Water-Saving Technologies
In addition to following simple steps to watering wisely, using water-efficient technologies can make a big difference in keeping your home irrigation system running efficiently without a lot of effort on your part.
WaterSense Labeled Irrigation Controllers
WaterSense labels weather-based irrigation controllers, a type of "smart" irrigation control technology that uses local weather data to determine whether your sprinkler system needs to turn on. WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers can help consumers save water, time, and money when compared to use of a conventional controller.
Soil Moisture Sensors
Some smart controllers use soil moisture sensors to water when the soil becomes too dry. Soil moisture sensors connect to irrigation controllers to prevent irrigation cycles when the soil is wet.
Rainfall Shutoff Devices
Rainfall shutoff devices turn off your system in rainy weather and help compensate for natural rainfall. This inexpensive device can be retrofitted to almost any system.
Rain sensors
Rain sensors can help decrease water wasted in the landscape by turning off the irrigation system when it is raining.
Sprinkler Heads
Certain types of sprinkler heads apply water more efficiently than others. Rotary spray heads deliver water in a thicker stream than mist spray heads, ensuring more water reaches plants and less is lost to evaporation and wind.
Micro-Irrigation
Micro-irrigation or drip systems are generally more efficient than conventional sprinklers because they deliver low volumes of water directly to plants' roots, minimizing the water lost to wind, runoff, evaporation, or overspray. Consider installing drip around trees, shrubs, and gardens in place of a conventional sprinkler system. For more information on drip systems or micro-irrigation, see this video on drip irrigation installation from our partners at Cascade Water Alliance.
To find out what options are best for updating your irrigation system, consult a WaterSense irrigation partner today.