Save Water and Money with a few Slight Adjustments to your Sprinklers

Sometimes California’s water troubles can seem overwhelming. The problems appear to be too big to solve. This seems especially true when people consider how long it sometimes seems for government agencies to work together to solve the big picture problems facing the state.

But there are measures that individuals can take that don’t require a committee decision and are easy to incorporate. One of the easiest things you can do is to make sure that as you landscape, your sprinkler system is in good working order.

For example by just realigning your sprinkler heads, you’ll save water, because you won’t be “watering” roads, driveways, and sidewalks. Homeowners should check heads often to make sure that they’re pointed in the right direction and not obstructed by tall grass and other items that act like barriers. With these barriers removed it takes less water to water a lawn, because only the lawn—and not the sidewalk—is getting the water. A walk around the yard once a week to check on sprinkler heads is a simple solution.

Additionally, look for parts that may have been broken by lawn mowers or foot traffic. Replace any broken pieces and be sure to match their spray pattern and distance for peak performance.

And speaking of performance, sprinklers that are clogged don’t perform well. Clean out clogs regularly. This ensures only the water needed is used as does watering in shorter intervals. By watering in spurts of 15 or 20 minutes, you’ll avoid brown spots and have more of a guarantee that water is soaking into the ground.

Finally, try to utilize the seasons themselves. With only a few adjustments, an irrigation system can be set to detect higher amounts of rainwater and other moisture. Sprinklers with such a system will automatically shut off when there is sufficient water, thus saving water expended and money.

To test your own yard and its water use, please visit the sciencebuddies.org site by clicking here.

You can also visit Emily Green's "Dry Garden" blog on the LA Times website for an interesting article on what kind of hose nozzles are the best by clicking here.