How Do I Conserve Water and Maintain My Landscaping?

According to stats from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 30% of all water consumed by homeowners is used specifically for landscape irrigation, totaling nine billion gallons per day.

Outside the U.S., the amount of a household’s total water use that’s devoted to outside areas might differ. For example, households in hot and dry regions where water is usually scarce often consume over 50% of their water outdoors.

The loss of water used for outdoor irrigation could be up to 50 percent due to runoff, high winds or evaporation, which is one reason why conserving it is critical. In the 1980s, xeriscaping was popularized as a means of conserving annual total water usage in landscaped environments.

Some of the recent systems that employ latest technologies to Measure, Manage and save water in homes are automated water use monitors. Plus, here are five tips for homeowners to save water and support their water budget.

Method 1: Water at the Proper Time

Homeowners interested in water conservation should be able to optimize their watering schedule. First, start watering your landscape in the cooler months of spring.

By getting off to a good start in the spring, you can help your plants grow and ensure you aren’t using more water than the less hot summer months normally require.

To reduce losses to evaporation, do not water during the hottest part of the day around midday. However, watering in the early hours of the day can help you save water and money at home in summer months.

Water conservatively, only apply water that will properly saturate the entire root zone and due to the various types of soils, grasses and plants you have, that varies greatly. All “sandy” soils require more water than heavier, moist soils. Determine the evapotranspiration (Et) rates for plants, that is, the estimated volume of water lost on account of evaporation in the soil and a plant’s leaves (transpiration).

Method 2: Switch to a Smart Irrigation Controller

According to the Irrigation Association, “smart” irrigation controllers are some of the top methods for saving water. These products encourage the reduction of outdoor water use by evaluating conditions, such as the moisture in the soil, and considering variables, such as wind, rain and slope (grade).

Many smart irrigation systems will adjust their schedules based on local weather data. E.g.,-> Today it is raining, therefore, irrigation is not needed. This is less common in residential applications, but some smart irrigation systems deploy active sensors to accomplish this. One of the most popular solutions came in the form of a partnership with Rain Bird Corporation and Flume Water.

Founded in 1933, Rain Bird is one of the pioneers that began offering solutions for those wanting to know how to save water during one of California’s busiest agricultural settings. Today their controllers automatically compensate for seasonal variations based on temperature, humidity, weather, etc.

Method 3: Automated Water Monitor Systems

Automated water monitor systems give property owners insight into real-time indoor and outdoor water use.

In domestic environments the property owners can monitor individual toilets, household appliances and the irrigation system in the lawn and garden area. Homeowners can establish a household water budget, detect water usage as small as one hundredth of a gallon and inspect sprinkler systems for leaks with the Flume App that works on their smartphones to reduce waste in their outside landscaping.

Method 4: Select Appropriate Grass and Plants

For anyone designing landscapes that favor water-saving environments, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is an important resource.

Homeowners should consider shrubs and plants that will not require much water – such as drought-tolerant grass – depending on local weather conditions, the type of soil and amount of sunlight.

The DWR even has an extensive database that categorizes plant species according to their watering needs and helps you design landscapes in your community that will survive in your weather conditions.

The U.S. Department of Energy further recommends property owners to choose plants according their microclimate and to surround plants in zones or clusters with others that have similar water needs, whenever possible.

Method 5: Utilize Mulching Techniques

Another, simpler, way to conserve water in residential landscapes is by using mulch. Properly applied mulch maintains moisture in the soil, moderates soil temperature and prevents weed germination, according to a report by the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

A two-to-four-inch layer of bark mulch in landscaped areas may cut water loss to evaporation substantially, and help prevent water runoff from over-compacted soil. In addition to this, garden mulch prevents the growth of weeds, which would soak up the water meant for your plants.

Conserve Water at Home

Americans rely on access to fresh water for drinking, bathing, cleaning, irrigation and countless other essential uses.

Water is becoming increasingly scarce in many areas of the U.S., and losses are significant due to an aging network infrastructure that includes septic systems and wastewater treatment. Storms or flooding can also make things worse while metals and other toxins in our food and environment easily contaminate the water.

Saving water used for home landscaping is one part of a large variety of efforts to protect this precious resource. Water waste is bad for the environment: The more water is pumped, treated and heated, the more energy is required, and the more emissions are produced. Homeowners also suffer economic repercussions from wasting water, like increased utility bills.

These proactive methods of saving water like drenching at the right time, selecting the right plants and mulching techniques work even better in conjunction with the technology of today! These days, 24|7 monitor and manage the water and promptly detect leaks with the help of many water flow monitoring systems that are available.

Water-conserving systems that fuse water-sensing devices with smart irrigation control products provide potent water-saving effects to homeowners attempting to preserve verdant lawn and garden areas. The combination of these two solutions provides a greater ability to automatically adjust watering schedules as well as refine usage by creating separate watering zones on a property.

Call ASAP Sands Outdoor Services for more information.