How to Save Water With Your Sprinkler System
Watering your lawn is important, but using more water than you need can drive up utility bills and waste a valuable resource. The good news is that a sprinkler system can actually help you use less water when it is set up and managed correctly.
Quick Summary
Water at the right times (mainly mornings)
Adjust sprinkler heads and coverage
Use smart technology and rain shutoff features
Maintain your system regularly
Update or upgrade older equipment
Choose drought-tolerant landscaping
1. Water at the Right Time
Watering early in the morning helps reduce evaporation. Midday heat causes water to evaporate before it reaches the roots, and nighttime watering can lead to fungal growth. Most lawns need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, so avoid running the system on a fixed schedule without checking weather conditions.
2. Adjust Sprinkler Heads and Coverage
Misaligned sprinkler heads often spray sidewalks, driveways, or fences. Small adjustments can prevent wasted water and uneven growth. Check for misting as well. High pressure can turn water into a fine mist that blows away in the wind instead of soaking into the soil.
3. Use Smart Controllers or Rain Sensors
A smart irrigation controller adjusts watering based on factors like temperature, rainfall, and soil moisture. This helps prevent overwatering. At a minimum, add a rain sensor so the system shuts off automatically after rainfall.
4. Maintain Your System
Leaks, clogged nozzles, tilted heads, and cracked pipes can waste a significant amount of water. Inspect the system at least once per season. A professional system check can help ensure everything is working efficiently.
5. Upgrade Older Equipment
If your system is more than ten years old, newer nozzles and rotors may distribute water more evenly. Drip irrigation is a great option for flower beds and gardens because it delivers water directly to plant roots with very little waste.
6. Choose Water-Efficient Landscaping
Plants that are native or drought tolerant require less water to stay healthy. Mulch can also help soil retain moisture, which reduces watering needs.
Want Help Saving Water?
If you are in Tulsa or Broken Arrow, 413 Lawns can inspect your sprinkler system, recommend improvements, or set up smart watering options that help conserve water while keeping your yard healthy.
