News 14 Coverage of Water Efficiency Training

Last week’s Water Efficiency training was covered by the Raleigh station, News 14:

Landscapers want industry regulation
05/15/2008 03:06 PM
By: Ilin Chen

RALEIGH — Lawn care professionals across the state are trying to make sure their profits don’t dry up during future droughts. That includes learning about new technology that would help their customers conserve water.

Green is the color of success for those in the landscaping and irrigation business, but when the drought hit, most of the green dried up.

“As far as our landscaping business, it had a tremendous affect on new work, so as people were not allowed to water, they didn’t want to invest money in landscaping,” explained Mark Peters, who works for Piedmont Carolina Landscaping.

Many North Carolinians are still under some kind of water restrictions to protect resources. Industry professionals said they want to do the same, which is why they propose a statewide licensing program for irrigation contractors.

 

The proposal would set up a licensing board and professionals would have to pass a test and get continuing education credits to remain active.

“What we want to do is just prove to everybody that we know what we’re talking about and we’re a professional organization that can address the water quality, the scarcity of water, and the professionalism in the industry,” added Jim Garvey, an official with the Carolinas Irrigation Association.

One of the components of being a licensed professional is using a smart controller to irrigate lawns. That’s what experts say will help use water more efficiently, and for Peters, efficiency is key to make sure the green business stays green.

“What we’re trying to do to prepare for the future is to teach ourselves and our customers how to use water more efficiently so that as the water comes back on and we come off of restrictions, we don’t see exorbitant water use for landscapes,” Peters said.

The proposed legislation still needs sponsors before it can be introduced to the General Assembly. Leaders of professional organizations hope it can be heard during the current short session, but lawmakers’ main focus during the short session is passing the budget. It’s unclear whether they will take up this matter before next year.