Conserve Water with High-Efficiency Rotary Irrigation Nozzles

The landscape irrigation system is one of the largest water-using appliances. This may account for up to 50% of a home’s water use. The efficiency of the home irrigation system is often overlooked. Consequentially, is has potential to waste thousands of gallons per year. Here are three tips to help you improve your irrigation efficiency at home.

Perform a check-up on your home irrigation system

First, identify and repair obvious issues with the system, such as water leaks caused by broken heads. Just monitor the sprinkler heads from time to time. Second, install a rain sensor to keep the irrigation system off after adequate rainfall; this is required by Florida law (Florida Statute 373.62). Third, use high-efficiency rotary irrigation nozzles to deliver precision placement and uniform rate of water.

Consider upgrading your sprinkler nozzles

Retrofitting your traditional pop-up sprinkler heads with high efficiency rotator sprinkler heads is one of the easiest ways to conserve water. The rotator sprinkler heads deliver water in a rotating stream at a steady and slow application rate. This allows your turf and landscape to get irrigated uniformly at rates your soil can absorb, reducing runoff and erosion. It’s easy to adjust these with a tool or by hand as needed to spray the area you need to cover. There are several manufacturers that make these high efficiency heads and they are easy to find in your local hardware or irrigation supply store. For many systems, upgrading is as simple as unscrewing the head and replacing it with a new, more efficient head.

Benefits of high efficiency sprinkler nozzles

Benefits include:

  • Durable, easy to adjust nozzles
  • Uniform water distribution
  • Reduces water consumption up to 30%
  • Gets the right amount of water on your zone where intended, with minimal water waste

Fresh water is a valuable resource that must be used wisely. Do your part to improve the efficiency of your home irrigation system. Water conservation is one part of working towards a low-impact Florida-Friendly Landscape. Read more about water savings potential of Florida-Friendly Landscaping activities in UF/IFAS Fact Sheet AE515.

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Posted: August 22, 2019


Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Lawn, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Efficient, Home Landscapes, Irrigation, Landscape Management, Ocextension, Water Conservation


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