Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
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IRRIGATION AND WATER MANAGEMENT "Irrigation technology has made tremendous strides over the past decade," said Nathanson. "Manufacturers now offer many ir- rigation solutions designed to use less water, including those that take advantage of recycled water. But, if you're not using your irrigation system as efficiently as possible, you're still wasting water. We have to do more to teach consumers worldwide about responsible water use and help irrigation professionals learn how to design, install and operate more water-efficient systems." 25 WAYS TO SAVE When California's situation reached crisis levels earlier this year, Rain Bird knew it needed to step up and find a way to help. The result is an educational program offering water management tips and advice that Californians and others can rely upon to improve irrigation system efficiency and reduce outdoor water consump- tion. Introduced in May 2015, and expanded during Smart Irri- gation Month to include profession- al resources, Rain Bird's 25 Ways to Save program draws upon the com- pany's 80 years of experience in the irrigation industry. "Regardless of whether you have the money to upgrade your irriga- tion system right now, you can still use water more efficiently," Nathan- son added. "There are many simple things that people can do immedi- ately, such as checking their system for leaks, or adjusting their water- ing schedules. We wanted to create an educational resource that anyone could use, and we feel that we've achieved that." 25 Ways offers practical, effective tips and advice. Available at 25ways.rainbird.com, these resources can be used anywhere and by anyone who wants to improve their watering efficiency. Visi- tors to the 25 Ways site can choose to explore water-saving ideas in four distinct categories: residential, commercial, golf course and agriculture. "Water conservation is everyone's responsibility," said Na- thanson. "Irrigation contractors can have a tremendous impact on water conservation by installing more efficient systems and teaching their clients how to use them correctly. Golf course su- perintendents and sports turf managers can review their irriga- tion systems, make necessary updates and improve their watering schedules. Farmers can implement efficient drip irrigation for their crops. By working together, we can really make a difference." WATER MANAGEMENT TIPS FROM 25 WAYS The following is a sample of water management tips from Rain Bird's 25 Ways site that contractors can use to help their residen- tial and commercial customers save water. The full list of water- saving tips for residential, commercial, golf and agricultural sites is available at http://25ways.rainbird.com. Water in the morning. Water between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., when the sun is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cool. Midday watering tends to be less efficient because of water loss due to evaporation and windy conditions. Watering in the evening isn't a good idea either because leaves can remain wet overnight — an open invitation for fungus to grow. Review your water bill. Always look at your water bills. If you have a spike, you may have a leak. Leaky sprinkler systems waste millions of gallons each year. The EPA estimates that a leak about the thickness of a dime can cause water waste of 6,300 gallons per month. Eliminate wind drift. Even small amounts of wind can cause water to drift. Avoid midday watering, when winds are the high- est. Pressure-regulating sprinklers and nozzles with thick streams can also help reduce wind drift. Break up your watering times into shorter segments. The great- est water waste comes from applying too much water at one time, since much of it runs off and is never absorbed. Instead of watering for one long continuous session, use your controller to split your watering time into shorter pe- riods and take 15-minute breaks in between each session. This will let the water soak in and minimize runoff. Water only when your plants de- mand it. Overwatering is bad for your landscape's health and can lead to fungus and disease. The best way to tell if your yard needs water is also the easiest; just take a walk and look around. If your plant leaves are beginning to curl and your footprints are staying longer than usual, it's time to water. Eliminate misting. Pressure regulation in your sprinklers is just like installing a low-flow shower head. It delivers the right amount of water to get the job done without any waste. In fact, rotors and sprays with PRS pressure regulating technology can save up to one gallon per minute per rotor or spray. Prevent puddles. Water can puddle or pool around sprinklers installed at the bottom of slopes or hills, causing soggy areas, which can kill landscape or encourage fungus to grow. Use sprin- klers with pre-installed check valves (SAM) to prevent drainage issues. Separate zones by plant types. Different plants need differ- ent amounts of water. Divide your yard into separate zones so groundcover, shrubs and trees can be watered separately and less frequently. Consider tapping into alternative water sources. Consult your local water provider to see if recycled water is available for use in your area. And, when you make the switch, make sure you are us- ing products designed to stand up to the harsh chemicals found in recycled water. Lynette Von Minden is senior public relations counsel at Swan- son Russell, Lincoln, Neb. Article provided by Rain Bird Corporation. www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation September 2015 19 LI