Easy Ways to Save Water and Money
As the weather warms and irrigation systems start running, it's the perfect time to consider how you can save water—and money—by optimizing your entire irrigation system.
Many homeowners don't realize that inefficiencies in their irrigation setup can lead to water waste, higher utility bills, and even damage to the system. In fact, an estimated 70% of irrigation systems are inefficient. By making a few adjustments, you can significantly improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Upgrade to pressure-regulated sprinkler heads
- Match precipitation rates for rotors
- Install rain sensors
These simple changes can lead to a healthier, more evenly irrigated landscape while conserving water and saving money.
Upgrade to Pressure-Regulated Sprinkler Heads (PRS) for Spray Zones
Spray heads are a type of sprinkler that contains the spray body (housing unit) and the nozzle (part that sprays water). Spray heads provide fan-shaped spray for smaller areas like near the home or a flowerbed. Spray zones refer to the specific areas where these spray heads are installed.
Spray heads operate best at 30 PSI (pounds per square inch), but most municipal systems deliver much higher pressure. For example, most homeowners in Holland's BPW water service territory receive 50 PSI. Standard spray bodies do not regulate pressure, leading to excessive misting, which causes water to evaporate before reaching your plants. Uneven pressure also results in some areas getting too much water while others receive too little. PRS spray heads regulate pressure to the optimal 30 PSI, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
Look for the PRS label on top of the spray body when shopping for spray heads
Why It Matters
- Water Savings: Reducing incoming pressure by just 10 PSI can decrease water usage by up to 20%.
- Efficiency Boost: PRS sprinkler heads can cut water waste by 30%.
Match Precipitation Rates for Rotors
Rotors are a type of sprinkler head that rotates to distribute water over a larger area. They are commonly found in areas of the irrigation system that require broader coverage, such as large lawns or garden beds. Ensuring matched precipitation rates (MPR) means all sprinkler heads in a zone should apply water at the same rate (inches/hour), regardless of their spray pattern.
For example:
- A half-circle (180⁰) rotor should have twice the flow rate of a quarter-circle (90⁰) rotor.
- A full-circle (360⁰) rotor should have four times the flow rate of a quarter-circle (90⁰) rotor.
This means that a half-circle should release twice as much water as a quarter-circle rotor because it covers an area that is twice as large. A full-circle rotor should release four times more water than the quarter circle rotor because it must cover an area that is four times bigger.
Homeowners can match precipitation rates on their rotors by changing the nozzle sizes. Many rotor manufacturers make optional nozzle sets that have match precipitation.
This means that a half-circle should release twice as much water as a quarter-circle rotor because it covers an area that is twice as large. A full-circle rotor should release four times more water than the quarter circle rotor because it must cover an area that is four times bigger.
Homeowners can match precipitation rates on their rotors by changing the nozzle sizes. Many rotor manufacturers make optional nozzle sets that have match precipitation.
Why it Matters
Matching precipitation rates prevents overwatering in some areas and underwatering in others, leading to a healthier and more evenly irrigated landscape.
Install a Rain Sensor
A rain sensor automatically shuts off your irrigation system when it rains, preventing unnecessary watering. We've all seen a neighbor's sprinkler running during a downpour—this simple device stops that from happening.
Why It Matters
- A rain sensor is an affordable add-on that prevents waste and ensures your lawn isn't watered when nature is already doing its job.
- It's different from a smart controller and can be installed on most systems.
Conservation Specialist Jennifer Soukhome can provide valuable information to help you reduce water waste both inside and outside your home. Additionally, Spring Brook Supply, a distributor of water-saving irrigation products, can assist you in transitioning to more efficient solutions. If you'd like to learn more about PRS sprinkler heads, rotors, rain sensors, or other ways to optimize your irrigation system, reach out. Small changes in water pressure can make a big difference for both your wallet and the environment.