By Jesse Sanchez. 

Updated water-efficiency standards give irrigation contractors a greater role in planning systems before construction begins. 

Outdoor water use is becoming a more important part of residential building design, according to the Irrigation Association, creating opportunities for irrigation contractors to contribute earlier in the planning process. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) updated its Matrix of Water Efficiency Rating Systems to reflect changes in the 2025 ICC 700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS)®. The matrix leads to a Water Rating Index (WRI) score that helps builders, designers and contractors evaluate projected indoor and outdoor water use before construction. 

“These updated water efficiency requirements require that all indoor and outdoor water features, including irrigation systems, must be addressed as part of the project’s water performance plan,” said Amy Manz, program manager of sustainability and green building for NAHB. 

Irrigation strategies considered under the framework include smart controllers, rain sensors, soil moisture sensors, efficient nozzles and emitters, system zoning and integration with building management systems. 

The updated WRI also applies to existing buildings, expanding opportunities for irrigation professionals working on renovations and retrofits. 

“The 2025 edition of the NGBS expands the WRI to apply to both new and existing buildings, allowing certification of total indoor and outdoor water use against a code-minimum baseline,” Amy said. “This means irrigation contractors can now contribute to reduced WRI scores for retrofits and renovations, not just new construction.” 

WRI scores range from 0 to 100, with lower scores representing greater water efficiency. The calculation considers a home’s size, design, water-saving features and outdoor conservation measures, including irrigation, rainwater collection and graywater reuse. 

Understanding the framework can help contractors compare system designs, estimate water demand and recommend components that align with a project’s efficiency goals. Early modeling can also help builders plan for local requirements, water reuse and stressed water-supply scenarios. Amy noted, “To achieve these enhanced irrigation efficiency measures, contractors are encouraged to take steps to plan early in the design phase, verify compliance, coordinate with landscape architects, document performance data diligently and train installers on maintenance needs.” 

Learn more about how the Water Rating Index can support efficient irrigation planning during new construction, renovations and retrofits!

By Emma Peterson. 

A conversation with Heritage Pool Supply's Chris Hill highlights why in-person events remain essential for learning, relationship-building and business growth. 

In the outdoor contracting industry, there are countless tradeshows ranging from market specific (like the Irrigation Association’s Show) to more all encompassing (such as the Pool Spa Patio/Deck Expo). With so many shows throughout the year, it can be easy to dismiss them or tell yourself you’ll attend the next one. But it’s important to not forget how valuable these shows are.  

For example, the Florida Swimming Pool Association’s Everything Under the Sun Expo offers contractors a great way to network with their peers, level up their careers with learning opportunities and explore the newest technology on an extensive expo floor. We got the chance to attend this show back in March 2026 and had a great time.  

As Chris Hill, the regional vice president at Heritage Pool Supply put it, “We love attending shows like this. It’s a great way to connect with our customers, get our team together, see new products and more!” He went on, “It's really cool to have everyone all in one place. At these shows, you can just go take a two-minute walk down to someone’s booth, they can show you what's new and you get to learn about what’ve happening in the industry.”  

We couldn’t agree more with Chris’ sentiments – we love attending as many expos and shows as possible so we get to see our community in person!  

Hear more from Chris about the value of trade shows in our Everything Under the Sun Expo interview with him. 

The campaign continues to focus on equipping professionals with tools they can adapt for their own audiences.

The Irrigation Association will recognize July as Smart Irrigation Month, its annual initiative to promote efficient irrigation practices and help industry professionals share that message with customers and communities. The 2026 campaign pairs ready-to-use outreach tools with a series of Q&A features that highlight how smart irrigation is practiced in real-world settings.

Smart Irrigation Month highlights the environmental, economic and social benefits of efficient irrigation. The irrigation industry’s contribution to the U.S. economy exceeds $30 billion in economic output and supports more than 200,000 jobs, underscoring its role in supporting agriculture, landscapes and communities nationwide.

This year, the campaign places a strong emphasis on industry storytelling. Throughout July, the IA will publish Q&A-style features on its magazine websites and share them across social media, highlighting how industry professionals apply smart irrigation in their work and communities.

The campaign’s online resource kits include downloadable promotional materials, social media graphics and media outreach tools that support local efforts throughout July. Participants can incorporate these materials into their own marketing and outreach to expand awareness beyond the industry.

Wear Blue Wednesday will take place on July 15, with irrigation professionals encouraged to share photos on social media using #SmartIrrigationMonth to show their support for efficient water use.

“Smart Irrigation Month is an opportunity to recognize the people and businesses advancing irrigation,” said Natasha Rankin, CEO of the Irrigation Association.“ This year’s campaign highlights how smart irrigation is applied in real-world settings, combining practical tools with industry insights to show the measurable value it delivers for customers, communities and the industry.”

The campaign continues to focus on equipping professionals with tools they can adapt for their own audiences. By providing templates, graphics and messaging, the IA helps irrigation professionals communicate the value of efficient water use through customer education, media outreach and community engagement.

HydroPoint is the 2026 sponsor of Smart Irrigation Month. For resources and ways to participate, visit smartirrigationmonth.org. To find an IA-certified irrigation professional that brings specialized knowledge and real-world experience to an irrigation project, use our online search tool to locate one in your area.

By Emma Peterson. 

How one farmer tinkered his way towards patenting one of the most foundational irrigation tools today.  

Today, impact sprinklers are a commonly used and essential tool among gardeners. This uniquely designed sprinkler utilizes a rotating motion and impact arm to distribute water evenly across a garden or field. They are popular with both professional growers and home gardeners for their versatility and durability. But they haven’t always been available on the market.  

The first patent for an impact sprinkler was filed on December 18, 1933, and awarded to Orton Englehart on April 16, 1935. Orton wasn’t an inventor or engineer – he was a citrus grower trying to find a better way to irrigate his orange grove. In an article for the Irrigation Association’s magazine, Irrigation Today, Lauren Sable Freiman described Orton’s creative process:  

In a shed in Glendora, California, in the late 1920s and early ’30s, citrus grower Orton Englehart was hard at work, tinkering with pieces and parts, on a mission to find a better way to irrigate his orange grove. Everything from tin cans to whisk springs became reimagined and repurposed with one goal: devising a better, more efficient, more uniform method of delivering water to his grove. 

This was a slow process, but it was something that Orton was good at. Looking back at the images and records from that time, Mark Ensworth, director of research and development and chief engineer at Rain Bird, shared his thoughts: 

He built a foundry next to his workshop, and you can tell he was using that foundry to cast some custom metal parts for the project...He made his prototype from a bunch of stuff you can buy at a hardware store, like sections of pipe screwed together and some sheet metal he cut with tin snips. It was very creative and it worked to solve the problem he was trying to solve. 

What he ended up developing was the first impact sprinkler. This is a story that Heidi Hanson knows well, as her grandfather, Clem LeFetra, was one of the first people to adopt and share Orton’s invention. She explained:  

In that community, everyone helped everyone else when they were watering their crops in the orange groves...The community came together to make sure everyone’s crops did OK. Clem and Orton knew each other because they were helping in each other’s groves. Eventually my grandfather moved to Los Angeles as a salesperson for beekeeping equipment and he was the one who spread the word about Orton’s sprinkler. 

As more people were introduced to Orton’s sprinkler, and he continued to develop and improve it based on farmer’s feedback, it grew beyond him – into a company that still exists today. As Lauren wrote, “Though Hanson says Englehart never intended to sell the impact sprinkler, Clem and Mary LaFetra saw an opportunity to help farmers outside Glendora. With a patent in hand, Rain Bird was born, the impact sprinkler its first product.” 

Want to learn more about the impact sprinkler? Read Lauren’s full article.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Growers are using real-time irrigation data to improve efficiency and reduce water waste. 

As water availability and efficiency pressures continue to shape agricultural operations, irrigation professionals are increasingly focused on maximizing every gallon applied in the field. In the article “Every Inch Counts” from Irrigation Association’s Irrigation Today publication, writer Katie Navarra gathers experts in the field to share insights on how growers are combining advanced irrigation technology with proven maintenance practices to improve water management and system performance. 

The article highlights how tools such as flow meters, pressure sensors and telemetry systems are helping center pivot irrigation system operators gain real-time information into water use and irrigation performance. These technologies allow growers to identify inefficiencies faster, monitor system output and make more informed decisions about scheduling and water application. As water resources become more limited in many regions, the ability to accurately track irrigation performance is becoming increasingly valuable for agricultural producers. 

At the same time, the IA emphasizes that technology alone cannot solve irrigation challenges. Industry experts note that foundational maintenance and uniformity practices remain essential to achieving efficient water distribution. Even the most advanced systems require regular inspection, calibration and upkeep to ensure equipment operates correctly and water is applied evenly across the field. 

The article also underscores the importance of balancing innovation with practical field management. While digital tools can improve visibility and streamline operations, growers still need to pay close attention to sprinkler performance, pressure consistency and overall system conditions. Maintaining uniform water application can help reduce waste, improve crop performance and support long-term sustainability goals. 

As irrigation operations continue to evolve, the IA reinforces a key takeaway for industry professionals: combining modern monitoring technologies with strong maintenance fundamentals offers the greatest opportunity to improve irrigation efficiency and protect valuable water resources. 

Read the full article from Irrigation Today by the Irrigation Association to learn more!

The Irrigation Association supports contractors and businesses by providing industry insights, certification opportunities and expert publications. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome the Irrigation Association (IA) into their community. 

The IA has spent decades supporting irrigation professionals through education, advocacy and industry standards that promote efficient water use and responsible irrigation practices. Serving contractors, manufacturers, distributors, consultants and other industry professionals, the association is the recognized authority on efficient irrigation and works to advance the irrigation industry while helping members stay informed on evolving technologies, best practices and workforce development opportunities. 

One of the IA’s most recognized offerings is its certification program, which helps irrigation professionals demonstrate technical expertise and commitment to industry standards. Certifications cover a variety of specialties, including irrigation design, installation, auditing and management. These programs help contractors build credibility with customers while strengthening workforce development throughout the industry. 

In addition to certifications, the association provides continuing education, training resources and networking opportunities through events, webinars and conferences. Its annual events like the Irrigation Show & Education Week bring together industry professionals to discuss emerging technologies, water conservation strategies and business trends impacting the irrigation market. The IA also actively advocates for policies that support water efficiency and sustainable irrigation practices at both the state and national levels. 

The IA further supports contractors and businesses through technical resources and industry publications, including its quarterly magazines Irrigation Today and Irrigation & Lighting. Irrigation Today is IA’s publication that focuses on agriculture irrigation, while Irrigation & Lighting magazine serves as the association’s official landscape irrigation publication. Both publications help professionals stay current with changing regulations, innovations and trends.  

For contractors and businesses looking to strengthen their expertise and stay connected to industry advancements, the IA continues to serve as a valuable resource for education, advocacy and professional growth. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome the Irrigation Association!

Colorado HB26-1034 has been signed into law and is set to take effect on August 12, 2026. 

In Colorado, the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado and the Irrigation Association have worked with policymakers and state agencies to address legislation affecting irrigation equipment and professional practice. The issues involved, as well as the outcome, reflect broader policy conversations that could influence how irrigation is regulated in other states.

As a result of these efforts, Colorado HB26-1034 has been signed into law and is set to take effect on August 12, 2026. The enacted statutory language repeals Colorado’s appliance standards requirements for both irrigation controllers and spray sprinkler bodies.

The IA and ALCC worked to support repeal of the irrigation controller requirement because the law contained important ambiguities, lacked workable exceptions and did not lead to a practical compliance solution with the state agency. It also left unclear whether popular, water-savings products used to retrofit existing controllers could continue to be sold. Repeal avoids a framework that would have created confusion, compliance risk and interfered with water savings from the retrofit market all without a clear path for implementation.

We view this as a win for the industry as well as a pragmatic outcome for how best to achieve water efficiency. It preserves the ability of irrigation professionals to choose the right product for the right landscape, which remains essential to saving water in the field.

The spray sprinkler body issue followed a different path. Industry organizations originally proposed a modification to the sprinkler body requirement, but the state agency ultimately requested that it be removed altogether. The agency concluded it was not in a position to enforce the requirement or allocate resources toward compliance activities for these water products. As enacted, HB26-1034 repeals that requirement as well.

We will continue to support efficient irrigation practices and products while advocating for policies that are clear, workable and grounded in how irrigation systems are actually designed, installed and managed. Complete this form to receive updates on the IA’s advocacy initiatives and future developments like the work highlighted above.

Each year Equip draws thousands of landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers to see the latest equipment, connect with each other and learn from the most innovative and successful leaders in their industry.

Equip Academy, a new in-person and online training package presented by the industry's epic annual trade show, Equip Exposition, aims to help contractors and landscapers confront today's current business challenges head on.

“The economy is rapidly changing. Pricing, equipment, recruitment, training, service portfolios and marketing can make or break the success of any landscaping business,” says Kris Kiser, president and ceo of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association which owns and manages the award-winning trade show. Equip drew nearly 30,000 people to Louisville last year.

"With Equip Academy, we're building an education platform that supports how our landscapers and contractors prefer to learn – whether in-person at Equip or online after the show," says Kiser.

Attendees can buy individual education sessions for a fee, but an Equip Academy pass for $170 will give attendees access to dozens of education sessions.

"There's no way you could attend every education session we offer in Louisville during the four-day show. But with the Equip Academy you can catch what you missed at home," says Kiser.

In 2026, education tracks will help attendees focus on sessions that help address many issues, including:

• Hiring and retention: Learn how to attract and keep critical employees
• Top 150 strategy: Learn from the leaders at companies on the Landscape Management Top 150
• New business opportunities: How to offer lighting, irrigation tree care and chemical application and to grow your business
• CEO/leadership for landscapers & contractors: Design a vision and better manage as leader-in-chief
• Women's leadership: Discuss the unique needs of women in the industry and then attend the Women's Leadership Reception, sponsored by Belgard, SiteOne and Hunter/FX Luminaire, with a keynote address by Susan Packard, a media entrepreneur who helped create popular TV channels like HGTV, CNBC and Food Network
• Growth mode: Develop your younger company and learn how to deal with new professionals. Get amped by The Morning Show at Expo, sponsored by Rehlko and ENERGIZE sponsored by Exmark and BOSS Snowplow.
• Snow removal amped: Discover how to take your business through all seasons and grow this lucrative service line

"With recent market and labor uncertainties, Equip is the best value to get help with business challenges for landscape contractors," says Kiser. He noted many companies bring crew leaders and even entire teams.

Some education sessions are also delivered in Spanish, and every attendee finishing an Equip Academy class will get a certificate of completion.

HGTV host and veteran no-nonsense contractor Mike Holmes will be Equip 2026's keynote speaker and is sponsored by Kress. He will offer real-world insight on raising standards and demanding quality that pushes the entire industry forward.

Education partners include:

• Landscape Management magazine
• Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals
• CultureID 
• Texas A&M University
• The Davey Institute
• Academy Trained
• Equipment and Engine Training Council
• Hardscape North America
• Irrigation Association 
• Kentucky Horticulture Council

In addition, the show, scheduled for October 20-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC), provides landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers a unique platform to learn from each other through dedicated peer to-peer networking events. These include a Tuesday Welcome Reception at Churchill Downs sponsored by Caterpillar Inc., a Wednesday night 4th Street Live Concert sponsored by the Propane Education & Research Council, the closing Paristown Pointe Block Party & Concert sponsored by Gravely, and more.

Registration is only $25 through May 31, 2026 at EquipExposition.com. Equip Academy costs an additional $170 and the price will go up after September 10, 2026.

Each year Equip draws thousands of landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers to see the latest equipment, connect with each other and learn from the most innovative and successful leaders in their industry. Last year Equip broke attendance records attracting nearly 30,000 registrants to the Kentucky Exposition Center.

The show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, with Equip being held in Orlando and thereafter biannually. Equip will return to Louisville in 2030.

Registration for Equip 2026 is open and pricing for attendee registration is only $25 through May 31, 2026. Hardscape North America continues to co-locate with the show.

Equip brings more than $31 million to Louisville.

Visit www.equipexposition.com to register and book hotel rooms. 

About Equip Exposition

Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition, is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, and is one of the top three largest trade shows in the United States. The show is a Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Grand Award Winner, including "Greatest Trade Show of 2024," and is co-located with Hardscape North America. Equip publishes "equip" magazine and is owned and managed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, an international trade association representing manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, parts, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles and golf cars, and their suppliers. For more information visit www.equipexposition.com.

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Submit by May 13!

More time to share your expertise! Great ideas deserve the chance to be heard. We’ve extended the deadline to submit proposals for the 2026 Irrigation Show and Education Week—giving you more time to refine your session and bring your expertise to the stage in Las Vegas this December. If you’ve been considering submitting, now is the time! Choose from one of three tracks and develop a session that delivers real value to attendees.

Quick guide to the three tracks

1. IA University education sessions 
   Designed for deeper learning and real-world application — courses should include measurable learning objectives, practical takeaways and an approach that goes beyond passive listening. Courses must be at least two hours and vendor-neutral.

2. Industry Insights: Business & economics 
   Built for decision-makers and practitioners who want clear takeaways on business conditions and market forces. Sessions are 25 minutes and held on the exhibit floor in the Insights Theater. Content should be practical and should not include competitively sensitive topics.

3. Industry Insights: Emerging technology & research
   Focused on emerging science, applied research and near-term innovation, these sessions are 25 minutes in a classroom-style setting. Strong proposals clearly explain what’s new, what evidence exists so far, and why it matters for products, practices or management decisions — tailored to irrigation industry audiences.

Tips for a proposal that stands out

• Lead with what attendees will learn (and how they’ll use it).
• Keep content educational and vendor-neutral; use examples to illustrate broader lessons, data or field results.
• Aim for clarity: a strong title, concise summary and focused outcomes.

If you have a perspective that can move the industry forward, we want to hear from you — whether you’re a seasoned presenter or bringing a fresh voice to the stage. Go online for more information about this call for proposals and the three tracks.

Proposals will be accepted through May 13. Thank you for helping the IA deliver education that’s relevant, credible and impactful.

Questions? Contact the IA team (703.536.7080).

Start your proposal application today!

By Emma Peterson. 

Diving into how the Irrigation Association supports and advances the outdoor industry.  

If you work in the outdoor industry, you’ve probably heard of The Irrigation Show and Education Week. With an expo floor full of cutting-edge technology, best-in-class education offerings and more, this is the ultimate place for irrigation professionals to meet and level up their skills. But what do you know about the organization behind this iconic show?  

The Irrigation Association (IA) is a leading trade organization dedicated to “promoting efficient irrigation technologies, products and services.” The annual Irrigation Show and Education Week is one of the ways they pursue this goal. Other ways they serve their members and the industry include:  

• Advocacy: The IA has a dedicated government affairs team that advocates for the needs of the irrigation association. They work on all levels of government (federal, state, regional and local) to share information about water stewardship, respond to public policies related to water resource planning and work with other associations/partners to define best water practices.  
• Workforce development: IA also has a workforce development team (previously working under the name Irrigation Foundation) that works to promote careers in irrigation. They do this through the E3 program, the Faculty Academy, scholarships and more.  
• Certifications: And IA is not only focused on bringing new people into the industry. They also provide a variety of certification and education opportunities to give their members a competitive edge. These certification opportunities include everything from becoming an irrigation designer to becoming a golf irrigation auditor.  
• Publications: Through Irrigation Today and Irrigation & Lighting magazines, IA keeps their members and other professionals up to date on “the latest trends, technologies and issues in both the agriculture and landscape irrigation industries.” 
• Landscape Irrigation Pros Week: Like the education week, this is an annual event. However, the Landscape Irrigation Pros Week is specifically designed to be a virtual event so that professionals can learn from where they are. Courses are hosted on Zoom over the course of five days and are divided into two categories – Industry Basics and Industry Pros – making this perfect for professionals of all skill levels. 

These examples are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the programming and support IA offers outdoor professionals. Learn more about IA at www.irrigation.org.