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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Novato, Calif., – Lawn & landscape irrigation wastes up to 1.5 billion gallons of water every day and accounts for 40% to 60% of urban water use. With water scarcity on the rise, water-use is emerging as the new carbon output. Here are 10 ways people can reduce their irrigation water use by 20% to 50% while still maintaining a beautiful lawn.
1. Install an irrigation system that uses Smart Irrigation Technology
· Smart irrigation technology including “smart controllers” can reduce irrigation water use by 20% to 50%.
· ET Water Systems’ SmartBox is a self-adjusting irrigation control system that combines state-of-the-art horticultural science and proprietary web-based technology to automate the scheduling of sprinkler and drip irrigation. Water is applied to landscapes based on current local weather conditions (using both ET and rainfall) and specific landscape factors, including plant type, soil type, slope, sun/shade, sprinkler type, and distribution uniformity.
2. Put Plants In The Right Places
· Water-loving plants require frequent irrigation while many trees, shrubs, perennials, etc. need less frequent irrigation. Be sure to group plants together depending on their watering needs and plant low water users farther away from the house or where irrigation may not be readily available.
3. Irrigate Efficiently
· To reduce evaporation, operate your irrigation system during the cooler hours of the early morning rather than during the heat of the day or windy weather.
· Be sure that misdirected water is not running off onto drive-ways, sidewalks or streets. And water only as needed depending on time of year and average rainfall.
4. Appropriate Maintenance
· Apply as little fertilizer to your lawn as possible. Applying excess fertilizer increases water consumption and creates more mowing for you.
· Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways & sidewalks
· Set lawn mower blades one notch higher. Longer grass means less evaporation.
5. Prepare Your Soil
· The texture of the soil has a direct influence on water retention, drainage and aeration. Before planting, remove existing weeds; they compete with desired plants for soil moisture, sunlight and nutrients
6. Limit Turf Areas
· A lawn is almost always the largest user of water in the home.
· Use lawn turf only where it serves a purpose, such as in a play or entertainment area
7. Select Low Water Use Plants That Are Appropriate For Your Climate
· Consider using native species from your climate zone. Once established they’ll need dramatically less water.
8. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!
· A thick layer of mulch acts as insulation for your soil and significantly reduces evaporation of soil moisture. Mulch can also reduce weed growth, reducing competition for soil moisture.
9. Water Thoroughly
· Deep watering is better than frequent, shallow watering because it encourages deep roots.
10. Check With Your Municipality for Watering Restrictions
· Outdoor watering restrictions exist on both state and local levels; failure to comply can result with monetary fines
visit www.etwater.com.
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