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Shine the Light on Water Conservation
July 26, 2007 GolfdomWater may seem to be the most abundant resource available on Earth. But the reality is that 97 percent of all water is saltwater, 2 percent is held in snow and icebergs and only 1 percent is freshwater. More and more demands are being placed on this 1 percent of the world's water that is available for human use. The world's population is growing at such a rate that by 2025, the United Nations predicts that more than 2.7 billion people will face severe shortages of fresh water.
An estimated one-third of the world's population already lives in areas with water shortages. In developing countries, this translates into 1.1 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water. In developed countries shortages are being felt through restrictions on water use.
Rain Bird has a philosophy called The Intelligent Use of Water, which is about offering the most water-efficient irrigation products and educating both professionals and the general public about the need to use water wisely, among other things.
As part of this program, Rain Bird introduces two initiatives. The first is the "The Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition," which encourages everyone from superintendents to aspiring filmmakers to showcase their cinematic talents and shine the light on water conservation. Through August 15, amateur and professional filmmakers may submit short films (1-20 minutes in actual or excerpted run time) that explore approaches and ideas to intelligently manage and efficiently utilize water. The finalists will have their films screened at an event on Oct. 13 at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, and awards totaling $9,000 will be given. Details of this competition can be found at www.iuowfilm.com.
The second initiative, the 2007 Intelligent Use of Water Award, seeks to bring about a greater knowledge and awareness of the need for water conservation by honoring those persons or organizations whose innovation, leadership, ingenuity and overall commitment to improved landscape water efficiency has raised the standard for outdoor water conservation. The recipient of the 2007 award will be presented with $10,000. Both consumers and professionals are encouraged to submit their nominations by Sept. 1. Nomination forms and additional information can be found at www.rainbird.com/awards.
Editor's note: The author of this story, Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd, works on Rain Bird's Intelligent Use of Water initiatives.
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