By Nicole Stone, LMI Colorado
Water efficiency is not a buzzword anymore, it is a term that is here to stay and a term that everyone in the green industry is paying lots of attention to. Today, irrigation systems have shifted from a supplemental water system to a lifeline keeping landscaping healthy and turf green. As we become more reliant on irrigation systems, we also increase our dependency on the mechanics of these systems.
Today’s landscape irrigation systems have greatly advanced in technology. Products range from Netafim, MP Rotators, MPR nozzles, mini-click sensors, pressure regulating heads, ET Water, Two-Wire systems, Weathermatic clocks, and the list keeps going as these all are all designed to help conserve water.
From the controller, heads, fittings, pipe, and other components of an irrigation system; wear and tear and maintenance become critical to the system's lifespan and the efficiency of the system being installed or even upgraded. Whether it is installing a new irrigation system or upgrading an older irrigation system, water efficiency needs to be the priority when discussing design, renovation, or upgrades. However, incorporating these new products into an aging system takes proper planning and proper implementation.
The first step toward implementing water-wise irrigation components into an existing system would be to have an audit done. The good news is even though a system is older does not immediately imply the system can’t be upgraded or retrofitted to become more efficient. Once you have completed the audit the next will be to replace, maintain, or upgrade which will depend on many factors.
Start by reviewing the repairs, downtime, and costs for the annual repairs along with looking at the type of repairs. Consistent breakdowns can be a sign of an improper original installation, root pinches from aging plant material, and wear and tear on parts. Next, the efficiency of a system becomes critical as the reliability has shifted greatly on our irrigation systems to keep our landscape lush. As you look around the property have bed lines changed, has the original intent of the irrigation been shifted to meet the changing landscape design? All of these factors will play a role in the longevity and efficiency of an irrigation system.
Once you have your irrigation system running efficiently routine maintenance becomes a critical aspect. Just like a tune-up or oil change on a car maintenance is required to keep your irrigation system functioning to the best of its capabilities. Routine maintenance can include checking heads, raising and lowering heads, inspecting the valves and solenoids, and the master valve. Incorporating into your maintenance programs weekly/bi-weekly system checks can assist in keeping your irrigation system functioning with the least amount of downtime.
Today we have lots of new waterwise irrigation technology, remember it is about finding the best solution for your situation. When installing, upgrading, or retrofitting Colorado irrigation systems is also good to remember the climate cycle. Colorado has a harsh freeze/thaw climate cycle that can weaken fittings, pipes, and heads has been directly correlated to lessening the life cycle of these components. After reviewing all the elements and determining the best efficiency technologies for your irrigation system you can start planning your implementation process and start your journey to a waterwise and tech-savvy irrigation system.
Nicole Stone, VP of Business Development for LMI Colorado is originally from Nebraska but a Coloradan at heart, has been working in the Green Industry for over two decades. She is experienced in construction, estimating, irrigation, and all facets of landscape maintenance.
