The system is more convenient and efficient than manual watering-only the right amount of water is applied, where and when it is needed, which minimizes waste.

Save Time

The system operates automatically-on a pre-programmed schedule-to efficiently water your landscape, even when you’re away from home.

Save Money

The less water you use, the lower your water bill.

Increase Your Property Value

According to the National Association of Realtors, housing resale values increase by up to 15% when landscapes are well maintained-and an automated irrigation system is the most efficient way to get those results.

The greatest waste of water comes from applying too much, too often-much of the water is never absorbed. Instead of watering for one long session, water a few times for shorter periods and take 15-minute breaks between each session. This will allow water to soak in, while minimizing runoff.

Watch the Clock

Water between 5 am and 10 am-when the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cool. Mid-day watering tends to be less efficient because of water loss due to evaporation and windy conditions during the day. Watering in the evening isn’t a good idea either because leaves can remain wet overnight-an open invitation for fungus to grow. By watering in the morning, leaves have a chance to dry out during the day.

Divide by Zones

Different plants need different amounts of water. Divide your yard and landscape areas into separate irrigation zones so that grass can be watered separately and more frequently than groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Both sprinkler and drip irrigation can be incorporated to achieve more efficient use of water.

Water Only Things That Grow

If you have an underground sprinkler system, make sure the sprinkler heads are adjusted properly to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways. A properly adjusted sprinkler head should spray large droplets of water instead of a fine mist to minimize evaporation and wind drift.

Consider Dripping

When it comes to watering individual trees, flowerbeds, potted containers or other non-grassy areas, consider applying water directly to the roots using low volume drip irrigation. This will reduce water waste through evaporation or runoff, and will prevent unwanted weeds from growing.

Do Routine Inspections

Since lawns and gardens should be watered in the early morning hours, a problem may not be discovered until it is too late. Periodically check your sprinklers to make sure everything is working properly. A clogged head or a torn line can wreak havoc on your landscape and water bill.

Be Rain Smart

Adjust your irrigation systems as the seasons and weather change-or better yet-install a shut-off device that automatically detects rain or moisture. These devices are inexpensive and enable you to take advantage of the water without having to pay for it.

• Misting, fogging

Potential Causes

• High water pressure

Solution

• Pressure regulating devices maintain the optimal water pressure to sprinklers, which will minimize misting and fogging. This can result in over 50% water savings.

Problem

• Water runoff and erosion

Potential Causes

• Slopes, Clay soil, Over-spray, Too much water applied too quickly

Solution

• Controllers with multiple start times or Cycle + Soak – enable you to water in multiple, yet shorter cycles to allow for better absorption.
• High efficiency nozzles with matched precipitation rates provide better distribution of water and can reduce usage by up to 30%.
• Low-volume drip irrigation applies water slowly and more directly to plants’ roots.
• Check valves prevent drainage at lower elevations, which eliminates flooding and erosion.

Problem

• Over-watering due to weather changes

Potential Causes

• Controllers are rarely adjusted to accommodate for weather changes

Solution

• Automatic shut-off devices temporarily suspend irrigation when sufficient moisture is detected or if it is raining, resulting in 15-20% water savings.
• Many irrigation controllers contain features that enable users to easily make changes to their systems (to accommodate for weather changes) without disrupting predetermined settings.

Problem

• Over-watering due to different types of plants

Potential Causes

• Different plants have different watering needs

Solution

• Plant your garden in zones and use a controller with multiple independent programs. This will provide you with the flexibility to adjust your watering schedule per the needs of each zone.