City of Lake Oswego receives the Irrigation Association SWAT Outstanding Industry Partnership Award

The Irrigation Association has named the City of Lake Oswego, Oregon, as the Smart Water Application Technologies 2026 Outstanding Industry Partnership Award recipient.

This award recognizes programs that strengthen collaboration between water providers and irrigation professionals to advance outdoor water-use efficiency. By spotlighting outstanding water providers and their innovative projects, the IA works to raise awareness of the critical importance of irrigation and the positive impact outdoor water-related partnerships have on our communities.

The City of Lake Oswego’s Water Use Assessment Rebate Program helps residents improve irrigation efficiency through professional system evaluations. The program provides rebates of up to $200 for Lake Oswego residents who hire qualified irrigation professionals to assess their irrigation systems and recommend property-specific improvements. By pairing financial incentives with personalized education and access to advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) data, the program helps residents better understand their water use and make informed decisions that support long-term conservation.

A key component of the program is its emphasis on working with trained irrigation professionals who hold industry certifications such as the IA’s certified irrigation designer, certified irrigation contractor, certified landscape irrigation auditor or certified irrigation technician credentials, or other recognized water-efficiency certifications.

“The Irrigation Association is proud to recognize the City of Lake Oswego with the 2026 Outstanding Industry Partnership Award,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin. “Its Water Use Assessment Rebate Program demonstrates the power of connecting water providers, customers and qualified irrigation professionals to achieve meaningful conservation results. Combining expert assessments by certified irrigation professionals with customer education and access to real-time water-use data allows Lake Oswego to give residents the knowledge and tools they need to make lasting improvements in outdoor water efficiency while protecting valuable water resources.”

Data collected through the city’s AMI system is already demonstrating measurable results, with participating properties reducing peak-season water use by 22% to 45% year over year. In one comparison, four participating accounts collectively saved nearly 22,000 gallons of water in a single month, demonstrating the impact that professional irrigation assessments and targeted system improvements can have on outdoor water conservation.

The 2026 SWAT Outstanding Industry Partnership Award was announced on Oct. 22 during the WaterSmart Innovations Conference. Applications for the 2027 IA SWAT awards will open in early 2027. For more information about the Irrigation Association, visit irrigation.org. For more about the Smart Water Application Technologies coalition led by the Irrigation Association, visit swatirrigation.org. 

 About the Irrigation Association

The Irrigation Association is the leading organization of irrigation professionals, serving as the recognized authority in efficient irrigation: promoting innovation, supporting industry growth and sustainability, engaging decision-makers and serving as the leading, credible and unifying voice and advocate for the industry. We seek to transform humanity’s stewardship and use of water, enabling the long-term sustainability of the planet’s water and natural resources and improving the quality of life through a reliable global food supply and vital green spaces. For more information, visit irrigation.org.

About SWAT

Smart Water Application Technologies is a partnership between water purveyors, equipment manufacturers and irrigation practitioners. Founded in 2002, SWAT is committed to identifying, testing and promoting innovative irrigation technologies and related best practices that improve water-use efficiency. For more information, visit swatirrigation.org.