Irrigation Professionals Speak Out in Defense of the Industry

CHICAGO – A growing demand for effective water management and the need to combat the forces of Mother Nature has allowed landscape irrigation to flourish over the past 20 years.

Escalating costs of water usage and technological advancements are two reasons behind an increasing demand for professionally designed irrigation systems. Those in the irrigation industry claim poorly designed and installed irrigation systems are inefficient and will result in wasted water.

However, some states are pushing to prohibit irrigation consultants from practicing without a license. Jim Barrett, president of the American Society of Irrigation Consultants (ASIC), says those in the industry have not done enough to educate legislators and regulators about the benefits of irrigation. Barrett claims “irrigation is the solution not the problem.”

Barrett and the members of ASIC see reaching out to those who do not understand the profession as a top priority.

“We’re prepared to pursue licensing of irrigation consultants if that’s what it takes,” Barrett explains. “Based on legitimate criteria, licensing will only protect the end user, and we’re all for that.”

ASIC is a non-profit organization founded in 1970. Leading independent irrigation consultants look to ASIC for continuing education, the exchange of ideas and breakthroughs in irrigation design and water management.