The Communicator - Volume 1, Issue 3 - (Page 21)

ask the experts By Bob Eagle Budget Your WaterUsage LANDSCAPE WATER REPRESENTS THE largest water user for most homeowner associations, and provides the biggest opportunity to save water. The three main components that determine how much water a landscape will use are the need of the plants being watered, the irrigation system’s ability to distribute that water evenly to the plants, and the scheduling of that applied water. In a large number of cases the most cost effective way to reduce water use while maintaining a healthy and attractive landscape is to better schedule the applied water. In the past, this has been the burden of the landscape contractor or onsite maintenance staff to make these changes with varying levels of success. Now there is an alternative, smart irrigation controllers. Smart controllers use the technology that in the past was only available to very large users like golf courses, cities and farms. The first smart controllers were made in the 90s, now there are many manufactures making smart timers. The main feature of a smart timer is its ability to self-adjust, in other words, they change their schedule based on some input or set of inputs. Some timers get their inputs from onsite weather monitors while others use offsite weather signals and others use soil sensors. Like any cost center, water usage can be effectively managed by creating a budget. The correct inputs need to be entered in a Smart controller for them to work effectively. A good way to determine if a controller is scheduled properly is to use a water budget to monitor that water use. Ask your water district if they can provide a water budget for your property. Also consider inserting language in your landscape maintenance contract that directs the landscaper to stay within that budget. The following serves as an example of a water budget, the water conservation component of a landscape maintenance contract. WATER MANAGEMENT The water management goal is intended to maximize plant health, minimize water damage to the property, and eliminate water waste. A. INITIAL IRRIGATION SYSTEM ASSESSMENT AND INVENTORY The irrigation system assessment and inventory is vital to the long term water management and landscape health. Some of the following information may be available from the customer and some will need to be obtained on site. Also, Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) may be available to assist with collecting some of the following information. The Communicator • 21

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Communicator - Volume 1, Issue 3

The Communicator - Volume 1, Issue 3 Contents President's Message Eyes in the Sky Down to the Last Drop Ask the Experts - Budget Your Water Usage 2008 Events & Educational Calendar Welcome to CAI BayCen Index to Advertisers

The Communicator - Volume 1, Issue 3

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