You have probably seen water from sprinkler systems running down the street or running when it is raining? That water runoff from irrigation systems picks up pollutants from yards and the street which ends up in the Lagoon. You can save money and water by reducing lawn irrigation, especially during the summer when there are frequent rain storms.
The St. Johns River Water Management District states “Outdoors, lawn and landscape irrigation accounts for about half of all residential water use. Watering wisely saves water and promotes healthier lawns and landscapes. Overwatering a lawn can promote weeds and insect pests, as well as weakened grass roots.”
Here are a few simple steps to save water:
- Check that your irrigation system is in proper working order.
- Make sure there are no broken heads or pipes
- Check that sprinkler heads are aimed towards plants and not sidewalks or hard surfaces
- Set your sprinkler timer to the St Johns Water Management District Guidelines:
- Odd numbered addresses: Wednesday & Saturday
- Even numbered addresses: Thursday & Sunday
- Do not water between the hours of 10am – 4pm because water will evaporate.
- Maximum watering time per zone is 1 hour, the equivalent of 1/2” of rain.
- Use re-use water (purple pipe) when available from the City.
Another easy step is to monitor the weather forecast. It is best to turn your irrigation system off when we have weekly rains. Over-irrigating your lawn will weaken the roots (they won’t grow deep) and encourage diseases and weed growth. If your sprinkler system runs within 24 hours of significant rainfall (> .2”), you should have your controller checked to see if it has an operating rain sensor. Florida law requires automatic irrigating systems to have an operating rain sensor.
It also helps to incorporate efficient sprinkler heads like rotary nozzle heads. The newer water efficient rotary nozzle sprinkler heads can save 40% on water use due to their reduced loss to evaporation, overspray and runoff. Use drip-lines in gardens and around trees where water can be directed to the roots of the plant. This will reduce fungal diseases on plant leaves.
There are a variety of drip-line options that can deliver water directly to the roots of individual plants or irrigate ground cover using emitter tubing. Consult with your gardener or irrigation company before planting so that the correct tubing and heads can be installed underground in the correct locations. Ask for Florida Water Star certified irrigation installers for best results.
You can save even more money and water if you use Florida Native plants in your landscape, which many do not require any supplemental irrigation after they are established. A well-designed and properly maintained Florida yard will stay beautiful with minimal care, and you will save our waterways.
For more tips and information on how to be “lagoon friendly” visit helpthelagoon.org.