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The Irrigation Association has named July Smart Irrigation Month to raise awareness of the importance of using irrigation efficiently.
"Our mission is to promote efficient and effective irrigation worldwide," said Tom Kimmell, executive director of the Irrigation Association. "Smart Irrigation Month is a way for the industry to highlight irrigation equipment and practices that make the most of our most precious resource."
"While the irrigation industry is bringing increasingly efficient technology to the marketplace, irrigation consumers have an important role in choosing efficient technology and using it effectively," Kimmell said.
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IA members in every segment of the industry will be asked to display the Smart Irrigation Month logo and share tips for efficient irrigation with their customers in July while highlighting products and services that promote efficient irrigation.
The Irrigation Association's Turf and Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices recognize that an efficient automatic irrigation system requires quality parts and design, accurate installation, proper maintenance and effective management.
The timeliness of this initiative could not be better. The evolution of “smart controllers”, weather sensing equipment, pressure regulation devices, monitoring equipment and many other new devices are all driving forces behind increased irrigation efficiencies in the landscape. Make no mistake, there is no substitute for sound irrigation design as it pertains to irrigation efficiency and uniformity. Irrigation application uniformity is the key to getting the most out of every drop of water used. When proper design also incorporates the use of “smart” technologies, the efficiency of water use is truly the best it can be.
While these technologies are all wonderful tools, they all require knowledge and skill to realize their full potential. Many manufacturers supply training specifically related to these products. The IA also provides training and educational opportunities related to the application and use of these technologies from a broad-spectrum approach.
It is important that all industry segments embrace the principles that lay the foundation of water use efficiency in the landscape. There are many areas in the country that are considering or have already implemented bans or significant restrictions on water use in the landscape. While these measures have created hardship in some areas, it has also opened the door for many new opportunities to well informed irrigation professionals that understand how best to provide water to the landscape.
The green industry needs to promote the importance of what we do for the environment. Green spaces with proper irrigation provide receptive open spaces for ground and surface water recharge, which is a critical, final link in the hydrologic cycle. In addition, these green spaces break down harmful contaminants, trap dust, provide noise abatement, produce oxygen, create a cooling effect, prevent erosion and sedimentation, and create areas for habitat and recreation. The list goes on.
Join the Irrigation Association in promoting “Smart Irrigation Month”. It has never been more important to demonstrate stewardship with our water resources. Consumers recognize the need to use water wisely. Promoting “smart irrigation” to your customers will show your clients the value in dealing with a true irrigation professional.
The author is state and affiliate relations director for the Irrigation Association. He can be reached at 231/582-6023 or by e-mail at andy@irrigation.org.