Irrigation systems are useful tools for cultivating a healthy lawn and garden; however, when not properly maintained, they can waste water. Up to 50% of home irrigation is wasted due to evaporation, runoff, overwatering, leaks as well as improper system design, installation and maintenance.
Overwatering will damage plants more commonly than under watering. Frequent watering promotes nutrient and soil runoff, creates shallow roots and increases susceptibility to disease and weeds. Deep, less frequent watering promotes healthy plants and saves you time and money.
Water Wise Irrigation Top Tips
Gold is the New Green
Let your lawn go golden. Lawns naturally go dormant in the summer and will bounce back to green with the fall rains.
Just Takes 1
Green lawns only need one inch (2.5cm) of water per week, including rain, even in the driest conditions. Longer, infrequent watering will help develop deeper, healthier roots and minimize washing away beneficial nutrients.
Reuse an empty tuna can as a watering gauge to determine how long your irrigation system takes to deliver one inch of water to the lawn.
Cycle and Soak
Irrigate in three short bursts to allow water to seep into the soil, reducing runoff and water waste. Divide the time it takes to water one inch (2.5cm) by three. Water for that length of time, turn off your irrigation system off for an hour, and repeat two more times.
For example, if it takes 40 minutes to water your lawn one inch then water for about 13 minutes, wait an hour and repeat two more times. Irrigation controllers can be adjusted for this cycle and soak method. Learn more >>
Choose Native Plants
Adapted to our local climate, native plants need little to no watering once established, saving you time and money. Native plants also attract butterflies, hummingbirds, beneficial insects and bees to pollinate your garden.