By Jesse Sanchez. 

Municipal parks departments are combining smart irrigation technology, recycled water, turf conversion and long-term planning to reduce water consumption. 

As the Irrigation Association reports, municipalities facing tighter water restrictions are finding that no single conservation measure is enough. The most significant savings come from combining irrigation technology, efficient landscapes, data monitoring and proactive planning. Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) must reduce water use by 20% during the 2026 season under Denver Water’s Water Budget Program. The department is building on more than a decade of investment in centralized irrigation control. 

“Over the past decade, DPR has systematically converted all park irrigation controllers to a central control system,” said Stephanie Figueroa, marketing and communications specialist for the City and County of Denver Parks and Recreation department. “Today, our network includes 740 controllers serving more than 330 parks.” 

The system uses weather stations, rain sensors, automatic rain shutoffs and evapotranspiration-based scheduling. According to Stephanie, centralized control has reduced water consumption by an average of 20% and saved millions of gallons during major rain events. 

Arizona municipalities are taking similar steps. Phoenix Parks and Recreation has invested $2 million since 2012 to install smart controllers across 90% of its largest outdoor facilities. Scottsdale Parks has documented more than three billion gallons in savings over approximately 25 years while routinely using 15% less water than its annual allotment. 

Technology is only one part of the strategy. About 30% of Denver’s parks use recycled water, while the department continues replacing traditional bluegrass turf with drought-tolerant native grasses. In 2026, Denver will also shut off decorative fountains to prioritize athletic fields and tree canopies. 

Municipalities are pairing these improvements with consumption reports, alerts, water budgets and third-party irrigation audits. Caitlyn A. Hall, Ph.D., with the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, emphasized that early preparation also improves results. Caitlyn shared, “Securing funding, building contractor capacity and establishing programs before they are urgently needed reduces ‘speed bumps’ and produces better outcomes.” 

Learn more about how municipalities are using irrigation upgrades and long-term planning to conserve water!

The Irrigation Show and Education Week is the irrigation industry’s ultimate resource for cutting-edge technology, best-in-class education and invaluable networking opportunities. If you’re ready to elevate your skills and supercharge your business, this is the event for you!

The Irrigation Show attracts professionals from all corners of the industry. Our attendees include irrigation contractors, manufacturers, dealers, distributors, consultants, growers, researchers, educators and students.

Attending the Irrigation Show gives you the inside scoop on the latest and greatest developments impacting the industry. Join us to:

• stay ahead with cutting-edge irrigation trends and solutions.
• gain valuable insights through expert-led sessions and discussions.
• build meaningful connections with industry leaders and peers.
• earn CEUs and advance your professional credentials.

Discover the latest irrigation innovations at the 2026 Irrigation Show.

Beyond their academic achievements, these students are innovators, researchers and future leaders whose work is already making an impact on the irrigation industry.

The Irrigation Association is proud to announce the eight recipients of the 2026 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship Program, sponsored by Rain Bird. These students are not only pursuing careers in irrigation, they are helping shape the future of water stewardship, sustainability and irrigation innovation.

This year’s recipients represent a diverse group of students from colleges and universities across the United States enrolled in programs focused on irrigation, water management, agriculture, turfgrass science and related fields. Scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 were awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, stewardship and the wise use of water.

“Rain Bird is proud to support these outstanding students through the Anthony W. ‘Tony’ LaFetra Scholarship Program,” said Michael Roberts, vice president of technology and innovation at Rain Bird and 2026 president of the Irrigation Association. “We look forward to seeing the impact they will make as future leaders in irrigation and water stewardship.”

Meet this year’s recipients

Beyond their academic achievements, these students are innovators, researchers and future leaders whose work is already making an impact on the irrigation industry.

Andrew Fleet was recognized as one of this year’s Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholars, a distinction awarded to the program’s top recipients. A graduate student at Oklahoma State University, Fleet plans to pursue research focused on advanced filtration, treatment and water recycling technologies for irrigation and drinking water. He hopes his work will help address water challenges both on Earth and in future space exploration efforts. Fleet says receiving the scholarship relieves much of the initial financial burden of graduate school and affirms that he is on the right path toward achieving his education, experience and research goals.

Abraham Salomon, a doctoral student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, was also recognized as a 2026 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholar. Salomon’s work focuses on agricultural water and soil management research, with an emphasis on improving irrigation efficiency and supporting producers through practical, research-based solutions. He views the scholarship as recognition of the collaborative research efforts underway at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Daugherty Water for Food Institute to advance water stewardship and agricultural productivity.

Read more about Fleet, Salomon and the other recipients at irrigation.org/scholarship-recipients and learn what inspires their passion for careers in irrigation and water resource management.

Congratulations to these recipients of the 2026 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship Program:

• Andrew Fleet: Oklahoma State University, Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholar
• Abraham Salomon: University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholar
• Tyler Judkins: Las Positas College
• Carter Peters: Kansas State University
• Salvador Cabrera: Arizona Western College
• Arlunya Sisomvang: University of California, Davis
• Harmony Hulet: College of Idaho
• Caleb VanBooven: Kansas State University

“These students represent the future of the irrigation industry and the next generation of leaders who will help address some of the most important water challenges facing our communities and agricultural systems,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin. “Their passion for innovation, research and stewardship demonstrates the talent and dedication needed to advance efficient water management and ensure a more sustainable future. We are proud to support their educational journeys and look forward to the contributions they will make throughout their careers.”

The 2027 Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra Scholarship Program will open in early spring 2027. Rain Bird is the exclusive sponsor of the scholarship program in honor of its late president and CEO, Anthony W. “Tony” LaFetra. To learn more about program requirements and the application process, visit www.irrigation.org/scholarships or contact the IA at workforcedev@irrigation.org or 703.536.7080.

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.

The Irrigation Show and Education Week is the irrigation industry’s ultimate resource for cutting-edge technology, best-in-class education and invaluable networking opportunities. If you’re ready to elevate your skills and supercharge your business, this is the event for you!

The Irrigation Show attracts professionals from all corners of the industry. Our attendees include irrigation contractors, manufacturers, dealers, distributors, consultants, growers, researchers, educators and students.

Attending the Irrigation Show gives you the inside scoop on the latest and greatest developments impacting the industry. Join us to:

• stay ahead with cutting-edge irrigation trends and solutions.
• gain valuable insights through expert-led sessions and discussions.
• build meaningful connections with industry leaders and peers.
• earn CEUs and advance your professional credentials.

Discover the latest irrigation innovations at the 2026 Irrigation Show.

Abed Masarwa has played a defining role in advancing irrigation technology through his leadership in product development at Orbia Netafim.

The Irrigation Association is excited to announce that Abed Masarwa, Orbia Netafim, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Innovator Award. The IA’s Innovator Award honors individuals who have made significant, tangible contributions to irrigation through innovative work that advances the industry and improves the wise use of water resources.

Abed Masarwa has played a defining role in advancing irrigation technology through his leadership in product development at Orbia Netafim. With a background in mechanical engineering, he has focused his career on turning complex field challenges into practical, high-performing solutions for farmers. As vice president and head of the product management team, Masarwa has led the development of innovations such as Orion PC and the UniRam Hybrid Dripline, technologies that address long-standing challenges in irrigation efficiency, labor and system performance. His work has helped expand access to precision irrigation, bringing pressure-compensated performance to new segments of the market while improving reliability and ease of use in the field.

“The Irrigation Association is honored to recognize Abed Masarwa with the 2026 Innovator Award,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin. “Through his leadership in product development and his commitment to solving real-world challenges faced by growers, Abed has helped advance irrigation technology in ways that improve efficiency, performance and reliability in the field. His ability to turn field insights into practical, scalable solutions has expanded access to precision irrigation and helped growers get more consistent results to meet the demands of a changing world.”

Beyond product innovation, Masarwa is known for his close connection to the field and commitment to continuous improvement. He works directly with growers, field teams and industry partners to understand on-the-ground needs, using that insight to guide product development and elevate industry standards. Through a combination of technical leadership, collaboration and a clear focus on user needs, Masarwa continues to shape the future of irrigation in meaningful and lasting ways.

“True innovation in agriculture starts in the field, with farmers, agronomists and local teams identifying a real challenge. It succeeds only when the solution performs reliably, day after day,” said Masarwa. “That principle has guided our work and the development of solutions such as Orion PC: combining field insight, engineering expertise and continuous refinement to give farmers greater precision, consistency and confidence. I am deeply honored to receive the Irrigation Association’s 2026 Innovator Award. This recognition belongs equally to the colleagues, partners and farmers who challenge us to keep improving and help turn practical needs into innovations that move irrigation forward.”

The 2026 IA Award recipients will be honored at the 2026 Irrigation Show and Education Week in Las Vegas, Dec. 7-10. More information about this and other IA awards and past recipients can be found at irrigation.org/awards.

Kelly is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and studied communications and political science at Indiana University Indianapolis.

The Irrigation Association has hired Emily Kelly, CAE, as its new director of workforce and professional development. Kelly brings more than 20 years of experience advancing professional communities through learning, operations and strategic execution for mission-driven organizations.

In this new role, Kelly will build and lead an ecosystem of programs, partnerships and pathways that help irrigation professionals enter the industry, advance within it and stay, from career awareness to credential attainment and life-long learning.

She was previously the director of learning and professional development for the Association of College and University Housing Officers International, where she led the redesign of volunteer committee structures and standardized program delivery across the association’s education portfolio. Before that, as vice president of professional development at the Houston Apartment Association, she led a transformation of the credential program portfolio that grew annual participation by 400%, launched the first young professional program and pioneered mental health training for the multifamily industry.

“We are excited to welcome Emily Kelly to the Irrigation Association,” said Natasha Rankin, CEO of the Irrigation Association. “Emily’s experience strengthening professional communities and elevating industry standards, as well as her deep understanding of the important role credentialed professionals play in trade industries, make her an ideal leader to help transform the IA’s workforce and credentialing strategy into measurable growth. Her expertise will be instrumental as we continue to build value-added and lasting relationships with our members.”

Kelly is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and studied communications and political science at Indiana University Indianapolis.

“The Irrigation Association plays an important role in strengthening the industry, and I’m excited to join the team at a time when developing and supporting the irrigation workforce is so critical,” said Kelly. “There is a tremendous opportunity to build lasting programs that help professionals grow, strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline and ensure IA members have access to meaningful education and credentials throughout their careers. I look forward to working with IA members, volunteers, staff and partners to strengthen professional development and create opportunities that support both the people working in irrigation today and the workforce of the future.”

For more information about the Irrigation Association, visit irrigation.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.

His work bridges foundational irrigation science and engineering with emerging tools such as remote sensing, evapotranspiration modeling and precision irrigation, equipping students with the skills needed to address complex water management challenges. 

The Irrigation Association is excited to announce that José L. Chávez, PhD, of Colorado State University, is the recipient of the 2026 Excellence in Education Award. This award recognizes an outstanding educator who teaches irrigation, water management and/or water conservation and has a commitment to not only elevating the level of education but also promoting the field of irrigation as a viable and sustainable career to students.

José L. Chávez has made a significant and sustained impact on irrigation education through his leadership in teaching, research and outreach at Colorado State University. Over the course of his academic career, he has developed and modernized key graduate courses in irrigation water management, systems design and drainage engineering, integrating real-world data, advanced technologies and conservation-focused practices. His work bridges foundational irrigation science and engineering with emerging tools such as remote sensing, evapotranspiration modeling and precision irrigation, equipping students with the skills needed to address complex water management challenges. 

“José Chávez has dedicated his career to advancing irrigation education and helping students apply irrigation science with practical water management challenges,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin. “Through his leadership in teaching, mentorship and outreach, he has equipped students and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to work with the tools and practices shaping modern irrigation. His commitment to connecting research, technology and practical application has strengthened irrigation education and helped prepare the next generation of irrigation professionals.”

Through mentorship, outreach and professional engagement, Chávez has extended his influence well beyond the classroom. He has advised and guided numerous graduate students, visiting scholars and researchers, while actively connecting them to industry opportunities, professional societies and applied research experiences. His university extension work, international training and involvement with industry organizations have helped translate research into practice and strengthen irrigation education globally. Through hands-on instruction and applied learning, Chávez has helped prepare a generation of irrigation professionals grounded in both technical expertise and practical application.

“I am deeply grateful and honored to be selected as the recipient of the Irrigation Association’s 2026 Excellence in Education Award,” said Chávez. “Educating and mentoring the next generation of irrigation professionals while advancing science-based solutions for efficient irrigation and water management has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I am sincerely grateful to the Irrigation Association for this recognition and to the many students, colleagues, farmers, industry partners and Colorado State University whose support, collaboration and dedication have made this achievement possible.”

The 2026 IA Award recipients will be honored at the 2026 Irrigation Show and Education Week in Las Vegas, Dec. 7-10. More information about this and other IA awards and past recipients can be found at irrigation.org/awards.

Whether you’re looking for new solutions, exploring emerging technologies or staying current on where the industry is headed, the Irrigation Show puts you closer to the people, products and ideas driving irrigation forward.

The irrigation industry is constantly evolving — new technologies emerge, water-management priorities shift and new challenges call for new approaches. The Irrigation Show and Education Week is where those changes meet the products, people and ideas shaping what’s next. Here's a sneak peak of what you’ll find on the exhibit floor:

• New products and emerging technologies: Explore solutions across efficiency, smart irrigation, water management and more.

• Direct access to manufacturers and innovators: Talk one-on-one with the people behind the products, ask questions and compare solutions side-by-side. Connect with companies showcasing their latest innovations in the New Product Contest and Startup Showcase.
• Ideas and perspectives from across the industry: Connect with manufacturers, contractors, water professionals, suppliers and other industry leaders to exchange ideas and gain perspective on trends, challenges and opportunities.

Intersted in attending? Early-bird rates end on Sept. 9! Registering early means you're locking in the lowest rates of the year. Save your spot by September 9 to secure your place and start making the most of your time in Las Vegas.

Save your spot by registering today!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

AvidWater’s Saul Medrano explains how data, automation and system understanding can help growers use water more efficiently. 

Smart irrigation technology can provide growers with greater insight into field conditions, but its effectiveness depends on the professionals who design, install and support those systems. As the Irrigation Association highlights the people advancing water efficiency, Saul Medrano, regional sales manager at AvidWater LLC, demonstrates how successful precision irrigation begins with giving growers practical tools they understand and trust. 

Saul has worked in the irrigation industry for seven years. He oversees sales along California’s Central Coast, from Santa Cruz County to Ventura County, as well as the Baja region in Mexico. His introduction to the field began through irrigation courses in the BioResource and Agricultural Engineering (BRAE) program at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. 

After graduating, he joined AvidWater, then known as Irrigation Design and Construction, as an automation technician. That hands-on experience helped establish the focus that continues to shape his career. 

“My career in irrigation has primarily consisted of precision irrigation projects and automation systems. My goal for each of these projects is to provide the grower with a system that they understand and can use as a tool for maximizing their efficiency in beneficial water usage.” 

As drought affects communities and agricultural regions, Saul sees smart irrigation as a way to support both water and energy conservation. Data-driven systems can help growers better understand what is happening in their fields while providing greater control over irrigation decisions. 

However, technology alone does not eliminate every barrier to adoption. When asked what he would change to accelerate the use of smarter irrigation systems, Saul identified one central concern: “Grower confidence in ROI.” 

Building that confidence requires systems that deliver useful information, support efficient operation and remain accessible to the people using them. Through precision irrigation and automation projects, Saul continues working to connect technology with practical water-management goals. 

Learn more about how smart irrigation professionals are advancing water efficiency through precision, automation and grower education!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Combining soil moisture data, weather forecasts and crop information can help growers apply water more efficiently. 

Efficient irrigation depends on knowing when crops need water and how much to apply, especially during periods of rapidly changing weather. The Irrigation Association reports that Michigan State University (MSU) Extension specialists recommend moving beyond fixed schedules and using multiple sources of field data to guide each application. 

“Weather can change quickly and it can be difficult to know whether recent rainfall actually replenished the root zone or if more irrigation is still needed,” said Angie Gradiz, MSU Extension agriculture water use efficiency educator. 

Crop water requirements change throughout the growing season and conditions can vary between fields. Angie said combining evapotranspiration (ET) estimates, soil moisture sensors and weather information can help growers determine whether irrigation is necessary or can be delayed. 

Proper sensor placement is essential for collecting reliable information. Younsuk Dong, Ph.D., an irrigation specialist in MSU’s Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, recommends installing sensors in locations that represent typical soil, crop and irrigation conditions. Field edges, low areas and locations with drainage problems should generally be avoided. 

The number of sensors needed depends on field variability. A uniform field may require only one monitoring location, while fields with multiple soil types or management zones may need several. Sensors should also be installed within the crop’s active root zone and maintain good contact with the surrounding soil. Younsuk shared, “Air gaps around the sensor can lead to inaccurate readings." 

Growers can further improve scheduling by recording irrigation and rainfall, evaluating soil moisture after rain, monitoring crop water use and using regional scheduling tools. Soil moisture readings should be considered alongside ET estimates, forecasts and field observations rather than treated as a single source of truth. Angie noted, “Ultimately, irrigation scheduling is one of the most cost-effective ways producers can improve water use efficiency." 

Learn more about improving irrigation efficiency through crop-based scheduling, soil moisture monitoring and weather data!