By: Mike Dewar

In 2004 Scott Wagner was prepared to spend nearly $250,000 for a reverse osmosis system to treat his problem well water at his annual flower growing operation in Ham Lake, MN. He was not prepared, however, to absorb the $30,000 annual operating cost in membranes, salt and increased electricity expenses and was acutely aware of the environmental issues.

“The ECOsmarte irrigation system has proven a cost effective solution to our 3 parts iron and 2 full parts manganese well water,” Scott Wagner.

Wagner also noted the carbonate calcium alone was over 20 grains (350ppm) and his flow rates reached as high as 60 GPM. He is now changing the media and anodes on his six filter tanks at a cost after four years of around $4,000.

The Wagner system features six Pentair 2850 1-1/2” water valves that communicate with the ECOsmarte control boxes and have performed without issue for nearly five years.

It should be noted that the Minnesota growing season runs from May through September and that Pentair recommends valve rebuilds every three years for growers operating in more temperate climates.

ECOsmarte points to the other side of the Minneapolis, MN market, Apple Valley, to the growing operation of Pahls Nursery which has treated all of its growing water since early 2000.

Gary Pahl, President, also points out his second “hex” (six tank 60 GPM) ECOsmarte system has six seasons of firm irrigation operation without a maintenance event or filter/valve update.

“We knew when we purchased our second ECOsmarte irrigation system for our expanded
operation in 2003 this was both the fiscally and environmentally responsible approach to premium water,” Pahl emphasized.

Seed germination studies have confirmed quicker and higher rates with oxygenated and ionized water according to ECOsmarte.