Conserving Water with Sensible Irrigation

By Debbie Hillel and Sandi Lockhart

U.C. Cooperative Extension, El Dorado Co. Master Gardeners

With summer here, it is important to preserve our water resources while also protecting investments in our plants and landscaping. In order to provide our plants with the water they need and reduce our water usage, we need to know how to deliver water efficiently and effectively.

Conserving water in the summer can be a challenge, but several strategies can help to use water more efficiently.

¨ Group plants in your landscape by water requirements. Place plants that need the most water together and closest to your home, and position the most drought tolerant plants farthest away from the house.

¨ Limit turf areas and choose drought tolerant grasses.

¨ Irrigate efficiently by periodically checking your water systems, fixing broken sprinklers and straightening crooked ones can do a lot to reduce your water usage.

¨ Using mulch to cover bare soil reduces water evaporation, reduces weeds, and keeps the soil temperatures cooler.

In our area of the country where we have to water our plants in the summer, automated systems save time, save water, cause plants to be healthier, and increase the value of our homes. There is no one way to design or build a garden watering system. Every garden has its own special considerations, and every gardener has unique priorities and values. Additionally there are many different watering systems available.

Drip systems are particularly easy for the homeowner to install. They are usually above ground, operate under low pressure, and assemble without glue and so are forgiving of the odd mistake. A comprehensive drip irrigation system can achieve 90% water efficiency since a measured amount of water arrives at the plants’ roots rather than on walkways or unplanted areas. Since unplanted areas are deprived of water, weeds do not grow freely. Drip systems can be designed for large or small gardens. These systems are flexible and can easily accommodate changes in the landscape plan and the addition of more plants or removal of others.

A good irrigation design begins with a plan, which includes the water source and a measured sketch of the area to be irrigated. Several drip irrigation systems are available at local stores. Parts are not universally interchangeable, so it is best to choose one brand and stay with it. Each brand offers a host of water delivery options from conventional drippers to mini-sprinklers. Manufacturers sometimes offer worksheets to assist in the design process.