Turf Grass First in the World to Receive Smart Approved WaterMark
The Smart Approved WaterMark is a water conscious certification provided to products so that consumers can identify and access the most water efficient products available on the market.
The Smart Approved WaterMark was established by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) to provide an identifiable label for consumers so that they can make informed choices when choosing products, services and organisations that use water efficiently, reducing per capita water consumption and helping in the end goal of preserving such a precious resource.
The Smart Approved WaterMark is aligned with the European Union under the Waterwise mark and in the USA under the WaterSense. a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program designed to encourage water efficiency in the United States, the aims of all three are to further support innovation in water conservation from Australia to Europe the USA and eventually across the globe.
www.smartwatermark.org
waterwise.org.uk
www.epa.gov/watersense
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda has recently received certification and is the first and only turfgrass to ever receive the Smart Approved WaterMark in Australia and across the world. In the US, TifTuf will now automatically be approved for the 'Water Sense' program. This means TifTuf is the first turf grass not just in Australia, but throughout the world, to receive recognition to this level of water saving efficiency.
In order to receive the Smart Approved WaterMark, there is a significant process that is undertaken and a strict set of criteria the product needs to adhere to. A technical expert panel independently assesses the applications of products and services undertaking the accreditation process. The panel of seven members and an independent chair who represents international expertise in the field, examine all aspects of the product application and the associated evidence of water efficiency.
TifTuf was entered into consideration for the Smart Approved WaterMark 4 years ago and now after many years of extensive independent scientific based testing and research for decreased water use and superior drought tolerance has now formally recognised and certified with the Smart Approved WaterMark.
In Western Australia Water Corporation certify water efficient plants through the Waterwise program. The Waterwise program recognises the Smart Approved WaterMark which means TifTuf has also received the Waterwise Certification in WA.
Smart WaterMark Criteria
The panel of experts meets to consider applications against the following criteria, for more information visit www.smartwatermark.org/about/technical-expert-panel
Water saving
That the primary purpose of the product or service is directly related to reducing actual water use and/or using water more efficiently, where there is a direct correlation between the use of the product and water savings.
Fit for purpose
That the appropriate use of the product or service is consistent with supplied instructions and other documentation.
Meets regulations and standards
That the product or service is of high quality and meets industry standards, and customer and community expectations, in relation to water use.
Environmentally sustainable
That the product or service, while satisfying the above three criteria, is environmentally sustainable, and despite claimed water savings will not adversely affect the environment in other areas.