The Eugene Water & Electric Board has received a national award for its innovative water-irrigation program.

The Irrigation Association gave EWEB its 2005 “Partner of the Year” award, which recognizes a person or utility that has made distinctive accomplishments in a field related to water irrigation. The award will be presented to EWEB on Nov. 7 at the Irrigation Association's annual show in Phoenix.

EWEB has been active in promoting “smart” irrigation controllers that are scaled to residential use. Farmers, golf course operators and other larger-volume water consumers have used this technology for years.

EWEB was honored for its participation in a project team charged with adapting this technology for the residential user. Jill Hoyenga, water management specialist at EWEB, led the utility's efforts to develop material for a web site, creating promotional materials, and working with regulators, irrigation equipment manufacturers, contractors, retailers and consumers to develop standards for and promote the national association's Smart Water Application Technologies program.

“This award is in many respects a recognition of Jill's tireless energy, expertise and superb team skills,” said Stephen West, supervisor of EWEB's Water Management Services program.

The Irrigation Association is comprised of industry professionals from both public and private sectors, including researchers, technicians, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, system designers, consultants and contractors.