Save Water and Money with Conservation

As the population grows, the earth’s available fresh water supply remains constant increasing the demand for water resulting in shortages and rising water rates with additional penalties and surcharges for excessive consumption.

We must avoid being wasteful, look for ways to use water more efficiently and encourage conservation as we face future shortages due to our growing population.

Avoid Excessive Landscape Watering

Most people water too frequently and far too much. Just because the soil surface appears dry doesn’t mean it’s time to water your plants. Plants only need enough water to replenish what was lost through Evapotranspiration, or ET. ET is a combination of moisture lost from evaporation off of the plant and soil surfaces along with transpiration through the plant. Ideally you want to hold off on your next irrigation cycle until the moisture is reduced by at least half around the root ball. Watering every day would be like refilling your gas tank every time you drive your car. Don’t refill until you need to.

Xeriscape for Irrigation Efficiency

Converting your turf grass lawn to xeriscape is one of the most effective ways to save water. Xeriscape is a method of landscaping that minimizes supplemental water use by utilizing plants appropriate to the desert climate. A Bermuda grass lawn uses up to 50 inches of water per year, while the average xeriscape landscape uses only 18 inches per year. This equates to over a 50% reduction in irrigation and watering costs.

Tips for Conservation

Water will always be a limited natural resource but awareness is the first step in becoming water conscious. Many homes and businesses use over half of their total water consumption on irrigation. Here are some ways BrightView recommends becoming water smart:

• Water early in the morning (right before dawn) to reduce water loss to wind and evaporation
• Water only when needed
• Adjust sprinklers to avoid waste and ensure uniform distribution
• Test the spray patterns of sprinkler systems
• Check for clogged lines and mixed sizes of sprinkler heads
• Fix leaks
• Use drip irrigation for ornamental shrubs
• Install rain shut-off devices or in-ground moisture sensors
• Set lawn mower blades higher to increase ground shade and water retention in the soil
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks
• Use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle

Let Our Water Management Experts Help

BrightView’s water management experts provide the support you need to maximize your irrigation system from install to ongoing management, inspections and repairs.