Learn the Importance of a Well-Designed Irrigation System
The main objective of an irrigation system is to promote the growth of healthy plants and maintain the right levels of moisture for the soil. Also important, though, is that proper irrigation helps the environment through water conservation and saves you money. Misdirected sprinklers can waste water and add unnecessary dollars to your water bill.
One of the biggest advantages of a properly and efficiently designed system is that while the design and installation may be expensive up front, the system shouldn’t require much maintenance once it’s installed. The only real cost you’ll have is your water bill, which will be less when you use water more efficiently.
A well-designed system ensures that your grass and plants are getting the proper amount of water. In hotter seasons, an irrigation system can be the difference between dying plants and having the best-looking yard in your neighborhood.
Coachella Valley Water District suggests the following:
Check your irrigation system monthly to ensure sprinklers are working properly and providing the right coverage.
Ask your gardener/landscaper to check your spray heads and rotors for leaks or blockages.
In late spring and early summer, maintain a regular irrigation schedule, especially for container plants.
Monitor all systems closely. Summer is a dangerous time for irrigation issues to pop up. Early detection can prevent disasters.
Apply for a residential landscape rebate. For this and other rebates, visit CVWD.org/rebates. Requires preapproval.
CVWD offers residential customers free smart, weather-based irrigation controllers that automatically adjust your irrigation system’s run time based on weather data.
Healthy soil and plants must be watered routinely at the appropriate times and rates. Early in the morning or shortly before nightfall are the best times for watering. You can use CVWD’s irrigation guide as a reference to adjust your irrigation monthly. Individual watering times may vary due to soil and other conditions. Gradually reduce the amount of water you’re using to find an adequate amount for your plants without being wasteful.
Coachella Valley Water District is a public agency governed by a five-member board of directors. The district provides domestic and irrigation water, agricultural drainage, wastewater treatment and reclamation services, regional storm water protection, groundwater management and water conservation. It serves approximately 108,000 residential and business customers across 1,000 square miles located primarily in Riverside County, but also in portions of Imperial and San Diego counties.
