ORLANDO, Fla. - At the recent Golf Course Superintendents Assocation of America's 73rd International Golf Course Conference, Dallas-based irrigation company Flowtronex introduced a new initiative called "Integrated Water Management." The system combines fertigation, pH control, irrigation and filtration with single-source accountability.

"Cities are increasingly mandating the use of non-potable water for irrigation," said Ray Clapp, president of Flowtronex. "The decline in available potable water could have serious ramifications on the longevity and health of turf. Integrated Water Management (IWM) is an effective philosophy incorporating all the fundamental processes of water quality with current distribution methods to overcome these problems and maximize available resources.

IWM makes the pump station the focal point where data can be retrieved from all points in the irrigation cycle process. Tools such as Internet-ready cell phones, allow golf course superintendents to control and monitor a system from virtually anywhere in the world. This also allows more exact control of water, power, chemicals and materials, which typically reduces the expenditure on these items.

According to Tom Male, Flowtronex national sales manager, "A healthy turf requires consistent applications of precisely the right amounts of fertilizers, at the right time, with the highest quality water. IWM provides all of the necessary elements to make this level of control possible with single-source accountability. Plus, it improves ROI because every cost is more tightly controlled."

The IWM approach provides turf managers with systems designed to meet their particular needs and conditions. Once the decision is made to expand an existing system or construct a new one, Flowtronex representatives arrive on-site to discuss the most effective and efficient ways to enhance water quality and fertilizer distribution. Working with component manufacturers, Flowtronex then builds a system tailored to meet detailed specifications of the individual course.

"These systems typically cost much less in the long run because all of the important elements are integrated from the beginning instead of being cobbled together on-site," noted Male. "However, single source accountability is one of the greatest benefits of the IWM approach. Regardless of the problem, be it with the fertigation equipment, pipes or filtration products, one Flowtronex technician can be dispatched to detail any trouble and take appropriate measures to correct the situation."

For more information on the IWM system and Flowtronex, visit www.flowtronex.com or call (800) 786-7480.