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The High Stakes of Water Management: What the Industry Must Do Now
What’s the Issue?
Water is one of our most precious resources, yet it is increasingly under pressure from urbanization, climate change, and rising demand. Every second, two more people move to urban areas, and 50% of the world’s population now lives in megacities with 10 million or more residents. This rapid growth strains existing water supplies, and the demand for freshwater is outpacing supply at an alarming rate.
According to the Global Environmental Outlook, water withdrawals are expected to increase by 50% in developing countries and 18% in developed nations by 2025. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that landscape irrigation accounts for nearly one-third of all residential water use—a staggering 7 billion gallons per day.
In sunny regions like the western U.S., landscape irrigation consumes over 50% of residential water use. In California alone, a 20% reduction in outdoor water use would save the equivalent of eliminating all toilet water use statewide. This makes landscape irrigation a primary target for water conservation regulations.
A Closing Window of Opportunity
We have a choice: We can proactively implement better water management practices or wait for strict regulations and government intervention to force change upon us.
Lawmakers refer to water shortages as a “threat to homeland security.” This phrase should serve as a serious warning to our industry. When water scarcity is linked to national security, it signals that regulatory action will be swift and severe if we do not take voluntary steps to conserve water now.
The window to lead this change is closing fast, and if we don’t act soon, the government will likely step in with sweeping mandates that could disrupt the irrigation and landscaping industries in unexpected ways.
What Can We Do?
We must embrace the technology already available for water conservation and efficiency. Unfortunately, many landscaping and irrigation contractors fail to recommend smart irrigation controllers to their clients, and some even actively discourage their use.
I’ve encountered contractors who tell customers that smart controllers only benefit the contractor—a short-sighted and irresponsible statement that harms our industry. Smart controllers benefit everyone—homeowners, businesses, communities, and the environment.
The Power of Smart Irrigation Controllers
The fastest and most effective way to reduce outdoor water waste is through installing and using smart irrigation controllers. These controllers:
- Use real-time weather data to adjust watering schedules automatically.
- Prevent overwatering by only applying the exact amount of water needed.
- Reduce runoff and soil erosion, preventing excess water from being wasted.
- Save money for property owners through lower water bills and efficient irrigation.
However, lack of education remains a significant barrier to adoption. Many contractors avoid smart controllers because they don’t fully understand how to program or optimize their settings. This is where education and certification come into play.
The Role of Professional Certification & Training
To stay competitive and lead the charge in water conservation, irrigation professionals should consider industry-recognized certifications such as:
- IA Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC): This program ensures that irrigation professionals have the technical expertise and ethical standards to manage water-efficient irrigation systems properly.
- IA Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) – A program that designs custom irrigation solutions that maximize efficiency and reduce waste.
EPA WaterSense Certification: A label awarded to professionals and irrigation products that meet strict water efficiency and performance standards.
The Irrigation Association’s CIC and CID programs were among the first professional certifications to receive the EPA WaterSense label—a testament to their importance in advancing innovative water management.
Leveraging Local Water Rebates & Incentives
Another missed opportunity in the industry is the failure to leverage local water district rebates for smart irrigation systems.
Many water agencies incentivize property owners and contractors to upgrade to smart controllers.
Utility rebates make high-efficiency irrigation upgrades more affordable for homeowners, HOAs, and commercial properties.
Contractors who promote rebates can differentiate themselves and win more business while promoting sustainability.
Contractors should proactively educate their clients about rebate programs, which will help property owners justify the initial investment in smart irrigation technology.
This Is Just the Beginning
Water scarcity is no longer a future problem—it’s happening right now. The irrigation industry has a unique opportunity to lead the charge in responsible water management before stricter regulations are imposed.
We must change the way we manage water, and we must do it now. The best way to drive change is through:
- Education & Certification – Equip professionals with the knowledge to implement smart irrigation effectively.
- Technology Adoption – Encourage using smart controllers and weather-based irrigation scheduling.
- Proactive Conservation Efforts – Stay ahead of regulations by voluntarily reducing water waste.
- Leveraging Incentives – Use rebates and funding to help clients make water-efficient upgrades.
I am committed to helping transform water management in irrigation and landscaping. If you are, too, let’s start a conversation.
Share your thoughts with me on Twitter @H2oTrends or comment below—let’s work together to create a sustainable future for water use.
