Celebrate America’s birth month by saving a precious resource—water! More than 28 million homes across the United States have in-ground sprinkler systems, and most of those systems schedule watering with some clock-based device. As a result, many homeowners waste water by irrigating their landscapes when they may not need it. Experts estimate that as much as half the water we use outdoors may go to waste due to inefficient irrigation methods and systems. Take control of your controller with a WaterSense labeled weather-based or soil moisture-based model.
Plant the Seeds of Savings
Good watering habits start when designing a landscape; group plants with similar watering needs together in “hydro zones.” Knowing your soil type and plant needs is essential before setting a watering schedule. New plants need more water, but you can reduce watering frequency once your landscape is established. If you notice water pooling or running off your site because you have slopes or tightly packed clay soil, you might want to use the “cycle and soak” method because it allows water to soak in the soil between irrigation sessions.
Get Smart When It Comes to Watering
WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers can replace or upgrade clock-based controllers to better tailor landscape watering schedules. These smart technologies can override scheduled irrigation when sufficient moisture is available, so plants don’t need water.
Weather-based irrigation controllers tailor watering times based on local weather and landscape conditions, allowing irrigation schedules to match plant water needs better. Plants get water that is necessary when it is required.
Soil moisture-based irrigation controllers—also known as soil moisture sensors—are a technology that can detect the amount of moisture in the ground.
Both types of WaterSense labeled controllers can be purchased as stand-alone controllers or installed with existing controllers as “add-on” or “plug-in” devices that can be used in tandem with an existing clock-based device to help water more efficiently.
If you need help installing, maintaining, or auditing your system, look for an irrigation professional certified by a WaterSense labeled program who has demonstrated knowledge of water-saving techniques at www.epa.gov/watersense/find-pro.
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