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Upgrading Existing System
Tune-up your Existing System:
| • | Create a customized watering schedule for your garden and set your controller. Adjust your controller monthly – and turn it off for rain. |
Irrigation Upgrades
Irrigation technology is rapidly advancing to meet the needs of sustainable gardens. If you’re ready for a little more challenge, consider upgrading your irrigation components for high-tuned efficiency and performance. You will find these products at local irrigation supply stores, like Ewing Irrigation, Aqua-Flo, and Smith Pipe and Supply.
Be sure to check with your local building or planning department before making any changes to your irrigation system. New State-wide landscape and irrigation requirements may be in effect in your city.
| • | Use drip irrigation in shrub beds. It’s easy to retrofit your existing sprinklers to drip. The Guidelines for Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems lists the parts and specifications to help you get the job done right. Using this method may reduce your water use 50% or more. |
| • | Install a smart controller that automatically adjusts the watering time and frequency based on soil moisture, rain, wind, evaporation and transpiration rates or plant type. Check out some of the smart controllers that are on the market. Rebates may be available for single and multi-family residential, commercial and public sites. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and initial set up. |
| • | Change spray heads in lawn and shrub areas to rotary nozzles. The multi-stream rotators use up to 30% less water than traditional spray heads because they apply water more slowly and evenly. Rebates may be available for these devices. |
Steps to retrofit:
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