Commercial and residential outdoor water use in the United States accounts for more than seven billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation. As much as half of that is lost or wasted due to evaporation, wind, or improper irrigation design, installation, maintenance, and scheduling. An efficient irrigation system requires not only water efficient products, but also proper design, installation, and maintenance. (EPA Water Sense)

The best irrigation efficiency is achieved when most of the water that is applied to landscapes by irrigation systems is used by the plants being irrigated. Improved irrigation efficiencies may result in:

  • Reduced water use and fewer dollars spent on water
  • Improved landscape appearance; healthier plants and turf
  • Reduction of runoff and water lost below the root zone (deep percolation)
  • Reduced fertilizer and chemical requirements
  • Protection of a critical resource for the future

Water savings from the landscape irrigation system can be accomplished by using irrigation schedules based on the knowledge of the performance of the system and the plants' need for irrigation water. Water can be saved in two ways by:

  • Improved system performance to deliver the proper amount of water in the most efficient way.
  • Proper scheduling based on local weather conditions, plant and soil type, root zone depth and exposure.

Efficient system performance means that water is applied as uniformly as possible. It is the result of appropriate design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the system.

Landscape audits should be done periodically to evaluate system performance. An audit consists of a series of field procedures for collecting and compiling irrigation system data.

Appropriate irrigation scheduling means that the right amount of water is being applied at the right time. Schedules must be modified to accommodate changes in the weather, which change the plants’ need for water.

A water audit is your key to achieving optimal irrigation system efficiency, and should be the first step in any irrigation system evaluation.

From large-scale commercial projects to small residential sites, there is a vast array of water efficiency solutions available to help you save water and money while maintaining healthy, vibrant landscapes.