IRRIGATION AND WATER
In the semi-arid climate of Southern
California, water is the most limited resource that goes into the
landscape. The choice of irrigation systems and techniques has great
impact on the efficiency of water use. Benefits of efficient water
use, besides a lower water bill, include a healthier garden and less
The method of
irrigation is as important as how often you irrigate. For some types
of plantings such as lawn, overhead sprinkler irrigation is most
effective. Most of our soils cannot absorb water as fast as it is
applied by overhead sprinklers. The best technique is to water in
short on/off cycles early in the morning. Experiment with your own
system to determine just how long you can apply water before it
begins to run off the site.
Drip irrigation delivers water most
efficiently to individual plants, so it is useful in beds. Use
separate irrigation valves for each type of planting so individual
scheduling is possible. Water according to your plants needs and
adjust irrigation timers frequently to match weather patterns.
Another new irrigation technology
that is also very efficient if set up properly are ET Smart
Controllers. These systems use weather information and site
conditions to determine how much water to apply and when to
irrigate. Weather-based smart controllers draw upon a variety of
climatic conditions. Smart irrigation controllers tailor watering
schedules and run times automatically to meet specific landscape
needs. These controllers are a proven technology to improve
outdoor water use efficiencies
Rainwater is a great source of free
clean water perfect for irrigating landscapes. By directing roof
drains into containers you can save water from a rainy day. In
addition to conserving water and reducing your monthly water bill,
rainwater harvesting helps protect our local watersheds and
safeguards our drinking water supplies.
Graywater refers to the reuse of
water drained from baths, showers, washing machines, and sinks
(household wastewater excluding toilet wastes) for irrigation and
other water conservation applications. The City of Calabasas and
County of Los Angeles follow the current state greywater code that
is basically the adoption of the international plumbing code. For
more detailed information on greywater regulations and installation
please check the following links.
Finally, a few rules of thumb:
- For minimum hassle, the things
you want to water should be downhill from the lowest point in
your graywater system. Simple systems cost less and will be
cost-effective in a shorter period of time.
- No matter how much graywater
you produce, you will probably still need a conventional
irrigation system on at least part of your property.
- Putting in a graywater system
is not something that is going to save you a lot of money.
- But it is one of the most
effective things you can do to cut your exterior water use and
reduce the waste stream from your home.