Training a Green Workforce for LA’s Water Future

Climate change research is creating wild weather patterns. Here in California, we’re already experiencing the impact. Longer droughts. Flash floods. More intense weather patterns like El Niño. The conditions seem to fluctuate week by week. If that’s our experience now, imagine the impacts we’ll see 10 years from now, and beyond.

That’s why TreePeople is a major proponent of rainwater harvesting, especially here in Los Angeles. Now is the time to plan for our rapidly changing future.

Therefore, we are proud to partner with the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) to establish a trained workforce, ready to meet Los Angeles’ need for stormwater capture systems. A green workforce is an essential component of California’s water-secure future.

We held our first ARCSA training in February. It was such a success, that we’re ramping up to hold our second one, right in time for Earth Day. 
24650762030_b37d68d00f_k“My company mainly does greywater systems but we wanted to branch out into rainwater harvesting. Two of us took ​t​he ARCSA two-day AP training in February and we found it incredibly important, both for learning the details of rainwater harvesting system design and installation, and for giving us the professional accreditation to install these systems. Some of the minutiae that the class covered such as pumping and water safety issues had an immediate impact on some of the projects we are working on.  The ARCSA website also is an invaluable resource.  Highly recommended!” Leigh Jerrard, Founder, Greywater Corps​

“Through my business as a professional rain harvesting and greywater system design and build company I’ve had the opportunity to work on many projects, from blue recycled 55 gallon drums to large tank systems. As a member of ARCSA I’ve had access to the ARCSA community for specific advice on project design. However, this year I made the financial investment and attended the ARCSA Accredited Professional training at Tree People. This training has empowered me in a big way. Now I have much more confidence in designing robust rain harvesting systems, for non-potable and potable uses. I wish I had taken this course from the get go, it would have eliminated a lot of learning curve. If you are wanting to step up your game in the rain harvesting business, I highly recommend taking this training. I am especially grateful that this class was offered on-site at TreePeople. We were surrounded by nature and natural light and the atmosphere and good energy really enhanced the learning experience.” Allan Lee Haskell, Chief Education Officer, EnviroMeasures.com

Want to be on the front lines of stormwater capture? Our next ARCSA training for professionals will be on April 12 and 13.    

By Erika Abdelatif

Erika Abdelatif is TreePeople’s Social Media and Digital Content Manager. When she isn't creating a climate-resilient LA via the Facebook, she's probably writing in a coffee shop, infesting the internet with memes, or watching an open mic.