SET UP YOUR IRRIGATION FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE AND WATER SAVINGS USING SMART CONTROLLER TECHNOLOGY

 

If conserving money and water are at the top of your to-do list this year, when it comes to the irrigation of your property, then, there are some important factors to think about.

First, you may have heard the buzz about the smart controller technology.  These irrigation controllers, the brains of your irrigation system, are now capable of doing more than providing various programs and start times or  turning your system on or off.  This new breed of controller will actually take control and decide when it is time to water based on ET (evapotranspiration) or from data taken directly from the water holding capacity of your soil. Either way, if your irrigation system is or has not been designed to industry standards, you may not realize the full cost savings these controllers can offer.  Listed below are some important guide lines that you should be aware of when designing and installing the system yourself or when talking with an irrigation contractor.

• Irrigate turf separately from shrubs.
• Follow manufactures specifications on head spacing.
• Do not mix rotary heads with spray or misting type heads.
• Do not throw over sidewalks or onto hardscaped areas.  Watering sidewalks and driveways can waste up to 120 GPM.
• Separate the zones into “hydro-zones”.  That is, water shaded, sunny and wet areas as well as hillsides separately.
• Use matched precipitation between heads.
• Utilize drip or micro irrigation whenever possible.

 

Remember, an efficient irrigation system coupled with a smart controller can save you 20-50%.

Thanks for visiting Irrigate Wisely.