EPA Helps Define Smart Irrigation

The focus in the irrigation industry has turned toward water conservation and “smart” irrigation systems. The Environmental Protection Agency is defining the term “smart” and educating consumers and contractors about efficiency.

The EPA introduced WaterSense, a program that promotes efficient water use and identifies efficient products and contractors. EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson launched the program June 12 at the American Water Works Association's Annual Conference and Exposition in San Antonio, Texas

“The basic idea of the program is to give consumers a way to identify water efficient products,” says Jane Anderson, environmental engineer for the EPA. “We hope to get people to cut back and ease some of the strain on the water supply,” Anderson says.

Studies have been done throughout the country that show consumers can waste as much as 50 percent of the water supply, Anderson says, adding this is no longer an option in many parts of the U.S. that are plagued with severe water shortages. Several regions are beginning to regulate water use, and even in the Northeast, states are discussing legislature that would require newly installed irrigation systems to have smart controllers.

Homeowners who don’t face restrictions don’t actively look for the efficient irrigation systems, so the EPA hopes to appeal to the contractors who install irrigation systems and know the nuances of different types of controllers.

“Studies show the average consumer is busy and doesn’t to spend a lot of time on it, but if it’s put in for them, they don’t have to spend the time,” Anderson says.

WaterSense is just getting off the ground, but there have been training programs for contactors which lead them to become certified in installing efficient irrigation systems. The EPA also hopes to educate the public through information on its Web site, www.epa.gov/watersense.

In addition to the installers, the products being installed are also tested, and efficient products are given the WaterSense seal of approval.

The program also extends to indoor plumbing. There have been developments toward more efficient toilets, notes Stephanie Tanner, another EPA environmental engineer. Toilets and faucets can also qualify to have the WaterSense seal.