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Lawn Maintenance

Watering lawns and landscape plants can account for up to 50 percent of an average homeowner’s total water use during dry months. If you have a typical 5,000-square-foot yard and underground irrigation system, you may spend $4-$10 every time you water. With a little common sense, however, you can easily find ways to conserve while still providing your lawn with the water it needs. Simply knowing when your lawn and plants are thirsty (grass blades begin to fold and shrubs stay wilted after sunset) can save unnecessary watering. By installing a rain gauge, you will know how much water your lawn is actually receiving. Monthly evaluation and maintenance of your irrigation system will also avoid waste of water through broken or misdirected heads that may be watering sidewalks and driveways rather than lawns and landscape plants.

Sprinkler Heads

In addition, it’s important not to mix the types of Sprinkler Heads within the same zone. Spray-head type sprinklers, used for shrub areas and sometimes for turf, have higher application rates than rotor type sprinklers. If two types of sprinklers are mixed in the same zone, the area where the sprays are located is usually over-watered while the rotor portion of the zone is watered correctly. To help ensure proper water application, place sprayheads for shrubs and rotors for turf in separate watering zones.

Automatic Rain Shut-Off Devices

Installing an Automatic Rain Shut-Off Device will save a significant amount of water in a very short period of time by overriding your automatic irrigation controller. The device tells your system when the rain has provided sufficient water to your lawn, turning the system off when it’s not needed. No matter which type you use, the temporary interruption of your system doesn’t affect the timing you’ve programmed. All new irrigation systems, according to Florida State law, must include a rain shut-off device.

Finding Products that Work- The EPA is WaterSense program is currently developing specifications for labeling these technologies. Keep your eye out for the WaterSense label on irrigation systems and controls.

For more information visit:Weather- or Sensor-Based Irrigation Control Technologies | WaterSense | US EPA

 

Rainbarrels,Cisterns and Grey Water Systems

A rainbarrel is a barrel that has been altered for the collection and storage of rainwater for later use. A cistern is a tank very similar to a rain barrel in its function but, can store water above or below ground and be incorporated into existing housing structures or added to new construction projects. 

Consider tapping into nature's irrigation system, rainwater. Installing gutters or diverting the water from those already in place on your roof to a rain barrel or cistern can significantly supplement the water in your irrigation system or be used for hand watering.  In Florida, there are no specific regulations regarding cistern construction for irrigation purposes only.

A cistern is more expensive than rainbarrels, but it is a more comprehensive system to provide water for the entire landscape

Your Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco County Extension Service may have classes or local information about these devices.

The following are helpful publications specializing in rain barrels and cisterns:

IFAS provides a brief summary of information about cisterns and construction of non-potable water use cisterns: IFAS Extension: Cisterns to Collect Non-Potable Water for Domestic Use

This widely recommended comprehensive manual was written by the Texas Water Development Board on Rainwater Harvesting: The Texas Manual on Rain Water Harvesting, 3rd Ed.

This guide from the state of Arizona is an in-depth look at rainwater harvesting specifically for landscape use: Harvesting Rainwater for Landscape Use

This document provides various government policies within the United States on cisterns for potable and non-potable use: Review of Government Policies on Cisterns

This document provides information on Grey Water regulations and systems: Research of Grey Water for Use in Residential Apllications

Rainbarrel and Cistern Links

United Nations Environmental Program

International Rainwater Catchment Association (IRSCA)

American Rainwater Catchment Association (ARCSA)

The Florida House Cistern

 

How to Select an Irrigation Contractor

To help ensure that the person you are about to hire is a reputable irrigation contractor capable of installing a quality system, you should ask the following questions:

1. Do you have a license to do this work? May I see the license before you begin the work?

2. Would you provide me a copy of your certificate of insurance?

3. Do you provide me with "an installed schematic" of my sprinkler system that I may retain for future reference?

4. May I see a list of references to contact for verification?

5. Do you offer a warranty on parts and labor for the entire system including coverage of any dry spots that may appear?

6. How long have you been in business?

7. Do you have a business telephone/address?

8. Do you have an irrigation service vehicle with the name of your company painted on the side?
9. Will you install a backflow protection device to protect against possible drinking water contamination?

10. Will you guarantee that overspray be left to a minimum?

11. Are you going to zone the stationary sprinklers and the rotating sprinklers separately to prevent over-watering?

12. Following completion of the job, will you instruct me in the operation of my system both in the automatic and manual modes?

13. Will you demonstrate to me that each part of my system is completely operational before payment is received?

14. Are you a member of the Florida Irrigation Society?

OR

The EPA WaterSense program has a certification program for irrigation professionals. If you hire an EPA WaterSense irrigation partner, you can be sure that they will know how to use water efficiently.

To find out more visit: Landscape Irrigation Services | WaterSense | US EPA

 

Other Outdoor Water Uses

There are a number of simple ways to conserve when using water outside. Using an automatic shut-off valve on your hose nozzle when washing cars will prevent unnecessary waste. Additionally, you may want to consider installing a water-saving pool filter if you have a swimming pool. A single back-washing with a traditional sand and diatomaceous earth filter uses up to 500 gallons of water. Water-saving cartridge filters are much easier and safer to maintain and require very little water for cleaning.