Each July, the Irrigation Association spearheads Smart Irrigation Month which highlights the social, economic and environmental benefits of efficient irrigation products and services. This year, the industry celebrated not only the innovative systems and technologies doing the work, but the people who make it all possible.
Meg Mason is the vice president of marketing at HydroPoint, Petaluma, California.
What inspired you to pursue a career in irrigation?
After spending years in other industries including biotech, media and finance, I stumbled across a marketing position in irrigation and fell in love! Marketing in the irrigation industry strikes the ideal balance for my scientific background and creative instincts.
What key advice or experiences have contributed to your successful and meaningful career in the irrigation industry, given your background in marketing rather than as an irrigation professional?
I recommend not being afraid to try new things professionally, giving a different role or even another industry a shot. After an assortment of roles in other industries, my current role of vice president of marketing in irrigation brings together my experience with sales and marketing with my natural inclination for data and analysis. You never know what the right fit might be if you don’t try!
Can you share a specific project or initiative that you are particularly proud of and how it has impacted the industry?
I have proudly been with HydroPoint for over 10 years. HydroPoint has sponsored IA’s Smart Irrigation Month for three consecutive years, and it’s been rewarding to witness the program’s growth with widespread industry participation!
What does “smart irrigation” mean to you, and why do you believe it is essential for the future of our industry?
Smart irrigation is synonymous with smart water management, and the importance of efficiently managing irrigation water use. It is our responsibility to adopt smart irrigation practices and technology, ensuring we conserve every drop of the Earth’s most precious resource.
Kris Loomis, QWEL, CLIA, CID, is the water use efficiency senior programs specialist at Sonoma Water.
What inspired you to pursue a career in irrigation?
My journey into irrigation began by chance in 1993 with a cashier job at a farm store selling animal feed, tractor supplies and irrigation equipment. Initially unfamiliar with irrigation products, I quickly realized I needed to deepen my knowledge to assist customers effectively.
Driven by curiosity, I immersed myself in learning about irrigation. Over time, I transitioned from helping homeowners with landscape irrigation to roles in sales and design for residential and commercial landscapes. Eventually, I specialized in agricultural irrigation, focusing on designing systems for vineyards, particularly wine grapes.
In 2001, I was invited to teach a semester-long landscape irrigation course at a community college. Despite initial nerves, this experience ignited a passion for teaching, and I have been teaching similar courses at various colleges since 2015.
To enhance my credentials, I pursued certifications in irrigation auditing and design, earning the certified landscape irrigation auditor and certified irrigation designer certificates through the Irrigation Association. As drought conditions and urban water management became crucial, I furthered my education, earning certification in water use efficiency through the American Water Works Association. In 2016, I transitioned to the public sector, joining the Water Use Efficiency section of a water wholesaler. This shift broadened my perspective on irrigation and urban water use while complementing my continued role as an educator. Engaging in regulatory and industry working groups has allowed me to contribute diverse insights and advocate for balanced perspectives within the irrigation community.
“It is our responsibility to adopt smart irrigation practices and technology, ensuring we conserve every drop of the Earth’s most precious resource.”
In 2021, I was encouraged to apply to teach for the Irrigation Association. I submitted my application and resume and began teaching classes. In addition, I wanted to volunteer in other ways and was accepted to the Irrigation Association’s Landscape Advocacy Committee.
Can you share a specific project or initiative that you are particularly proud of and how it has impacted the industry?
Looking back, I am proud of where I started and how my career has evolved over time. Looking ahead, I aim to approach water-related issues with a broad lens, seeking collaborative solutions that benefit all stakeholders in water management and the environment. Promoting critical thinking and finding common ground among diverse perspectives is key to this approach. I believe that through this type of initiative, I can make a meaningful impact on the irrigation industry by participating in a way that creates balance when dealing with complex issues and encourages equitable solutions for all parties involved.
What does “smart irrigation” mean to you, and why do you believe it is essential for the future of our industry?
With the global climate changing and water resources becoming scarcer, the future of irrigation hinges on adopting smart irrigation concepts. For me, smart irrigation starts with a thoughtful landscape design, choosing climate-appropriate plants, then choosing efficient and appropriate irrigation supplies and topping it off by using water efficiently with smart technologies to adjust schedules based on changing needs.
Embracing smart irrigation concepts can secure a sustainable water future and adapt to climate change challenges. Integrating smart irrigation technology into our landscapes and farms is crucial for the future of irrigation.
IA staff embrace community volunteering for Smart Irrigation Month
This July, the Irrigation Association staff celebrated Smart Irrigation Month by participating in a community volunteer project. Staff members engaged in various activities, including volunteering at local food banks, organizing river clean-ups and supporting local food security initiatives through community gardening and fresh produce distribution.
Nathan Bowen, vice president of advocacy and public affairs at the Irrigation Association, praised the staff’s efforts.
“Smart Irrigation Month highlights the important contributions the irrigation industry makes to the wise use of water and our local communities,” says Bowen. “Our staff was honored to be able to take time during the month to contribute in tangible ways to improving our communities.”
The IA looks forward to celebrating these efforts beyond July and continuing to promote smart irrigation practices and community engagement in the future, says Bowen.
