John Ossa

In a relatively short time the irrigation segment of the landscape industry has experienced substantial change. In the October 2002 issue of Irrigation Business Technology, the former official publication of the Irrigation Association, is a report entitled “Annual State of Landscape Irrigation Report, 2002.”

The introductory paragraph says “… lingering effects of the events of September 11, 2001. A struggling stock market, rocked by corporate scandal, was further cause for the closing of checkbooks...” And: “2002 – the worst drought on record in some areas.” 

It is fascinating to not see any reference to a “green” or sustainability movement. I did not see the words ecology or or carbon footprint. The only instance where I saw the word evapotranspiration was in an advertisement for a weather station. The report predated WaterSense; there was no reference to any contractor group certification or training initiatives, or the IA’s own certification programs.

Of particular interest in this issue is then-president of the Irrigation Association Rex Dixon’s column, where he wrote: “Residential and commercial irrigation systems are not efficient users of water.” And: “The facts are, the landscape irrigation industry is a very visible user and abuser of water, with irrigation systems operating in the rain … with most irrigation controllers set to overwater.” His overview of our industry was “we in the landscape irrigation industry have hidden behind this ‘agriculture is the issue’ umbrella for too long.”

Dixon outlined how the IA was responding to the increasing scrutiny our industry was facing by hosting an open forum with major water purveyors from all over the country invited to participate. This forum was the beginning of engagement with non-industry stakeholders to develop a collective focus on landscape water management efficiency.

The actions outlined by Dixon stand as a good example of industry leadership. He told the painful truth, represented the disparate constituencies of agriculture and landscape, and sought to advance the best interests of both.

Fast forward to 2010. Manufacturers have responded by developing products aimed at efficiency. Contractors are facing up to their need for increased education. 

Going forward, our industry will operate in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Critical needs are: insightful and resolute industry leadership, high efficiency products, and a higher level of education, training and professionalism in contractors.

John Ossa owns Irrigation Essentials, a web-based irrigation consulting firm. See www.irrigationessentials.com; mail ossa@gie.net.