July is Smart Irrigation Month, and here at Timberline, we want to teach you some easy ways to practice it at your home or business. Refer to this infographic to learn what practicing means, how to effectively practice it, and how some design and maintenance changes can have a positive effect on your water usage. These practices will help you conserve water and benefit the environment, and there are several small things that you can do that will have a great impact.
For more information on smart irrigation, check out our blog. If you would like to install a system in your yard to help in our efforts to conserve water and protect the environment, contact us today.
How to Practice Smart Irrigation:
What is Smart Irrigation?
When using the word “smart” to define a watering practice or any other energy use, it usually means two things:
- Smart practices conserve the resource and avoid waste.
- Smart practices consider the regional and global impact of use. Efficiency and saving are the two main goals of smart usage.
Water Infrequently. Water Deeply.
How do you water deeply?
- Moisten the entire root zone.
- Dig in your soil an hour after watering to check the depth of moistened soil.
- Adopt a cycle and soak to prevent runoff by reducing watering time and increasing frequency. This allows water to soak in and promotes deeper root growth.
- Watering in the early morning (between 4 a.m. and 8 p.m.) saves money and water, while keeping your grass, plants, and trees healthier.
Make Every Drop Count.
- Mix compost into soil and mulch it.
- Water in the morning or evening – not mid-day.
- Use drip irrigation in beds.
- If you do not have an irrigation system, consider putting a timer on your faucet.
- Prevent runoff by reducing watering time and increasing frequency, so plant material can absorb water without waste.
- Adjust your watering schedule regularly to account for seasonal weather conditions.
- Adjust spray patterns and positions to make sure they aren’t watering hardscapes like sidewalks.
The average household uses 150,000 gallons of water per year. Smart irrigation can reduce that by 15%.
Don’t Forget Design and Maintenance.
- Straighten and level your sprinkler heads regularly.
- Reduce the turf amount in your landscape. Xeriscaping is key.
- Install a smart irrigation system in your yard and watch the savings grow!
- Have your system checked regularly for leaks. Learn more.
Colorado Springs Utilities offer rebate programs that can help you save money and reduce water waste.
