IA policy director Andrew Morris flags three key trends landscape irrigation contractors must watch: WaterSense program support, state product regulations and nonfunctional turf restrictions taking effect.

If you’re involved in landscape irrigation in New York, take note that starting with products manufactured after June 26, 2023, only WaterSense-labeled spray sprinkler bodies may be sold or installed in the state.

The IA has continued to engage with state legislative efforts and regulatory proceedings that would require all new irrigation controllers to be WaterSense labeled.

A new law in Colorado will ease licensure requirements for professionals working on backflow prevention devices. 

EPA has indicated that it will provide additional guidance to states and stakeholders during the transition period.

The U.S. housing market saw mixed trends in January, with housing starts declining while building permits and completions showed stability or growth.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protect Small Business from Excessive Paperwork Act, H.R. 736, in a bipartisan vote.

The CTA requires small businesses with 20 or fewer employees or $5 million or less in revenues to report beneficial owners to the FinCEN.

The Bureau of Reclamation, Washington, D.C., is lowering water reductions for the Colorado River Basin States thanks to improved drought conditions for Lake Mead.

The IA joined NAW and more than 160 other business groups asking Congress to make permanent a 20% deduction for small businesses.