Water management company, Agrilink, has picked up a coveted award for its state-of-the-art water saving product.

Agrilink's AquaBlu intelligent soil water regulator has won 'Best New Product Award' at the Irrigation Association of Australia Conference in Brisbane.

AquaBlu was assessed by a panel of three judges and won by a unanimous vote.  It was recognised as being the first product of its type that was specifically designed to "smarten up " automatic watering systems.

Agrilink Chief Executive Nigel Hennessy said the judges had indicated they like the look and feel of the product as well as the price.

"It's quite and honour to receive such an award from your peers.  It backs up the hard work of our team in designing and producing innovative water-saving products," he said.

"We've used our experience and expertise in producing soil moisture sensor products for the agricultural market and created a product that can lead to sginificant water savings in the garden.

"The benefits are healthier plants and lawn, and lower watering bills."

The AquaBlu sensor measures the moisture of the soil, and uses that information to control the automatic watering system.  If the soil is too wet, AquaBlu will prevent the watering cycle.

Agrilink was recently announced as a State finalist in South Australia for the 2006 Telstra Business Awards in the 20 to 50 employees category.

Agrilink has also received a 'High Commendation' at the South Australian Water Industry Alliance annual awards in the Innovation section.

"The competition was very strong in this category so it was pleasing to see that the judges recognised the innovation and new product development within Agrilink," Mr. Hennessy said.