Raising Our Irrigation IQs

By American Society of Irrigation Consultants

Water collection, capture and distribution systems have been around, technologically speaking, for thousands of years. Cisterns from the 16th century (seen here), and those built 2,000 years ago by the Romans and fed by aqueducts can stand as an inspiration on how to manage water even in the most difficult environments. There are so many opportunities like rainwater collection and storage, graywater, treated effluent and others that can be explored.

The Irrigation Association launched Smart Irrigation Month a few years back to bring attention to the industry through a proactive campaign emphasizing landscape water-use efficiency, and now it?EUR??,,????'?????<

Smart Irrigation Month provides an opportunity for each of us to position this industry as a responsible problem solver ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Smart Irrigation is a good program to introduce tested, effective irrigation equipment and promote sound water management practices. From landscape architects, designers and managers to irrigation consultants and contractors, we all have an opportunity, if not a responsibility, to carry that message to the consumer.

But we have an even greater responsibility. We?EUR??,,????'?????<

Ground Floor

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As landscape and irrigation designers, we need to actively engage our irrigation intelligence long before a system is configured, products are specified or water managers are trained. It needs to start with a seat at the big table, where water resource discussions begin. It can even start before that. Landscape architects and designers can seriously benefit from having a qualified water-resource professional as part of their pitch team.

The sooner your team?EUR??,,????'?????<

More specifically, as water resource professionals, we should quickly determine where our services fit, then assert as much authority as our abilities and the team allow. We can develop water resources and water use requirements, help establish landscape objectives and bring other expertise to the team.

Ground Zero

This is where water professionals really need to assert our irrigation intelligence. Site topography, exposures and planting plans need to be studied for specific system and water needs. Management and maintenance and water-use histories can be reviewed. Opportunities like rainwater collection and storage, graywater, treated effluent and others can be explored.

Skillful water resource professionals also look for special circumstances, like a nearby stream that can?EUR??,,????'?????<

Furthermore, seasoned water professionals can offer our expertise in certain projects with specific demands or restriction. Athletic fields, public parks, golf courses, campuses and hospitals all have certain priorities, traits and characteristics.

And finally, the water guru should deliver irrigation documentation for the client and end user after completion of the project, containing irrigation as-built plans, water budgets, estimated water use month-by-month, owner manuals, warranties and business cards.

As an industry, let?EUR??,,????'?????<

The American Society of Irrigation Consultants (ASIC) was formed in 1970. Its members are committed to representing the client in providing independent irrigation consulting services for the effective use and management of water and other natural resources.

For more information about ASIC or its members, call 508/763-8140 or visit www.asic.org..