In San Antonio, being responsible about water usage in irrigation is of utmost importance. With the Aquifer levels low due to the long periods of drought, saving water becomes every resident’s responsibility. Learning to use water efficiently, in the most precise and even manner possible, minimizes waste. In this 2 part blog, we will include a number of best practices and product suggestions that can be used to manage water more efficiently. Evergreen Sprinkler Repair can help with water-saving irrigation and sprinkler repair. Call us (210) 496-2318.
Water saving benefits of water conserving products
Water conservation products are better for the environment AND they can save money. Although purchasing water conserving products can be a little more expensive , it will minimize water wate and save you money in the long run. Just one example, an upgrade to a pressure regulating device on a spray head can save water and money.
Irrigation Design for different plant needs and environmental conditions
Set up irrigation zones and schedules for plants based on the water needs of your plant groupings. This will require more zones and may cost a little more initially, but will go a long way to save water. For example, suppose a landscape includes grass, shrubs, and trees, and the grass requires more water to stay healthy than do the shrubs and trees. 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. With separate zones controlled by separate programs on a controller, you can divide the schedule into smaller, more precise watering times and apply on the water needed for the particular plant.
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, design an irrigation and sprinkler system 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 pressure regulating modules installed on valves. For low pressure situations which can result in uneven coverage, use a high efficiency pump.
Use check valve devices to prevent low head drainage
In landscaping with different elevations, water flows down to the lowest head on the system and drains out, causing puddles, erosion, and run-off. A check valve device prevents the water from draining out by trapping the water in the lateral line.
Use high efficiency nozzles for uniform coverage
Use nozzles in your sprinkler system that apply water evenly and save up to 30% in water usage. This is best achieved using matched precipitation rate nozzles. If precipitation is not matched, 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…by as much as 30%. F
Install direct-to-plant-root irrigation in non-turf areas
Use drip irrigation for shrubs, flowers, and other non-turf areas. Drip irrigation systems deliver precise amounts of water slowly and evenly at the plant’s roots, eliminating water waste, 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.
Stay tuned for more tips on creating water conscious sprinkler systems. Call Evergreen Sprinkler Repair for more information (210) 496-2318.