ICC and ASABE Agree to Collaborate on New Landscape Irrigation Standard

Agreement signed to develop new ANSI/ASABE/ICC Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard

The International Code Council (ICC) and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) announced their intention to jointly develop a new ANSI standard, designated as “ASABE/ICC Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard” that will establish requirements for landscape sprinklers and emitters. The new standard will address design, performance and uniform testing and assessment methods for these devices. Both organizations recognize the impact requirements and testing methods for irrigation products will have on product performance, durability and system design. Ultimately, this will enhance the performance of the entire irrigation system and lead to greater water conservation.

“ASABE and its members bring a long history of proven technical expertise and knowledge to the development of this new turf grass and landscape irrigation products standard,” said John Terry, Chair of ICC’s Codes & Standards Council. “The effort is intended to complement and support landscape irrigation provisions found in ICC’s 2012 International Green Construction Code, as well as numerous state and local codes and regulations.”

“Both ICC and ASABE are known for their technical integrity and are committed to setting an example to the industry and our respective memberships to reduce the impact that water waste has on the environment and our economy. We are both perfectly positioned to make a difference, especially as a team effort,” explained Darrin Drollinger, Executive Director of ASABE.

The standard is nearing release for public comment, providing an opportunity for any interested stakeholder to provide formal, written input on the draft document. Further, the meeting of the full Landscape Irrigation Emission Device Standard Committee will be held on May 30 and 31 in Chicago. A formal meeting announcement can be found on the committee’s website at www.iccsafe.org/IS-IEDC. Interested parties are also welcome to participate in any or all of the three task groups for sprinklers, microirrigation devices, or definitions/labeling as shown on the website. To participate in any of these activities contact Shawn Martin at smartin@iccsafe.org. These activities are all open to the public.

The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers is a scientific and educational organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems. Founded in 1907 and headquartered in St. Joseph, Mich., ASABE comprises 9,000 members from more than 100 countries. ASABE members serve in industry, academia, and public service and are uniquely qualified to develop efficient and environmentally sensitive methods of producing food, fiber, timber, and renewable energy sources for an ever-increasing world population.

The International Code Council is a member-focused association dedicated to helping the building safety community and construction industry provide safe and sustainable construction through the development of codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.