FALLS CHURCH, VA, April 19, 2010 -- The Smart Water Application Technologies™ partnership, known as SWAT, announces several advances in its testing protocol program.
An initiative of the Irrigation Association, SWAT is a partnership of water purveyors and irrigation industry representatives created to promote efficient landscape irrigation technologies through product performance testing.
Rainfall shutoff devices are now eligible for SWAT testing, offered in conjunction with the University of Florida under the direction of Dr. Michael D. Dukes, associate professor and irrigation specialist. Testing is expected to begin in early May and will be measured against the SWAT 3rd Draft Testing Protocol (Oct. 2009). Rain sensors join "smart" controllers (climate- and sensor-based) as the first two types of products available for testing.
Additionally, two new testing protocols are currently in development:
• At North Carolina State University (Raleigh, N.C.), Dr. Garry Grabow is developing a testing protocol for pressure regulating sprinklers.
• Dr. Kelly Kopp at Utah State University (Logan, Utah) is writing a protocol for multiple-stream multiple-trajectory sprinklers.
Initial draft protocols will be available for public review this summer; developers expect second drafts to be completed by the end of 2010.
To review protocols or for more information, visit www.swatirrigation.org
About The Irrigation Association
Dedicating to promoting efficient irrigation, the Irrigation Association counts more than 2,000 corporate and technical members. The recognized authority on irrigation, IA is the leading organization for irrigation equipment and system manufacturers, dealers, distributors, designers, consultants, contractors and end users. For more information, visit www.irrigation.org.
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