Water Conservation Tips

Chances are most of the water you use in your home is used outdoors. For example, in Utah approximately 65% of home water goes on lawns. More than half of that is wasted water. By understanding simple water conservation concepts and using the right irrigation products, you can be more water-wise. Cut down on wasted water from your outdated sprinkler system and you can save big on your water bill.

Water In The Morning

Water your lawn between 5:00 pm and 10:00 am when water pressure is at it's best and the temperature is cool. Daytime watering is generally less efficient because of wind and evaporation.

Mow High

Never cut your grass more than one third it's height during summer months. Taller blades of grass shade the soil, reducing the amount of water evaporated by the sun. Longer grass is healthier grass, promoting deeper roots.

Install Sprinklers Straight Up

One of our employees recently received recognition from a local school district for helping them save 25 percent on their water bill. It sounds simple, but his main recommendation was to adjust all their sprinklers so they were standing straight up. This helped by reducing the spray angle. Reducing the spray angle helps the sprinklers deliver all the water to the landscape by preventing wind loss.

Large Water Droplets

When watering in areas with slopes or windy conditions, use a sprinkler that produces large water droplets. This prevents the water from being blown away and reduces wasteful run-off.

Clay Soil and Spray Heads

When using spray heads on clay soil you may need to run your zones twice for a shorter period of time. This will prevent run-off and gives the water time to seep deeper into the ground.

Mulch Is Your Friend

Just a few inches of mulch can help retain moisture in your soil, reducing the amount you need to water. It also protects your planter areas, bushes, garden, etc. from weeds, and can add needed nutrients to the soil, making your plants the greenest around.

Rain Sensors

Most sprinkler systems get adjusted an average of only two times per year. Twice per year, in most cases, is grossly inadequate and leads to over watering and wasted water. Installing a rain sensor to automatically shut off your sprinkler system when it rains can insure that you are not doubling up on Mother Natures work.

How Long To Water?

Unsure how much to water your landscape? Install a moisture sensor to monitor the amount of water your plants are receiving.

Thatch

For a greener, water-efficient lawn keep the thatch under check. Too much thatch build up between the soil and grass can prevent water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots.

Does Your Side Walk Grow?

Make sure your system only waters things that grow to easily conserve water. Sprinkler heads should be adjusted to water the landscape - not the driveway or sidewalk. Readjust sprinklers every spring.

Save Water, Save Money

Looking for ways to save water this season? There are many products that help your sprinkler system to be more efficient when it comes to using water. Installing an automatic sprinkler Controller, Rain Sensor, or Rotary Sprinkler Nozzles could dramatically reduce water waste.

Pressure Regulation

One of the most common causes of poor irrigation performance and water waste is improper water pressure

Definition:
"PSI: Unit of measure for pressure. Number of pounds of pressure per square inch."

. Misting and poor uniformity are results of too much pressure. Poor uniformity and severe dry spots are the result of inadequate pressure. Most sprinklers are designed to work within a certain pressure range. Pop up sprays, for example are designed to work with pressures between 20 and 50 PSI with optimal pressure at 30 PSI. Water pressure can be controlled in various ways such as system pressure regulators, line pressure regulators or sprinklers such as the Hunter Institutional Spray or the Rain Bird PRS have built in pressure regulation in order to insure optimal pressure.