The update discusses sound engineering practices, emerging technologies and recommended techniques for efficient water use.
The update includes feedback from irrigation designers, consultants, contractors and water managers to ensure the BMPs remain relevant.
Highlights include:
- Three BMPs for landscape irrigation:
- Design the irrigation system to efficiently use water resources.
- Install the irrigation system to meet the design criteria.
- Manage landscape water resources to maintain a healthy and functional landscape.
- Practice guidelines for effective implementation and adapting the BMPs to local conditions.
- Recommendations for evaluating potential irrigation water resources, including non-potable sources.
- Appendices with information on system inspection and commissioning, irrigation scheduling, and water budgeting.
The guidelines are directed primarily toward system owners, irrigation consultants, irrigation designers, contractors, water managers and irrigation system maintenance personnel.
The revised BMPs also support IA’s strategic focus on legitimizing the irrigation industry with the public and policymakers through widespread application of best management practices, standards and codes.
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.
