Water Saving First Steps

Some experts estimate that up to half of the water used to irrigate landscapes is wasted due to evaporation, wind or runoff caused by poorly adjusted sprinklers, improper design or over-watering. Summer is the time when water use spikes the most and is the reason why the Irrigation Association dubbed July ''Smart Irrigation Month.'' Saving water doesn't have to be complicated; you can find water efficient choices to accommodate any budget.

Here are the Irrigation Association's top picks:

1. High-efficiency nozzles: Replace conventional spray heads with high-efficiency nozzles to apply water more evenly and reduce landscape water use by 30 percent.

2. Rain/moisture sensors: Sensors override irrigation controllers to turn off the system at the first detection of rainfall or the presence of moisture in the soil.

3. Low-volume drip irrigation: Drip irrigation systems reduce water use by applying only the required amount of water directly to the plant.

4. Smart controllers: These controllers take into account weather conditions, soil type, plant material and other factors to automatically adjust irrigation system run times to deliver only what is necessary.

5. Rainwater harvesting: The collection of just 1 inch of rainfall on an average roof is enough to provide more than 500 gallons of reusable water.

6. Pressure regulated valves or sprinkler heads: A five-point reduction in psi can reduce water use by 6 to 8 percent. Proper system pressure also improves performance and life expectancy.