Irrigation By Design's Water Management Practices
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Water - two thirds of our planet is covered by it, yet often times the use of this natural resource is taken for granted as if it were in unlimited supply.
It is NOT. At Irrigation by Design, we take water conservation and management very seriously.
Many municipalities have started to employ water bans and/or specified schedules for its residents as it pertains to water's non-essential use.
Our philosophy is about using water efficiently - in the most precise, even and cost-effective manner possible, minimizing waste.
The following contains a number of best practices we regularly employ to manage water more efficiently.
If you're considering an irrigation system, insist on the following practices from your contractor:
1. Insist on water conserving products.
Water conservation products are better for the environment AND they can save money.
Some customers need to be educated on the benefits of purchasing a more expensive water conserving product, even though it will save them money in the long run.
For an example, using spray heads with a pressure regulating device can save water and money.
We design with, install, and sell water-conserving products that benefit the environment and the customer's cheque book.
2. Different plantings mean different water requirements.
Have the irrigation zones and schedules set up for plants based on the water needs of your plant groupings.
This may require more zones and may cost more initially but will save water in the long run.
For example, suppose your landscape includes grass, shrubs, and trees.
The grass requires much more water to stay healthy than do the shrubs and trees.
However, if everything is on the same zone, the watering needs will be dictated by the grass, and the shrubs and trees will be over-watered resulting in water waste.
With separate zones controlled by separate programs on a controller, you can divide the schedule into smaller, more precise watering times and apply only the water needed for the particular plant.
3. Use pressure regulating devices in high pressure situations.
Every 5 psi reduction in water pressure reduces water usage by 6-8%.
The savings are over 50% if a 70 psi spray zone is reduced to the recommended 30 psi.
So, we design for an optimum 30 psi water delivery to spray heads to avoid wasteful misting/fogging.
This can be achieved with pressure regulating spray heads, pressure reducing valves, and with the use of pressure regulating modules on valves to gauge and set the appropriate setting.
4. Use check valve devices to prevent low head drainage.
In landscaping with different elevations, gravity causes the water to flow down to the lowest head on the system and drain out, causing puddling, erosion, and run-off.
A check valve device prevents the water from draining out by trapping the water in the lateral line.
5. Matched Precipitation Rates.
Be sure your system employs the use of nozzles that apply water evenly and save in water usage.
This is best achieved using matched precipitation rate nozzles.
If precipitation is not matched evenly, the system must be set to water the area that is putting down the least amount of water, thereby over-watering the other areas and wasting water.
High efficiency nozzles are matched precipitation nozzles that provide the best and most uniform coverage, thereby eliminating watering gaps and reducing water usage.
6. Planting Beds & Shrubs - The "No Spray Zones".
Drip irrigation should be installed for shrubs, flowers, planting beds and other non-turf areas.
Drip irrigation systems deliver precise amounts of water slowly and evenly at the plant's roots, eliminating water waste, and run-off and over spray onto windows, walks and streets.
The slow, consistent application of water at the plant root reduces weeds and plant disease, and helps plants to thrive.
7. Go With The Flow Control.
Electric solenoid valves with flow control allow for the better management of the flow of your system and prevents run-off.
8. Rain, Rain Go Away.
Adding an automatic shut-off device can result in 15-20% in water savings.
Insist on an automatic shut-off device like a rain sensor or moisture sensor.
These devices automatically shut-off the controller when it is raining or when sufficient soil moisture is reached.
They prevent over-watering and the bad publicity that results from sprinklers running when it rains.
(See Fig. 1 for an example.)
9. Always install an automatic controller with water-conserving functions.
The following are some of the key features currently available in controllers for maximum flexibility and water efficiency:
Multiple start times — allows several shorter and more precise run times to prevent run-off, puddles, possible erosion and wasted water.
Multiple independent programs — allow the watering schedule to be divided into smaller, more precise watering schedules to accommodate the watering needs of different types of plant life.
Water Budget — provides easy and flexible adjustments to the amount of water used for irrigation.
Rain Delay — allows the user to pause a watering schedule when irrigation isn't needed and resume watering when appropriate.
Water & Pause — applies water at a rate that the soil can accept, reducing erosion, run-off, and waste.
(See Fig. 2 for an example.)
10. Set sprinklers to water early in the morning.
Set up systems to irrigate between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Early in the morning is the most efficient time to water because water can reach its destination without being evaporated by the sun or blown away by the wind.
This will also save landscapes from disease caused by water sitting on plants overnight and prevents compaction caused by heavy traffic on wet soils.
*Adapted from materials created by Rain Bird Corporation
Download this article in a printable PDF format.
Download the Irrigation Association's Best Management Practices PDF.
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