Potable water is for consumption, but not by landscapes through irrigation systems, says Brian Vinchesi, who has spent his adult life promoting water efficiency through irrigation technologies and practices. In 1992, Vinchesi started Irrigation Consulting in Pepperell, MA, specializing in irrigation consulting for large commercial clients and golf courses. Vinchesi is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-accredited professional. He has earned his Certified Irrigation Designer title in three specialty areas–Commercial, Golf Course, and Residential, as well as being a Certified Irrigation Contractor, Certified Landscape and Golf Irrigation Auditor, and Certified Landscape Irrigation Water Manager. He’s a strong supporter of the Irrigation Association (IA) national certification program. EPA recognized Vinchesi’s water conservation efforts in 2009, naming him WaterSense Irrigation Partner of the Year, one of many honors he’s received.
What He Does Day to Day
Most days, Vinchesi can be found in the field–which essentially can be anywhere around the globe–evaluating existing irrigation systems, or observing installation or punch-listing new irrigation systems. He also writes, teaches, and speaks. He’s an instructor for the IA and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), and has spoken at each organization’s trade shows, as well as that of more than 20 turf and landscape conferences, the WaterSmart 2008 conference, the EPA WaterSense stakeholder forum, and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association. He’s taught at the University of Massachusetts, Rutgers University, and Ohio State University.
Additionally, Vinchesi co-authored Golf Course Irrigation Environmental Design and Management, and has written hundreds of articles for various publications and published more than 20 professional papers. He also might be found in an industry activity: his professional involvement includes the American Society of Irrigation Consultants (past president of the National Society and Northeast chapter, past chair of the standards committee); the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (past chairman of the turf and landscape irrigation and design symbols ad-hoc committees); member and charter member of the Alliance for Water Efficiency; and company member of the Irrigation Association (past president, past member of the board of directors, past chairman of the membership committee, member of the certification board of governors, and chairman of the educational foundation). He chairs the IA’s Smart Water applications (SWAT) initiative, as well as its awards and honors committee. His company has membership in the New Jersey Irrigation Association and the Irrigation Association of New England, for which he has served on the board of directors and as secretary. He also belongs to the Boston Society of Landscape Architects, Golf Course Builders Association of America, and the GCSAA.
What Led Him Into the Field
Vinchesi had always wanted to be an engineer. He earned a B.S. in agricultural engineering from Montana State University, and then did two years of graduate work at Oregon State University.
Specifically, he wanted to work for Caterpillar, but discovered he wouldn’t be able to design an entire bulldozer–just one part at a time while sitting at a desk. Since he also always wanted to work outdoors: an office job just wouldn’t do.
What He Likes Best
“I take a great deal of pleasure in looking at existing irrigation systems and figuring out what’s wrong with them,” he says. He’s also thrilled when someone follows his advice on how to conserve water. He derives a sense of accomplishment from seeing that something he’s designed for golf course irrigation works well.
His Biggest Challenge
Irrigation is “under a lot of pressure from a water use standpoint”, points out Vinchesi, adding that his biggest challenge is ensuring landscape and turf irrigation will still be valuable in the future, especially in winter climates. Meeting that challenge will require designing and installing systems that are as water efficient as possible with as many alternative sources, he adds.
The industry is changing fast due to regulations–not just regarding water, but in codes and standards as well, says Vinchesi, who chairs the IA’s standards and codes committee. “You cannot do irrigation these days like you used to do it before,” he says. “The days of slapping in a zone of sprays and rotors and getting out are done. You’ve got to be using technology, thinking out of the box, and thinking smart.”
