California Governor Jerry Brown Proclaims July "Water Smart Month"

In California, water has always been synonymous with life, beauty, vitality and prosperity. Governor Jerry Brown realizes the importance of water for California, and on June 28th, 2013, he proclaimed July to be "Water Smart Month." Rob Starr, with The Toro Company’s specification and water management group, was instrumental in the proclamation issued from the Governor’s office. "Working closely with the Department of Water Resources, California State Assembly member Eric Linder, and State Senator Richard Roth, The Toro Company has continued to educate and develop products to support state legislation AB 1881 and SBx7 (water conservation ordinances) to help water agencies meet the directives of these ordinances."

These efforts have included education, training, and even partnering with local municipalities and water districts to supply residents with water-efficient Toro® Precision™ Spray Nozzles through initiatives such as freesprinklernozzles.com.

Water Smart Month is an idea conceived by the Irrigation Association (www.irrigation.org) to increase public awareness of water use and to promote the use of water-saving products, practices, and services. July was chosen because it is one of the warmest months of the year and, as Governor Brown wrote in his proclamation, "snow packs are shrinking and the state will not see its reservoirs begin to fill again until fall." He continues: "Low consumption practices and technology will help keep water in the streams and lakes for all to enjoy."

California citizens can be "water smart," not only in July but all year long, in a myriad of ways. First, check irrigation systems and fix any leaks-even one dripping valve can waste up to five gallons a day or over 2,000 gallons a year! Second, minimize or prevent hardscapes (like sidewalks and driveways) from being watered. Third, invest in add-on technologies that permit watering only when needed, such as a wireless soil moisture sensor or rain sensor.

"The efficient use of water is a key initiative of The Toro Company," according to Phil Burkart, vice president of the company’s Irrigation Businesses and acting past president of the Irrigation Association. "We believe through innovation we can achieve success without excess. The investments in our portfolio of Precision™ Irrigation products demonstrate our commitment to providing smart, water-saving solutions to our customers."

The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of innovative turf, landscape, rental and construction equipment, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With sales of more than $1.9 billion in fiscal 2012, Toro’s global presence extends to more than 90 countries through strong relationships built on integrity and trust, constant innovation, and a commitment to helping customers enrich the beauty, productivity and sustainability of the land. Since 1914, the company has built a tradition of excellence around a number of strong brands to help customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields. More information is available at www.toro.com.