IA & ASIC release updated irrigation BMPs

FALLS CHURCH, VA. —  The Irrigation Association and American Society of Irrigation Consultants released a new version of the Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices. The document will be open for public comment until Dec. 10, 2013.

This update is the result of over a year of collaboration between IA and ASIC and reflects sound engineering practices as well as emerging technologies and techniques for efficient water use. The revised document includes:

• A broader discussion on all potential irrigation water resources.
• More emphasis on the importance and role of the water manager.
• Three BMPs that address the design, installation and management of irrigation systems.
• Practice guidelines for effective implementation and adaption to local conditions.

“We’ve included more discussion about considering all potential water resources that could be used for irrigation as an alternative to using potable water sources,” says IA Industry Development Director Brent Mecham, CAIS, CGIA, CIC, CID, CLIA, CLWM. “We’ve also put greater emphasis on the importance of a water manager to ensure that systems are well maintained and that water resources are being used efficiently.”

This update includes the input from IA and ASIC irrigation professionals to make sure the BMPs remain relevant in today’s market, which is moving toward sustainability. The guidelines are directed primarily toward water purveyors, system owners, irrigation consultants, irrigation designers, contractors, water managers and irrigation system maintenance personnel.

In addition to representing the common interests of these industry stakeholders, the landscape irrigation BMPs also serve as a credible resource for policy- and decision-makers who are developing and implementing standards and codes related to landscape irrigation.

The updated BMPs have been reviewed by industry professionals — designers, consultants, contractors and water managers — to verify that the content remains relevant.

The revised document and comment form can be accessed on the IA website. For more information, contact Brent Mecham at brentmecham@irrigation.org.