Conservation experts and green industry professionals convened in Pasadena, California on Dec. 31, 2007 for The Intelligent Use of Water Summit VIII, A Look at Global Conservation Initiatives and Strategies: Leading By Example, a forum focused on water conservation initiatives and landscape irrigation strategies.

Hosted by Rain Bird Corporation, the leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services, the summit included a four-person panel. The panel discussed the challenges faced by industry professionals and the public, as well as methods designed to foster outdoor water conservation.

"Our commitment extends beyond products to partnering with individuals and organizations around the world who share a similar interest in water efficiency," said Rain Bird Corporate Marketing Director Dave Johnson. "We also seek to educate people about water scarcity issues while developing solutions to potential problems. It is in that spirit that we present these summits and panel discussions."

Members of the panel were chosen for their water conservation expertise in the areas of academia, research, media and landscape design. The panelists were:

o    Mike Binns -- Regional Landscape Director, Camden Living (Houston, Texas)
o    Roger Cook -- Landscape contractor, This Old House (Burlington, Mass.)
o    Marty Eberhardt -- Executive Director of The Water Conservation Garden and 

     recipient of the 2007 Intelligent Use of Water Award (El Cajon, Calif.)

o    David Zoldoske -- Director, Center for Irrigation Technology (Fresno, Calif.)

The summit began with Rain Bird's presentation of an award check for $10,000 to panelist Marty Eberhardt, Executive Director of The Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon, for winning the 2007 Intelligent Use of Water Award earlier this year.

"We believe that you need to work on both the emotions and the brain," Eberhardt said of the Garden's mission. "Right now we're feeling that, with the water situation as it is, there might be mandatory water rationing soon and we're quickly trying to come up with new education programs."

In addition to calling for irrigation and landscaping professionals to assist in the development and implementation of water conservation initiatives and management, the panel emphasized the need to question accepted trade practices. They also acknowledged the role that industry professionals can play by influencing individuals and organizations to adopt water-conserving practices.

Panelist Roger Cook, landscape contractor for This Old House said, "We need to look ahead, but there are many things we can do now in terms of water conservation. The more we can show people through television, through articles, and any other way we can, the more people will do this."

In addition to hosting the bi-annual Summit, Rain Bird devotes significant resources to The Intelligent Use of Water public education campaigns, which include: The Intelligent Use of Water Award; a series of white papers; public service announcements; membership in the Alliance for Water Efficiency and the steering committee advising the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its WaterSense product labeling program; The Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition; partnerships with non-profit organizations; development and support of elementary and middle school curriculums; and participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade®, an annual worldwide stage to communicate the need for water conservation.

Rain Bird's next Intelligent Use of Water Summit in scheduled for June 2008 in Zaragoza, Spain.