Applications open for Irrigation Association’s SWAT awards

Applications for the Irrigation Association’s (IA’s) 2020 Smart Water Application Technologies (SWAT) awards are now open.

These awards are intended to recognize water providers that are moving the needle on outdoor water conservation through stakeholder engagement, education and programs that promote efficiencies in outdoor water use.

Cities, counties and utilities involved in programs that promote outdoor water conservation are eligible to apply. Eligible programs must be active or implemented after Jan. 1, 2019. Participation is open to both IA members and nonmembers.

The SWAT awards will annually recognize water providers in two categories:

• Outstanding Industry Partnership Award – This award recognizes efforts to increase partnerships with landscape and/or irrigation professionals to promote outdoor water conservation.
• Outstanding Public Engagement Award – This award recognizes efforts to engage and educate residential and/or commercial end users on smart and efficient technologies, best practices and programs related to outdoor water conservation.

“We had so many worthy programs apply for the awards last year,” said IA CEO Deborah Hamlin, CAE, FASAE. “We are very excited to learn about and recognize leading programs in 2020.”

Award applications are open through March 31, 2020. Winners will be announced at the 2020 WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Expo in Las Vegas.

The SWAT committee uses a scoring rubric to evaluate applications. Applicants are encouraged to review this rubric and ensure that their application includes all required information. More information about the awards, past winners and how to submit an application can be found online.