Sontek-IQ Wins Irrigation Association "New Product of The Year"

Innovative Instrument Earns Accolades from Industry Leaders

SAN DIEGO, CA — NOVEMBER 14TH, 2012

SonTek is proud to announce the SonTek-IQ Series (Standard, Plus and Pipe) of acoustic Doppler water flow meters was named winner of the Irrigation Associations 2012 New Product of the Year in the agriculture category.

Over 30 products were entered in the competition held during the recent Irrigation Show & Education Conference in Orlando, Florida. Products were evaluated by a panel of six judges based on innovative and/or "changed for the better" qualities, increased water efficiency, ease of use, cost benefits, time savings and design quality. The award was presented to SonTek representatives by IA President, Phil Burkart before a general assembly of conference attendees.

"The SonTek IQ is a real success story of innovation, collaborative partnership, and cutting edge technology" said Hakan Erdem, General Manager of SonTek, a brand of Xylem Inc. "We had the backing of the USDA, assistance from Cal Poly ITRC and University of Illinois, and the innovation of our industry leader R&D and applications team."

With this technology, hydrologists and water managers can collect high-definition flow data in man-made or natural canals, pipes or streams. Data collected with the SonTek-IQ is also used by public agencies better to manage water resources and plan for the needs of growing communities. This is the second time a SonTek instrument has won this award. In 2003, the IQ's predecessor, the Argonaut-SW, received the same honor.

The Irrigation Association was founded in 1949 and represents over 2,000 companies comprising of irrigation equipment and system manufacturers, dealers, distributors, designers, consultants, contractors and end users.