The Irrigation Association (IA) and the American Society of Irrigation Consultants (ASIC) released a new version of their Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices (BMP) for system owners, irrigation consultants, irrigation designers, contractors, water managers and irrigation system maintenance personnel.

Based on feedback from irrigation designers, consultants, contractors and water managers, the updated BMPs reflect sound engineering practices, emerging technologies and recommended techniques for efficient water use. For instance, it includes three BMPs for landscape irrigation regarding how to design the irrigation system to efficiently use water resources; install the irrigation system to meet the design criteria and manage landscape water resources to maintain a healthy and functional landscape.

Additional highlights include:

• Practice guidelines for effective implementation and adapting the BMPs to local conditions;
• Recommendations for evaluating potential irrigation water resources, including non-potable sources; and
• Appendices with information on system inspection and commissioning, irrigation scheduling and water budgeting.

“We’ve included more discussion about considering all potential water resources that could be used for irrigation as an alternative to using potable water sources,” said Brent Mecham, IA industry development director. “We’ve also put greater emphasis on the important role water managers play in ensuring systems are well maintained and water resources are being used efficiently.”

The updated document is available and downloadable at no charge on the IA website.