On October 20, the GIC participated in the NC American Water Works Association, Water Conservation Conference in Concord, NC. The purpose of the conference was to highlight resources available for development or expansion of water conservation programs and case studies. The GIC continues to bring the message to water professionals that we are partners with them in water conservation and efficiency efforts.

Presentations focused on the basics of water conservation, lessons learned by water utilities in NC, and tools and expertise available from state and/or federal resource agencies.  The GIC exhibited two tabletop displays with “Water Wise Works” and “Watering Tips Guide” water efficiency brochures available to those attending. In adddition, we had GIC tote bags to hand out filled with green industry items and information. The Green Industry Council also sponsored Bruce Adams with EMC Engineers and a GIC water consultant, as one of the  main speakers at the conference. He made presentations on “Water Conservation 101″ and “Water Use for Irrigation: Conservation in the Green Industry”.

Representing the GIC at the conference were executive board members Daniel Currin, Buddy Murrow, Mark Peters and Doug Chapman, along with NC State Extension Specialist Dr. Barb Fair.

Here are some points and comments from our executive board regarding the new law for separate irrigation meters.

No green industry org.s’ opposed this legislation, including municipalities and here are some reasons why:

 1.       Many municipalities across NC have been requiring or recommending separate meters for years others have not. Granted, impact fees, meter installation fees and backflow requirements have continued to rise in price but what hasn’t. As far as the legislation was concerned, the state and municipalities must know where the water is being used. There is no other factual way to know other than to meter. Remember that in the past outdoor water use has been grossly overstated by municipalities and the state. This wasn’t a quick light switch approach. The debate over water issues carried on for nearly a year from mid 2007 through 2008, all of this 2009 legislative session and in fact it still continues to this day and will continue for several more years until the state is satisfied that our water policies and practices are in balance with our supply. 

2.       Investment in an irrigation system must include an analysis of return on investment regardless of where you live and what the fees are. We have to sell the benefit and value of investing in irrigation, the efficient use of water to establish and preserve landscaping and the resulting appreciation in property value. 

3.       How can we as the GIC possibly address what each individual municipality charges as a water impact/meter fee? This is a local political issue. What is the local community willing to accept? 

4.       As far as a rallying cry for membership to support opposing or trying to overturn this rule…we have tried to engage green industry businesses across the state and John Deere was on the team at the time and still is. There is no going back, what is the alternative? I hope this offers a few other points to consider. We see this more about the municipalities fees than the law itself. It will be up to local communities challenging how they will be priced.

NC Irrigation Contractors Licensing Board press release

This comes courtesy of our friend John Sullivan, Territory Manager of Smith Turf and Irrigation in Charlotte, NC.

A few items that you may find interesting and some things to think about:

Water Restrictions – as you know these have changed. Here is a quick list I have compiled –

Charlotte-Meck – Odd – Tues and Sat. Even – Thurs and Sun.
Mooresville – same as above.
Rock Hill – same as above.
Gastonia – East Hwy 321 Wed and Sun. West Hwy 321 Tues and Sat.
Fort Mill – Wed and Sat
Union County – 1 designated day depending on geographic location.
Cabarrus County – Concord – Kannapolis – Harrisburg – Landis – Mt Pleasant: Tuesday and Saturday
Salisbury-Rowan – no restrictions.

Irrigation Licensing Bill in NC was signed and could become law effective January 1, 2009. Please be aware that while the Irrigation Bill states it will go into effect Jan. 1, 2009, the Irrigation Board has not met to determine the BMP’s, rules and what the official test will be. The CIC and CID are prequalification’s only for grandfathering until such time that the board adopts a testing procedure. If you have any questions on irrigation licensing, please contact CIA Executive Director Ron Gelvin at Rgelvin@embarqmail.com.  

Certification classes and tests – Classes and tests are scheduled in NC for the following days. Register for the classes and exams at www.irrigation.org . The Association, not distributors, conducts the classes and proctors the exams.

Exams are scheduled as follows, per the IA website:

Charlotte 12-06-08
Wilmington 12-10-08
Garner – 12-12-08
Raleigh – 1-22-09

Space is limited at some of these sites, so register early.

If you have any questions on these classes, contact John at 704-512-9539 or via email at john.sullivan@smithturf.com

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.

Mr. Tom Ash, a water expert from California, will be teaching an irrigation efficiency class on Saturday, April 19^th from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m at the Caterpillar Dealer on Hwy 21 in Charlotte.

It is imperative that anyone who installs or maintains, commercial or residential irrigation systems, learn these new innovation irrigation technologies. Now that the water is back on, the green industry has a responsibility to further our professional education. We as an industry can then educate our customers in better water management.

Please RSVP by April 14^th to info@shepherdssupply.com. The cost is $50.00 per person to cover the water expert’s expenses.

Thanks,

Buddy Murrow
Shepherd’s Landscape Supply