Water management is the single biggest issue our industry faces, and it’s here to stay. Every irrigation professional has heard about the increasing importance of water management and, even though the situation affects everyone differently, it impacts each of us – period.Water is essential to the survival of every living thing on the planet. As our population increases and climate change impacts water availability; local, state, and federal regulatory efforts will certainly intensify. Predictably,public priorities for water use will continue to favor drinking supply, food production, manufacturing, and emergency services over the maintenance of healthy, attractive, outdoor landscapes. As a result, the need forefficient irrigation design, installation, and maintenance practices are greater than ever before.GREEN IS GOOD Even though outdoor water use is a concern, irrigation bans are not the answer. The solution is about using water efficiently - maintaining landscapes with less water. Trees, shrubs, flowers, and healthy turf are a vital sourceof oxygen and offer many valuable environmental and personal comfort benefits such as:• Reducing noise pollution through blockage and absorption• Preventing erosion and runoff• Minimizing pollution effects on groundwater, streams, rivers, and lakes• Shading houses, buildings, and their surrounding areas, reducing energy use for coolingMany organizations are doing their part in promoting these benefits and the importance of sustaining them in our environment. As an example, Project Evergreenhas established their mission around the benefits of preserving green space.THE SOLUTION Fortunately, individuals and organizations are involved. Efforts are being led by industry groups to helpeducate businesses and consumers about efficient water use.Irrigation Association® (IA) “SWAT” (Smart Water Application Technologies) program:An international partnership initiative created to promote landscape wateruse efficiency through irrigation technology.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense® program:A voluntary public-private partnership designed to help homeowners and businesses manage their water use.