Every July, the irrigation industry and water-conscious communities across the United States come together to observe Smart Irrigation Month—a national campaign dedicated to promoting efficient water use through innovation, education and responsible practices.
Originating in the early 2000s, Smart Irrigation Month is more than just a promotional effort. It represents a broader shift in how we value water as a finite resource and how technological advances can help ensure its sustainable use for generations to come.
The Irrigation Association (IA) launched Smart Irrigation Month in 2005 as a strategic effort to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation, particularly in agriculture and landscape irrigation. July was selected because it typically marks the peak of water use across North America, as summer heat drives up demand for outdoor irrigation.
What began as an industry initiative quickly gained traction among utilities, municipalities, water agencies and landscape professionals. These stakeholders recognized that smarter irrigation practices could help mitigate the strain on aging infrastructure, reduce environmental impact and cut costs for consumers and businesses alike.
Smart Irrigation Month coincides with a technological revolution in the way water is delivered to crops, lawns, parks and gardens. Over the past two decades, the irrigation industry has embraced smart controllers, soil moisture sensors, drip systems and weather-based technologies that adjust watering schedules in real-time based on conditions.
This shift from time-based to demand-based irrigation has had a profound impact. According to the EPA’s WaterSense program, smart irrigation controllers can reduce outdoor water use by 15–30%—a critical saving, particularly in drought-prone regions like the American Southwest.
The campaign also emphasizes the human side of innovation: encouraging property owners, farmers and landscape professionals to learn about best practices, maintain systems regularly and seek WaterSense-labeled products that meet EPA efficiency standards.
With climate change intensifying drought cycles and population growth increasing demand for fresh water, the importance of efficient irrigation has never been greater. In many U.S. states, outdoor irrigation accounts for 30–60% of residential water use. Agriculture, which relies heavily on irrigation, is responsible for nearly 40% of the nation’s freshwater withdrawals.
By spotlighting efficient irrigation during peak season, Smart Irrigation Month reminds us that every drop counts. The campaign serves as a platform for advocacy, helping to shape policy, influence product innovation and build public understanding of water stewardship.
It also provides an opportunity for professionals to showcase their expertise, educate customers and align their services with sustainable values. For consumers, it’s a reminder that small actions—like adjusting a sprinkler head or installing a rain sensor—can lead to big savings.
As Smart Irrigation Month continues to grow, it has become more than a marketing campaign—it’s a movement. One that champions collaboration between technology, policy and public awareness to ensure we use water wisely.
July is a time to celebrate progress, spotlight success stories and commit to the next chapter in efficient, intelligent water use. In a changing world, smart irrigation is no longer optional—it’s essential.