March 2008
Since 1933, Rain Bird has focused on developing products, services and technologies that promote the efficient irrigation of the world’s crops, landscapes and green spaces including a special education program called the Intelligent Use of Water®.
The company's commitment to water efficiency has been amply demonstrated through global leadership, educational efforts, partnerships and innovative product development.
Leadership
By sponsoring eight international summits, Rain Bird has brought together some of the world’s leading experts on the environment, water conservation and irrigation to openly discuss and debate timely issues. Additionally, Rain Bird’s annual participation in the popular Tournament of Roses Parade provides a global forum, drawing attention to the importance of water.
Education
Rain Bird is committed to teaching others about The Intelligent Use of Water®. To date, Rain Bird has commissioned and published two white papers, "Irrigation for a Growing World" and "A Homeowner’s Guide to Water-Efficient Landscapes", which discuss causes for the global water crisis and offer potential solutions. Rain Bird has also partnered with leading centers of higher-learning like California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) to develop the Explorations into Water Teaching Curriculum and the Rain Forest Teaching Curriculum to help educators and students better understand water’s vital role in nurturing and sustaining ecosystems. Plus, Rain Bird continues to produce and sponsor educational public service announcements that air all over the country.
Partnerships
Rain Bird partners with thought leaders, organizations and governmental agencies and collaborates with organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council and its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) initiative to advance The Intelligent Use of Water®. From industry-related activities with the Irrigation Association to its inclusion in the development of the Environmental Protection Agency’s new WaterSense labeling program, Rain Bird demonstrates a sincere belief that partnerships are the key to achieving meaningful results.
Products
Rain Bird’s products exemplify state-of-the-art, water-efficient irrigation technology. From features like pressure regulating stems on spray heads and the industry’s most efficient nozzles; to cutting edge technology like the ET Manager, Rain Bird’s products use water effectively and efficiently. Every new product or service developed at Rain Bird is assessed against the most stringent standards for water utilization.
Rain Bird’s tradition of quality has helped make the Azusa, CA based company a world leader in irrigation products and services. Rain Bird has one of the largest controlled-environment irrigation testing facilities in the world. Their technical staff continually evaluates new and current products for reliability, durability and accuracy of operation. Every Rain Bird product undergoes constant testing to ensure it meets the industry’s most demanding operating and quality standards.
Good Business Practice
While responsible water usage is at the heart of The Intelligent Use of Water, this philosophy extends beyond using water wisely. Simply put, promoting water efficiency is an astute business practice for anyone who manufactures, installs, services or uses the products that rely on this cherished resource. Rain Bird believes in the importance of educating fellow irrigation professionals as well as the consuming public about the numerous ways that sensible water usage touches our daily lives:
- Intelligent water usage reflects environmental consciousness, an increasingly marketable attribute valued by businesses, organizations and consumers worldwide.
- Incorporating water-efficient products and practices into irrigation installations saves money for home and business owners by lowering water bills.
- Technology that conserves water encourages healthier, more attractive landscapes by eliminating the over-watering than can occur when irrigation systems fail to take natural rainfall and temperature fluctuations into consideration.
- Water-efficient irrigation systems prevent unnecessary wear and tear on system components for a longer life with fewer breakdowns and service calls.
- Irrigation systems that incorporate water-saving technology enable users to maintain green, healthy turf and plants while respecting increasingly common government imposed watering restrictions.
A Guiding Vision
Seventy-five years ago, Rain Bird was founded with a guiding vision; a vision focused on using water effectively, efficiently and responsibly. As Rain Bird celebrates its 75th year of business, The Intelligent Use of Water continues to be more than just a slogan to Rain Bird—it is a philosophy that continues to affect everything they do, both now and into the future.
Ron Wolfarth, director of landscape irrigation for Rain Bird Corporation, is a member of the Alliance for Water Efficiency board of directors.
To learn more about Rain Bird, visit their corporate web site.