The Irrigation Association hosted its 2026 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., March 10-12, giving members an opportunity to talk with lawmakers and federal agencies about policies shaping irrigation and water management.
During the three-day event, IA members met with representatives from 27 congressional offices from across the country to highlight the irrigation industry’s impact on the U.S. economy.
“This year’s Advocacy Summit was a strong reminder of how valuable it is when the irrigation industry speaks with a unified, informed voice,” said Andrew Morris, IA director of policy and technical affairs.
Key advocacy priorities:
- Continued funding: Attendees urged lawmakers to sustain funding for EPA WaterSenseand to keep specifications current and maintain the third-party certification infrastructure behind the label. IA members also encouraged support for a broader federal water-efficiency toolkit, including WaterSense, SRFs, WIFIA and related tax policies that support community conservation and reuse programs.
- Practical policy implementation: IA members called for practical implementation of WaterSense-related policies to avoid oversimplifying how irrigation systems perform in the field.
- Recognition of expertise: Attendees reinforced that professional competency is as important as product selection for optimal irrigation performance.
- Stronger federal attention: IA members requested that lawmakers pay greater attention to municipal water reuse for irrigation to offset potable demand and improve drought resilience.
“The conversations we had during the Advocacy Summit don’t end when the event concludes,” said Morris. “They help shape ongoing engagement and reinforce the IA’s role as a trusted resource for policymakers navigating complex water and irrigation issues.”
