Studies Show That Many Irrigation Systems Can Waste 50% of the water used on the landscape. Here are some water saving tips for reducing that waste:
- Install a functional rain sensor
- The rain sensor must be installed in a location to receive the maximum amount of rainfall.
- It cannot be installed 5 feet off the ground, under an overhang
- Install soil moisture sensors
- They measure the water right where it counts
- New wireless technology makes installation easy
- Smart controllers
- Controllers will re-set the watering schedule based on prevailing weather conditions
- Install drip irrigation
- It’s the most efficient method of watering by applying water to the root
- It also eliminates watering onto walls and paved areas where it’s totally wasted
- Rain water catchment systems
- Harvest the rain water that normally runs off into the storm sewers
- Smaller systems are adequate for vegetable and flower gardens
- Install separate mist head or drip irrigation zones for established shrubs
- Established shrubs do not need to watered as much as turf grass
- Water them once a week, only during the hot summer months
- Have an irrigation audit performed on your irrigation system
- An irrigation auditor can evaluate the efficiency of your system and make improvements that reduce waste
- They will also come up with a better watering schedule for your soil conditions, so you’ll water less with better results
- Hire a certified irrigation contractor
- Certified contractors are trained to install and maintain efficient irrigation systems
- Learn more water saving tips at: www.epa.gov/watersense
