January 30, 2017

Irrigation is a main source of revenue for many in the Green Industry. To better plan your business ventures it is smart to stay up-to date on the state of irrigation in the industry. This evaluation is based on information given from the Irrigation Association about the state of irrigation regulations and what contractors can expect in 2017.

2016 Recap

With 2016 behind us, water issues are still a rising concern in many regions. Some believe irrigation was a contributor to the issue in 2016 so, keeping the irrigation industry under the microscope on local, state and federal levels was a challenge. With new control in the white house, John Farner, government and public affairs director for the Irrigation Association (IA) in Fairfax, Va., discussed irrigation regulations and what irrigation contractors can expect in 2017.

According to Farner, the past year brought many challenges and opportunities for the irrigation industry. Each region of the country experienced a similar issue with water. The West dealt with a sixth year of drought that continues to drive the motivation of many legislation movements. In comparison, the Southeast and Northeast experienced a newer drought that began to affect water use and availability. However, regardless of the region, the whole country is feeling the effect of droughts.

Water & Money Saving Trends

The Green Industry is under the microscope for our play in potable water use for irrigation, licensing of irrigation contractors and the overall installation and management of turfgrass and landscape plants.

Legislation is currently in the works that will effect the Green Industry. The Water Resources Development Act is a reference to public laws enacted by Congress to deal with various aspects of water resources: environmental, structural, navigational, flood protection, hydrology, etc. According to the National Association of Clean Water Agencies:

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is an important piece of legislation that is traditionally passed every two years to authorize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activities for flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration. Prior years’ WRDA bills have also included provisions addressing water infrastructure policy and financing. This year, the Senate WRDA bill is particularly comprehensive and includes provisions addressing affordability, integrated planning, green infrastructure for stormwater management, municipal engagement with USEPA, and more which could benefit clean water utilities.

Green Industry Influences

There are many factors that are influencing the Green Industry, including those of the new leader, President Donald Trump. One consistent struggle among the Green Industry is finding and keeping employees. Although the industry is prosperous and remains thriving, we are continually being short handed.

Immigration enforcement was a hot debate this election. President Trump has raised some ideas of building a wall between Mexico and the U.S. and has pressed for stronger immigration laws. Just like with every other election, we must be cautious and watchful of new standards that are being implemented. The best we can do is prepare. Whether it is within this four year term or in 20 years, change is inevitable. Prepare your business for longevity and consistent profitability.

There are some states that are gaining more attention that others. California seems to always be the most active when it comes to legislation and regulations affecting the landscape irrigation industry. Because the current drought is becoming the “new normal” in California, we can expect this trend to continue for years to come. Although California is across the country. Here in Ohio and in neighboring states we still see and hear the effect. Homeowners are becoming increasingly concerned with the use of water. Whether because they hear of the country’s issues on TV or because they want to keep their bills down, the issue is prevalent.

Regulations that Effect GI

There are also several irrigation regulations that landscape and irrigation contractors should be paying attention to throughout 2017.

Potable water use for irrigation. As drought pops up in different areas, major strain is placed on water sources for different uses of water. This can effect municipal, agriculture, environment, landscaping and other industries. Because the majority of water used for landscape irrigation throughout the U.S. is potable water, regulators will be looking to irrigation first for potential water savings.
According to the Irrigation Association, another issue is, scope of practice. This is an issue we have been working on for quite some time. Unfortunately, especially in states without a landscape irrigation license, we are seeing other trades (plumbing, landscape architecture, etc.) attempt to define irrigation under their license. For example, in Illinois and Connecticut, the irrigation contractor license is administered by the plumbing board. The IA believes that if irrigation contractors are licensed in a state, they should be governed by a board of their peers due to the technical aspects of irrigation.
Thirdly, is drought. States are beginning to realize that drought can hit at any moment and sustain for a long period of time. Therefore, drought plans are being drafted throughout various states. Though landscape irrigation water use is a “first line” of water savings, turning off access to water for landscape irrigation should be done only as a last resort. Technology efficiency improvements, audits and proper management should be part of a sustainable drought plan.

The Future is Now

2017 holds high promises for the Green Industry. In general, become educated on the issues that can effect your business and the Green Industry as a whole. Even events occurring across the country can trick back and effect you. Ultimately, homeowners are who make you money, remain mindful of their concerns and the trends that are to come.