A voice for irrigation's future

Recently, I was reminded again of the impact that legislation, policy and standards — or the lack thereof — have on the landscape irrigation industry, especially on the contractors and practitioners doing the work and the end users of those systems. You would think that those most affected would have the greatest awareness and the most involvement in shaping these decisions. In my experience, however, the opposite is often true — those affected the most are frequently the least aware and the least involved.

A quick search for legislation affecting our industry in the United States turns up a significant list at the federal, state and local levels. At the federal level, recent changes to the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program will affect some of the mandates for using approved products. Water allocation policy and legislation will also affect the amount of water available for irrigating landscapes in several Western states.

At the state level, at last count there are 12 states that require contractors to obtain a license to perform irrigation work. Several of those states have pending changes that would affect either licensing and enforcement or water availability. Additionally, 13 states have enacted energy and water efficiency standards that mandate the use of pressure-regulating spray bodies.

At the local level, there are countless water districts and municipalities that have enacted policies affecting water availability for landscape irrigation, requirements for specific backflow devices and meters, and requirements for specific permits or certifications for installing and managing irrigation systems. Sometimes these align with state or federal guidance, and sometimes they are based purely on local decision-making.

It is worth noting the distinction between codes, standards and best-management practices, or BMPs. By definition, codes are legally enforceable rules mandated by government authorities to ensure public safety. Standards are detailed technical guidelines on how to meet those rules. BMPs are voluntary, highly effective methods that go beyond the minimum legal requirements to optimize performance and sustainability.

Our industry does not have a comprehensive national code that states are required to enact, though a few states have standards written with the force of codes. We do have several established standards, ranging from WaterSense provisions to statewide and local standards that may be part of a permitting process.

“[B]ecause of our role in allocating water for landscape use, we face continuing scrutiny from those outside our industry.”

We also have a set of industrywide BMPs, developed in 2014, that cover the design, installation and management of landscape irrigation systems. These are available on the Irrigation Association’s website. If you are not completely familiar with them, make the time to download and review them.

So, where am I going with all this? Having had the good fortune to interact with contractors and irrigation providers across North America, my experience is that while many are well aware of the external factors affecting their livelihoods, the vast majority are not — nor are they involved in the development, advocacy or management of policies.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard, “Why don’t we have standards for landscape irrigation systems?” or “These water restrictions are unfair and waste more water than they save.” Yet when these policies are being developed and the industry is asked for input, the response is often silence or “I’m too busy.”

How can you get involved? Today, it is easier than ever. A few minutes of online research can identify most of the legislative and policy issues affecting — or likely to affect — your locality. In most cases, there is a way to contact the people or entities responsible for the legislation, policies or standards, and many times it is as easy as another click to express your perspective and be heard.

Getting involved through industry associations at the local or national level is another powerful avenue. Our associations are generally well informed on these issues and are often actively advocating on our behalf. That benefit of membership should not be underestimated.

There is no doubt that involvement takes commitment and time. However, because of our role in allocating water for landscape use, we face continuing scrutiny from those outside our industry. Ensuring adequate access to water for irrigation — and making sure that water is used as efficiently as possible — is critical to the future of our industry. Ask questions. Find out how to get involved and be heard. Make the time — it is worth it.

Christopher Pine, CLWM, CID, CIC, CLIA, CIT, MCLP, is a principal of IrriTech Training and the president of BluGreen Solutions in Pocasset, Massachusetts. He can be reached at chris@blugreensolutions.com.