: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Registration Closes: 04/14/2026
Sponsored by: City of Surprise
For more information, contact:
Sandra HurlbutRegister someone else for this class
(you'll need to logout and register the new user)