September days can have widely varying temperatures, with some days getting into the 90s, but we can count on nights being longer and cooler. This means that plants do not need to be watered as often. Ramping down how often you water your yard is a great way to save money on your water bill and keep plants happy.
After spending the summer putting energy into growing leaves, flowers, and fruit, plants use the fall to store water and energy in their roots for winter survival and spring growth. Proper watering supports this activity.
Ramping down your irrigation does not mean you should stop watering altogether. If you have a lawn, cut back to two days per week. Cut back to two times a month for mature trees (4 times a month for younger trees).
This drought-tolerant groundcover enjoys the heat from adjacent boulders and is wide spreading along walkways. The silver evergreen foliage is a welcome addition in winter. Lavender-purple flowers bloom from spring to summer, attracting pollinators.
You probably don't pay a lot of attention to sprinkler bodies, those plastic devices that house the sprinkler's spray nozzle. Well, not until one breaks and your yard suddenly looks like the fountain at the Bellagio. But selecting the right sprinkler body can have a big impact on your water bill. Just look for the WaterSense label!
WaterSense-labeled sprinkler bodies, certified by the EPA, are designed to help regulate the water pressure that reaches the nozzle, ensuring efficient watering and aiding in conservation.
Landscape irrigation systems are often installed so the pressure is higher than what is recommended for the nozzles. This can lead to excessive flow rates, misting, fogging, and uneven coverage. Uneven coverage could flood one section of your lawn while you still have dry spots in another area. WaterSense labeled spray sprinkler bodies with integral pressure regulation can reduce water waste by:
Providing a constant flow at the sprinkler nozzle
Generating the right amount of water spray
Creating optimal coverage and uniform distribution
Reducing misting and fogging
The Water Authority now offers a rebate for listed WaterSense pressure regulating spray sprinkler bodies. Check with your local irrigation supplier to make sure you match your spray nozzle with the appropriate WaterSense pressure regulating sprinkler body and take advantage of the rebate. Get $4.00 off each sprinkler body you purchase (no limit per year).
Visit our rebates pageto apply for your rebate today.
Pro Tip:
Leilani Cochran of Just Sprinklers says, “Too much pressure blowing through the heads can cause a mist that evaporates in our dry air. The pressure regulating spray bodies eliminate this mist, so the head operates at the optimum capacity."
Author: Richard Perce, irrigation efficiency specialist with the Water Resources Division for the Water Authority. Pro tip:Just Sprinklers. Have a question about the article? AskAnExpert@abcwua.org
Pressure regulators are another essential technology for improving the efficiency of your irrigation system. They are an integral part of keeping your system running in peak condition. Pressure regulators come in two basic styles: inline or valve fitted. An inline regulator attaches within the piping on a lateral line and is most used with drip irrigation. A pressure-regulated valve fitting is used more often with turf irrigation where the pressure is high.
These fittings can either reduce pressure or provide sustained pressure. Valve fittings are brand specific, so we suggest visiting a local irrigation supplier to see if they are available for your brand of valve. Pressure regulators provide the following benefits:
Avoid underwatering or overwatering by maintaining a set, optimal pressure.
For lawn irrigation, they reduce misting and excessive evaporation.
With a drip system, they help keep the emitters’ water output accurate and keep them from “blowing” or “popping” off the drip line due to excessive pressure.
Earn rebates of 25% up to $100 including purchase and professional installation. Visit irrigation efficiency rebates to apply for your rebate today.
Pro Tip: Jim from Site One irrigation supply store in Albuquerque says, “An inline pressure regulator is a must in any irrigation installation in Albuquerque. They reduce the chance of blowing out your drip emitters and even out the water delivery.”
Pressure Regulator Photography courtesy of Hunter Industries
Author: Richard Perce, Irrigation Efficiency Specialist with the Water Resources Division for the Water Authority. Pro tip:Site One Irrigation. Have a question about the article? AskAnExpert@abcwua.org
Blue Mist spirea is particularly well suited for areas with dry climates. That makes it a significant staple in New Mexico landscapes. The flowers attract a variety of life that includes bumblebees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. Once established, it is reasonably drought tolerant, too. Pick Blue Mist spirea to add a touch of color in your garden.
