Transcript Slide 1
Irrigation Efficiency Dr. Dotty Woodson Extension Program Specialist – Water Resources Texas AgriLife Extension Service Irrigation Efficiency • Residential and commercial landscapes use more than 25 percent of the total water consumption in urban areas of Texas. • Water usage increases 25 to 60% during the summer. • Rain and Freeze Sensors Irrigation Efficiency • How Often? • How Long? • When? Irrigation Efficiency BMPs • Water only when required. Only judge water requirements in the morning. • Water deeply to promote deep roots and healthy turf. An inch of water will generally penetrate the soil to a depth of six inches. • Water slowly for better absorption. Use drip or soaker hoses wherever possible. • Never water on windy days. • Water early in the morning to reduce wasteful evaporation. • Mulch flower, groundcover, garden and shrub areas two to three times a year. • Water newly planted flowers, shrubs and trees individually. • Water without creating runoff. • Audit irrigation system 1 or 2 times a year. Irrigation Efficiency Irrigation Efficiency Irrigation Audit • Check every sprinkler head • Make any repairs • Run system with catchment cans • Correct any poor distribution • Time how long each station needs to run • Set controller Use Drip Irrigation 90% Efficient • Shrubs areas • Flower beds • Vegetable Garden • Groundcover areas Drip Irrigation Dr. Dotty Woodson Extension Program Specialist- Water Resources Texas AgriLife Extension 17360 Coit Road Dallas, Texas 75252 972-952-9688 [email protected]