The number of state and municipalities that support Smart Irrigation Month is growing, according to the Irrigation Association (IA), which launched the industry-wide initiative in 2005.

Idaho, Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Virginia have joined Colorado in officially recognizing July 2013 as Smart Irrigation Month. Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Okla., also officially recognize the initiative.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon recently issued that state’s proclamation, which was facilitated by Mike Hartman, CID, of MPR Supply Company Co., St. Louis, Mo. Instrumental in obtaining proclamations from their respective states were Michael White, CIC, CLIA, of Automatic Irrigation Supply Co., Fishers, Ind.; Gary Denette of Turf and Garden, Chesapeake, Va. and Jerry Troy from Silver Creek Supply, Nampa, Idaho. Becky Sellers of the Oklahoma Nursery and Landscape Association, Oklahoma City, Okla., led efforts in her state.

Smart Irrigation Month is designed to increase public awareness of the value of water-use efficiency during summer’s peak demand. Encouraging state and local governments to issue official proclamations is an important grassroots tactic to add credibility to the need for water management and to educate citizens about local water issues, the IA said.

To help promote the importance of water efficient products, practices and services in your community, The IA recommends working with other local businesses to encourage your state or municipality to proclaim July as Smart Irrigation Month.