Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/342644
www.greenmediaonline.com July 2014 Green Media 9 ReGistRation open foR 7th annual WateRsMaRt innovations ConfeRenCe and exposition Registration is open for the 7th Annual WaterSmart Innovations (WSI) Conference and Exposition, scheduled for October 8-10 at the South Point Hotel and Conference Center in Las Vegas. Full registration for the world's pre- eminent urban water efficiency con- ference includes admission to the WaterSense Partner of the Year Awards luncheon October 9, hosted by the Alliance for Water Efficiency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense Program. Since its debut in 2008, WSI has drawn participants in a wide range of disciplines from 45 states and 29 foreign nations. This year's conference will again feature a full slate of comprehensive professional ses- sions and panel discussions, technical tours, and an expo hall highlighting the latest in water-efficient products and services. Several affordable pre-show workshops (which are not included in the WSI reg- istration fee) will precede the event on Tuesday, October 7. The Southern Nevada Water Authority is presenting WSI in partnership with the Alliance for Water Efficiency, American Water Works Association, Audubon International, California Landscape Contractors Association, California Urban Water Conservation Council, the U.S. EPA's WaterSense Program, Green Plumbers USA, Imagine H2O, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, International Center for Water Technology, International Code Council, and Irrigation Association. For more information and to register, visit www.WaterSmartInnovations.com. neW pRoGRaM identifies ia-appRoved eduCation Classes The Irrigation Association launched IA Select, a program that identifies irrigation classes that align with the organization's standards for content, course development process and instructor expertise. The primary goal of IA Select is to improve the quality and increase the availability of irrigation education, one of the association's strategic initiatives. Since endorsement is voluntary, an IA Select class shows the education provider's com- mitment to quality irrigation education. "IA is constantly looking for new ways to help IA members offering their own education programs," said IA Professional Development Director Sherrie Schulte, CAE, CLIA. "The IA Select label facili- tates that success by making it easier for members to market classes and convey quality to their customers." To apply for an IA Select label, educa- tion providers must meet the following requirements: * Be an IA member organization. * Complete a program application. * Submit course material(s) and instruc- tor qualifications. * Pay the non-refundable program fee: $600 per class for up to three classes. $500 per class for four or more classes. Education providers must resubmit course materials every two years in order to maintain the IA Select label for approved classes. IA Select classes are automatically approved for IA continuing education units. Review the program guidelines for application, approval and resubmis- sion requirements or contact education@ irrigation.org with additional questions. ia and asiC Release Revised landsCape BMps The Irrigation Association (IA) and the American Society of Irrigation Consultants (ASIC) released a new version of their Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices. The update reflects sound engi- neering practices, emerging technologies and recommended techniques for efficient water use. The updated guidelines incorporate feedback from irrigation designers, con- sultants, contractors and water managers to ensure the BMPs remain relevant in today's market. Highlights include: * Three BMPs for landscape irriga- tion: 1. Design the irrigation system to effi- ciently use water resources. 2. Install the irrigation system to meet the design criteria. 3. Manage landscape water resources to maintain a healthy and functional land- scape. * Practice guidelines for effective implementation and adapting the BMPs to local conditions. * Recommendations for evaluat- ing potential irrigation water resources, including non-potable sources. * Appendices with information on sys- tem inspection and commissioning, irriga- tion scheduling, and water budgeting. "We've included more discussion about considering all potential water resources that could be used for irrigation as an alter- native to using potable water sources," said IA Industry Development Director Brent Mecham, CID, CLWM, CIC, CAIS. "We've also put greater emphasis on the important role water managers play in ensuring that systems are well maintained and that water resources are being used efficiently." The guidelines are directed primar- ily toward system owners, irrigation con- sultants, irrigation designers, contractors, water managers and irrigation system maintenance personnel. "Professional irrigation consultants have long understood that effective and efficient irrigation only starts with well thought out planning, design and specifications," said ASIC Executive Director Carol Colein. "This document also rightfully addresses the importance of proper system installa- tion and ongoing maintenance and system management practices. The joining of the different aspects into a single document will serve the industry well for years to come." Since the Landscape Irrigation BMPs were first published in 2002, they have been adopted by many landscape organi- zations, government agencies and water purveyors. The updated BMPs: * Allow irrigation professionals to adopt accepted practices to minimize water use and waste in managed landscapes. * Serve as a credible resource for policy- and decision-makers who are developing and implementing standards and codes related to landscape irrigation. The updated document is available at no charge on the IA and ASIC websites.