Lumo and AvidWater team up to advance automated irrigation in California

Lumo, a pioneer in precision irrigation, has joined forces with AvidWater, a statewide leader in irrigation solutions, to expand its smart irrigation technology to more California growers. This collaboration will provide access to Lumo’s smart valves, offering automated control, real-time flow monitoring, and enhanced water management capabilities, supported by AvidWater’s established expertise in system installation and grower support.

A seamless blend of innovation and expertise

Lumo’s smart irrigation valves, available in 2-inch and 4-inch models, are equipped with advanced features like automatic and manual valve control, real-time flow rate monitoring, peer-to-peer mesh networking, and 24/7 remote operational capabilities. These features allow growers to ensure crops receive precise amounts of water at optimal times, boosting both efficiency and crop yields.

Already deployed across over 70 vineyards in Napa and Sonoma—including those of five of the ten largest winegrape growers in the U.S.—the technology has demonstrated substantial benefits. Devon Wright, CEO of Lumo, emphasized the importance of localized expertise for this expansion, noting that AvidWater’s stellar reputation provides the confidence needed to extend operations to regions like California’s Central Coast.

Addressing grower challenges

AvidWater, with its history of helping growers adopt cutting-edge irrigation technologies, will oversee the sale, installation, and maintenance of Lumo’s system. The collaboration aims to address pressing issues faced by growers, such as labor shortages, regulatory demands, and climate challenges across agricultural blocks of 5 to 20 acres, further demonstrating its commitment to innovation. The company also secured $7 million in funding earlier this year to enhance its product development and expand market reach.