Happy New Year!

2 Jan, 2012 By: Warren Gorowitz, CLIA, Ewing Irrigation i-news

Well, here we are again at the start of another new year. Last month, I reflected on some of the topics that I discussed in this column throughout 2011. Now it’s time to look forward. I wish I could tell you that I had a crystal ball and knew what was coming.

I am confident, however, that there are a few themes that will continue to be prevalent in the landscape and irrigation world for 2012.

Water pricing will be on the rise. This is a great thing for our industry! The more people value the water they use, the more likely they are to value trained irrigation professionals and water-efficient product upgrades.
Codes and standards will continue to develop for our industry. There is no shortage of opinions in this area; no matter what side of the fence you’re on, keep an open mind. This process and discussion will help our industry in the long haul, because there will be more consistency in products that are manufactured, as well as in how they are used.
The use of potable water on landscaping will continue to be questioned. A continued exploration of alternative water sources for irrigating our landscapes, especially in the commercial world, is essential to the future of our Industry. Greywater, rainwater harvesting, stormwater recovery and condensate recovery are just a few of the options. Universal progress in this area will not come easy, as codes, standards and legality vary by state.
Technology will help contribute toward the goal of water efficiency, but it is not the only answer. Great advancements in technology will continue contributing to improved water management and efficiency. However, we mustn’t overlook the basics associated with properly designed, installed and maintained irrigation systems that are imperative for ultimate water efficiency.
Social media will dominate our industry going forward. If you’re not using social media to market yourself or your business, you’re missing the boat. Many consider it to be a generational thing, but I believe it’s a necessity to engage and participate in the discussion in the new economy. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are all valuable business tools, when used appropriately.

With each of these topics comes a new opportunity to help advance your business. The big question is: What are you going to do about it? I am planning to use these as a guide for the goals I’ve set to accomplish for 2012. As always, I welcome your feedback. Here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous new year for us all!

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