Do you know that outdoor watering accounts for 30% of water consumption in the summer months & July is the month that typically experiences peak water demand for outdoor watering in North America?
Since 2005, Smart Irrigation Month is an Irrigation Association initiative to increase awareness of the value of water use. Automatic watering or sprinkler systems (irrigation systems) deliver exactly the right amount of water at the right time. Efficient irrigation systems:
- Minimize overwatering while keeping your lawn and garden beautiful and healthy.
- Adjust watering automatically to account for rain and other conditions.
- Put every drop of water to work by minimizing evaporation and waste.
- Make maintaining your yard easy and convenient.
Here are some tips from the Irrigation Association on Watering Wisely:
Get in the Zone
Schedule each individual zone in your irrigation system to account for type of sprinkler, sun or shade exposure, and soil in that section. Different zones will almost always need different watering schedules.
Consider Soil Type
Type of soil determines how quickly water can be absorbed without runoff. Watering more than soil can absorb causes runoff and waste.
Don’t Send Water down the Drain
Set sprinklers to water plants, not parking lots, sidewalks, patios or buildings.
Water Only When Needed
Saturate root zones and let the soil dry. Watering too much and too frequently results in shallow roots, weed growth, disease and fungus.
Water at the Best Time
Watering during the heat of the day may cause losses of up to 30 percent due to evaporation. Prevent water loss by watering when the sun is low or down, winds are calm and temperatures are cool — typically between the evening and early morning.
Water More Often for Shorter Periods
For example, setting an irrigation system to run for three, 5-minute intervals lets soil absorb more water than watering for 15 minutes at one time, reducing runoff. This is often called the cycle and soak approach to irrigation.
Adapt Watering to the Season
Familiarize yourself with the settings on your irrigation controller and adjust the watering schedule regularly based on seasonal weather conditions. Or invest in a smart controller so your system can make these changes automatically.
Work with an Irrigation Professional
Even the best irrigation design won’t perform well if installed incorrectly or using inferior components. Make sure your system will operate at peak efficiency for years to come by working with an irrigation expert.
Visit the Irrigation Association to find out more ways you can get smart, not only in July but year round.
