IA New England Impacts Massachusetts Draft Conservation Plan

 

Concerns over several elements in Massachusetts’ draft water conservation plan have mobilized green industry organizations. Several groups voiced concern over a targeted per capita water use goal of 65 gallons per day. The Massachusetts Water Works Association issued a white paper asking the legislature to block the policy. It characterized seasonal water-use goals as irrational and unattainable in some locations.

Rich Bradley of the Irrigation Association of New England says IANE worked closely with other stakeholders and former IA President Brian Vinchesi to propose replacement language for the section related to water use in the landscape. Most of the suggestions were adopted. In addition, IANE is using the Irrigation Association’s Turf and Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices as a template for Massachusetts Irrigation Best Management Practices. The group is also working on language to license or certify irrigation professionals as part of a plan to increase water efficiency.