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Don’t just "set
and forget" the timer on your outdoor irrigation
system. Different plants require different watering
times, particularly as the seasons change. Once
you get the knack, it’s easy to vary the watering
schedules on your controller. If you’ve lost
the manual, check the web site of the manufacturer.
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It seems simple to leave
irrigation scheduling to your gardener—but, many
lean toward over-irrigating. Short term, the
landscape may be greener, more lush and simpler
to maintain—but, long term, plants become less
healthy, your water bill increases, and precious
water is wasted.
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Avoid watering in mid-day
heat or full sun; much of the water will be lost
to evaporation.
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Schedule lawn and slope
areas to water in two cycles about 30 minutes
apart. This allows water to sink in, rather than
run off. You’ll save water and your plants will
have a chance to develop deeper roots. See the "Simple
Irrigation Scheduler" or if you are
a more "hands on" irrigator, see the "Optimal
Irrigation Scheduler."
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If you'd rather not worry about your
watering schedule - check out the new "smart" ET
irrigation controllers that set watering
cycles automatically by sensing the weather and
calculating how quickly plants are "transpiring" (giving
off) water.
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Ensure that sprinklers
are properly aimed to water plants—instead of
walls or sidewalks. Efficient irrigation should
have little or no runoff onto the street or sidewalk.
Are pop-up heads extending fully? Are rotors
too low or too high? Are any heads clogged? Are
any sprinkler heads broken? All of these are
water wasters.
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Be sure your irrigation
controller has a fresh backup battery, to hold
your water-saving settings during power interruptions.
Controllers can default to 10 minute watering
schedules (ouch!) if they lose power. Make a
note to change the battery when you change the
clocks in the spring and fall.
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Consider limiting the
size of your lawn to play areas. Turf grass is
very thirsty, consuming up to 5 feet of water
annually. Ground cover plants are more water
wise. Or, consider bark or stone coverings. Some
are more expensive to start—but take minimal
maintenance and water.
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Begin converting your
garden to "California Friendly" native
plants that are attractive, colorful and water
savers - already adapted to our semi-arid climate.
(Waterwise
Plants or call 818.251.2100 to request our
colorful brochures.)
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Help preserve moisture
in the soil with a layer of compost. Free, high
quality garden compost is available each Saturday,
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rancho compost facility
(corner of Lost Hills and Las Virgenes Rds. in
Calabasas).
For more information on smart
irrigation, check out www.LVMWD.com and select "Conservation",
where you’ll find information on waterwise plants and
water-saving tips. Also http://www.mwdh2o.com/ has
helpful conservation tips. Select "Conservation" from
the main menu.
