The Water Zone

Noreen Rich, director of member engagement & industry relations for the Irrigation Association (IA) provides a history of the association, the organization's mission and long-term vision. She also discusses the upcoming IA show in San Antonio, Texas and details all the activities that make up the event from product displays, new up-start companies, certification training, educational classes, IA resource displays, special awards, and most importantly, networking with industry professionals.

Podcast Recorded on August 24, 2023

Featured guest Michael Davidson of Moleaer Technology returns to the show to provide an in-depth exploration of his company's nanobubble generators. Nanobubbles are 200 nanometers in size; small enough to fit 5,000 or more side by side in a single millimeter.  These extremely small bubbles contain a negative electrical charge that helps to reduce the amount of bacteria on fresh produce and can also be used for water treatment, agricultural water sanitation and algae removal.

Podcast Recorded on August 17, 2023

Featured guest Michael Davidson president of Moleaer Inc., discusses how the company has developed nanobubble technology for utilization in agriculture and how it enhances crop growth.  He explains how nanobubbles are generated and then incorporated into water to stimulate crop growth. He also defines Climate Smart Agriculture and it’s implementation in farming within Africa, the Middle East and the United States.

Podcast Recorded on August 3, 2023

Dr. Charles Hillyer, director of the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) at California State University, Fresno and the interim associate vice president for the California Water Institute, provides his story. Including how he was drawn to the industry. He describes the function of CIT and it’s work with the Irrigation Association, AWWA and ASABI to research and develop irrigation industry standards. Dr. Hillyer also shares insights and observations related to smart irrigation adoption in agriculture.

Podcast Recorded on July 27, 2023

What will the world look like in 2050? Experts from American Water Works Association and Loop Communications share their thoughts on the future state of water. They also explore the state of mind shift required to help make sustainability decisions, shape influential new technologies and change water use behaviors to impact availability in the coming decades.

Podcast Recorded on July 20, 2023

Mary Ann Dickinson shares her career in the water industry and inspiration to found of the Alliance for Water Efficiency.  Mary Ann discusses the issues and projects she has been involved with and how she helped to create a network for the water authorities, government agencies and private stakeholders interested in water legislation. She also shares her views on the future of water in California and the top three water infrastructure issues that need to be immediately addressed.

Podcast Recorded July 13, 2023

Eric Anderson, president of Valley Soil, returns to the show to share Valley Soil’s mission and how they got started. Valley Soil has become known throughout Southern California as the “go-to” company among water purveyors for education and installation of water efficient irrigation products like smart controllers, efficient spray nozzles and drip systems. Eric also shared his vision for the future of water and discusses potential new products that could be developed to increase water savings.

Podcast Recorded on July 6, 2023

Nathan Bowen of the Irrigation Association details events and activities around Smart Irrigation Month kicking off on July 1^st, including ways that everyone can participate. Then Wall Street Journal reporters Ryan Knutson & Jim Carlton provide a detailed history of the  Colorado River and events that led up to its recent condition and the explains the water rights of its various users.

Podcast Recorded on June 29, 2023

Greg Steele, director of SiteOne Green Tech discusses his introduction to the irrigation industry while attending California State Polytechnic University Pomona, in Pomona, CA. Greg goes on to describe the services that SiteOne Green Tech provides, like educational training, product configuration, installation and warranty services. As well as, examples of installation and product performance challenges that he and the team face daily.

Podcast Recorded on June 22, 2023

Featured guest Brett Sanders PhD., professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California in Irvine, addresses the creation of a deep analysis software model to help estimate the risk of flooding in California due to recent increased atmospheric river conditions.  His work is extremely important for the pre-identification and location of serious flooding and in providing an early warning system for the state's emergency workers and the public.

Podcast Recorded on March 23, 2023

Did you know that much like fine wines water can be defined and rated? There are various kinds of bottled water such as glacier, carbonated, oxygenated, spring, re-processed and others. Michael Masha and Elena Burke describe their journey to create a training institute for classifying fine water. Michael and Elena set out to develop a methodology to objectively list water type and quality for the restaurant industry. They share just how this is done and their conviction that bottled water should be treated with as much respect as fine wine.

Podcast Recorded on June 15, 2023

Justin Richards, also known as social media’s "Sprinkler Dude", joins the show to talk about how homeowners and commercial property owners are adopting new irrigation technologies and the ways various water districts are promoting conservation, outreach, education and rebates. Justin also shares insights from his work with Conserva Irrigation, a irrigation contractor company who specialize in water smart irrigation technology, product application, and efficient irrigation management.

Podcast Recorded on June 8, 2023

Special guest Dave Langendorff of Irrigation Consultants, Inc., one of the country’s respective irrigation design company, speaks about the work and activities of the ASIC (American Society of Irrigation Consultants). He provides information on how ASIC professionals work with government agencies, water districts and customers to design water distribution systems for that highlights water use efficiency. David shares his experience successfully resolving issues on properties with significant irrigation challenges and his thoughts on mandates related to irrigation training and education.

Podcast Recorded on June 1, 2023

Irrigation & Lighting Editor in Chief, Kyle Brown, joins the show to promote the magazine’s Changing the Landscape Awards. This annual event celebrates and recognizes the outstanding work done by irrigation and lighting professionals throughout the year. The program highlights the best and most impressive examples of irrigation and lighting work. Last year's winners participated in a vast smart controller upgrade project that improved water use efficiency for hundreds of homeowners, as well as a landscape lighting installation that required precise drilling expertise.

Podcast Recorded on May 25, 2023

Featured guest Chris Keating, district sales manager for Toro's Irrigation & Lighting business, walks us through his journey in the water industry and details his outstanding involvement with contractor an distributor training. He shares his take on the difference between irrigation and sprinklers, the industry's disproportionate focus with product, and the important difference between "dirt plumbers" and those who focus on efficiency and distribution.

Podcast Recorded on May 18, 2023

Brian Vinchesi, of Irrigation Consulting, Inc. and president of the American Institute of Irrigation Consultants discusses his very interesting journey to becoming one of the irrigation industry's most respected leaders. He also reveals some of the unique opportunities and challenges presented to him throughout his career. Brian shares his thoughts on the future of water and water management, as well as his vision for the American Institute of Irrigation Consultants.

Podcast Recorded on May 11, 2023

Newsha Ajami, director of Urban Water Policy at Stanford University’s Water in the West initiative describes how the past century's approach to water management was based upon controlling nature and a fragmented infrastructure. Today’s approach to water management revolves around water scarcity, technology and science. This has all come together to help boost critical data gathering that is used to formulate new methods that enhance water management practices. 

Podcast Recorded April 13, 2023

A solid relationship is one of the most important factors customers consider when entering a long-term relationship with a manufacturer. Toro Director of Irrigation Services, Inger Nordby, joins the show to explain how the company’s National Service Network (NSN) builds relationships through 24/7 support, extended warranty and digital support tools. She also explains the ways in which her team partners with end users, the distribution network, order fulfillment, product management and engineering to immediately help resolve field issues as well as test new products.   

Podcast Recorded on April 6, 2023