Sprinkler systems are some of the most effective irrigation systems on the market, as they can cover a large area of your yard and property with a steady and reliable stream of water. However, depending on the size of your property and the setup of your system, this can represent a massive financial cost when it comes to your monthly utility bills. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to reduce the average amount of water that your sprinkler system uses throughout the year and your water bills as a result.
Install Rainfall Sensors
One of the most effective and easiest ways to reduce the amount of water that your sprinkler system uses throughout the spring and summer months is to purchase and install a rainfall sensor, which can be found at most hardware stores. These sensors will measure the amount of rain that falls throughout the season and will alter the amount of water that your sprinkler system uses—or have days skipped entirely. This prevents double watering, which, beyond increasing your utility costs, can cause flooding and plant damage in your yard and garden.
Alter the Scheduling Times
Another important thing that you should consider when looking to cut down on the water usage of your sprinkler system is to only water at specific times of the day, usually either very early in the morning or later in the afternoon. By watering at these times, you ensure that the sun's rays will not evaporate as much of the water before it has the chance to be absorbed into the soil and then by the plants. In turn, this reduces the number of times that you will have to water your yard to ensure healthy and blooming plant life.
Install Low-Flow Sprinkler Heads
Finally, one of the most effective ways to reduce the average amount of water that your sprinkler system uses is to switch to a low-flow sprinkler head. This will allow for a slower spray of water that allows the soil to absorb the moisture, not only reducing the amount of water that you are using when your sprinklers come on but increasing the amount of water that actually makes it to your plant life. When using these sprinkler heads, you may want to change your schedule to water briefly at several points throughout the day instead of once for a longer period.
Contact local professionals specializing in irrigation system installation for more information.
