July is Smart Irrigation Month and the purpose for its designation is to promote:
- Efficient watering practices
- Technology advanced irrigation equipment
- Water conservation
Increasing demand for fresh water has put tremendous pressure on our resources. There is a finite amount of clean fresh water available and our infrastructure for moving water is limited in its capacity to deliver. Conservation is vital to preserving our natural resources and with landscaping being the major user of clean fresh water I am recommending that every irrigation owner take the small amount of time required to review their irrigation system.
Check the following:
1. Check the controller for start time(s) - it should be early morning. Watering days should be every other day or odd/even if your water district requires. Typically, you do not need to water on an every day basis.
2. Check to make sure your rain sensor is working. Make sure that it is in the 'active' position on the controller and not on 'bypass' setting.
3. Test each zone or station manually to make sure they come on when commanded.
4. Check to make sure each sprinkler head pops up correctly.
5. Does each sprinkler head spray out as they are designed?
6. Does each rotary sprinkler spray out and rotate?
7. Are there any nozzles that are blocked or spraying improperly?
8. Look for sprinkler heads that are blocked by overgrowth of grass, shrubs, and vegetation.
9. Check for sprinkler heads that are bent or out of alignment.
10. Check for sprinkler heads that may be too low or too high in the ground.
11. While the system is running, check for breaks and leaks at the valve box, manifold, sprinkler heads, and frequently used areas in the yard.
12. Check sprinklers at areas next to pavement as these heads are frequently more prone to damage.
13. Make repairs as required. The cost of repairs or replacements will be much less than the cost of water wasted.
Checking your irrigation system throughout the summer will not only conserve water it will also improve the health of your landscape. Overwatering can be as harmful as not watering at all. I recommend that each property owner have their system audited annually. To learn more about Smart Irrigation Month visit www.smartirrigationmonth.org
