SWAT Protocols

SWAT develops testing protocols to be the basis for future standards development. Protocols are developed for different categories of irrigation products. They define science-based methods to evaluate whether products meet established standards for water-use efficiency.

The protocol development process can be roughly broken down into four steps.

1. Protocols are drafted by irrigation experts, then opened for public comment for 90 days.


2. Comments are reviewed and considered. Where appropriate, changes are made to the testing protocol and made available again for public comment.


3. Major changes are open for comment for 90 days and minor changes for 30 days.


4. Most protocols go through several cycles of public review and revision before being adopted for third-party testing.

For questions about SWAT protocols that are currently in development, contact the Irrigation Association via email or by calling 703.536.7080.