The Next Level of Smart Irrigation Month

by Tom Barrett | Jun 6, 2018

Smart Irrigation Month Is
Right Around the Corner

July is the peak month for water consumption in the U.S., which is why every July the Irrigation Association uses its national platform to promote smart irrigation practices and technologies.

This year, why not join them in taking Smart Irrigation Month to the next level?

First launched in 2005, this national campaign continues to gain traction each year as consumers and irrigation specialists alike recognize the positive impact efficient irrigation and water use provides to all of us.

Smart Systems

Among the strategies being presented to consumers, first and foremost is proper programming of automatic watering or sprinkler systems to deliver just the right amount of water at the right time.

Additional strategies include:

• Proper landscaping, keeping soil healthy, mulching and routine landscape maintenance

• Investing in an irrigation system that uses the best, most flexible, components; has “smart” controls; and meets code requirements (See related article, “Wi-Fi-Based IrrigationTechnology Explained.”)

• Watering during the evening and early morning to prevent evaporation, taking soil type and sprinkler placement into consideration

• Maintaining the sprinkler system regularly by adjusting sprinkler heads, repairing leaks and monitoring pressure

WaterSense

According to the EPA’s WaterSense website, adopting water-savvy habits also is essential to maintaining and extending our communities’ water supplies, especially during peak use. WaterSense partners with manufacturers, retailers/distributors, and utilities to bring high-performing, water-efficient products to the marketplace.

WaterSense also partners with professional certifying organizations to promote water–efficient landscape irrigation practices. Since the program began in 2006, WaterSense has helped consumers save a total of 1.5 trillion gallons of water, resulting in more than $32.6 billion in water and energy bill savings.

Take the Tuna Can Test!

Place a few empty tuna cans randomly around your lawn, with some cans close to the sprinkler head and others several feet away. Turn on your system and measure how much time it takes your sprinkler to fill the cans with a half inch of water. Then, try watering for that amount of time twice a week. Gauge how your landscape responds, and adjust based on weather conditions.

Alternatively, you can simplify this system by replacing your standard clock timer controller with a WaterSense-labeled irrigation controller.

Get On Board

Here are just a few of the many  “Smart Ideas” irrigation professional can use to promote Smart Irrigation Month:

• Add the Smart Irrigation Month logo to your website, ads, customer presentations, field signs, invoices and more.

• Submit a press release or letter to the editor of your local newspaper.

• Ask employees to add the Smart Irrigation Month logo to their e-mail signature block.

• Host a live demonstration of water-saving irrigation technologies, in the field or at your location.

• Feature water-efficient products and services in displays, ads, promotions and product demos with the Smart Irrigation Month logo.

• Use a banner, outside signage or counter sign to encourage customers to ask about smart irrigation.

• Make smart irrigation the theme of sales calls.

• Give awards to customers and/or business partners who promote water-efficient practices.

• Volunteer to speak to a local homeowner association, garden club or civic group.

• Ask your local radio station to play a public service announcement, promoting July as Smart Irrigation Month.

Remember…Every Drop Counts!

Sources:
Irrigation Association
EPA WaterSense