5/28/2019 Sensible Sprinkling Interesting Fact · Sensible Sprinkling Interesting Fact Based on...
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5/28/2019 1 SOURCE: Google Earth Sensible Sprinkling Interesting Fact Based on over 2,000 irrigation evaluations in Manatee County, approximately 30% of irrigation water is wasted due to inefficient design and maintenance. Water Efficiency – Reclaimed Water Users Currently, there are not watering restrictions for reclaimed water users. Voluntary, water wise use is best: • No more than twice a week, even during droughts • Ensure that your sprinkler system is distributing water evenly Water Efficiency – Reclaimed Water Users Do not water during mid-day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Maximum water loss from wind drift and evaporation - 40% to 60% of water applied evaporates in the afternoon sun! • The reclamation plants are refilling their storage tanks, so pressures are low – this effects your system’s distribution uniformity.
Transcript of 5/28/2019 Sensible Sprinkling Interesting Fact · Sensible Sprinkling Interesting Fact Based on...
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SOURCE: Google Earth
Sensible Sprinkling Interesting Fact
Based on over 2,000 irrigation evaluations in Manatee County, approximately 30% of irrigation water is wasted due to inefficient design and maintenance.
Water Efficiency – Reclaimed Water Users
Currently, there are not watering restrictions for reclaimed water users.
Voluntary, water wise use is best:
• No more than twice a week, even during droughts
• Ensure that your sprinkler system is distributing water evenly
Water Efficiency – Reclaimed Water Users
Do not water during mid-day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
•Maximum water loss from wind drift and evaporation -40% to 60% of water applied evaporates in the afternoon sun!
•The reclamation plants are refilling their storage tanks, so pressures are low – this effects your system’s distribution uniformity.
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Supplemental Watering in West Central Florida:Based on Monthly Plant Needs vs. Typical Rainfall
SWFWMD
Sensible Sprinkling Program
• Free sprinkler system checkup• Open to all potable, reclaimed and
well water irrigators; City customers• Detailed report - recommended
modifications• Drawing of sprinkler layout• Rain sensor installation• Educational package
• Follow-up
For an application,
call 892-5611 or email
*Applications on table
The Harbor Isle Role ModelsSt. Petersburg’s Sensible Sprinkling
Program Participants (May 2018 to date)
18 of 225 residences have participated recently (8%)
• All needed a new Rain Sensor, which was installed.
• Some homes were spraying water directly into an adjacent lake, canal or natural area.
• Watering of non-plant areas such as driveways, homes, pool pumps, lanais, fences, sidewalks, and roads. This frequent wetness causes staining and rot of the structures.
Courtesy of Alexis Shuder, St. PetersburgWhat Did We Find?
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What Did We Find?
• Mix of spray and rotor heads within the same zone.
Rotor HeadAR = 0.5”/hour
Spray Head: AR = 2”/hour
AR = Average Application (Irrigation) Rate
What Did We Find?
• Replacement heads were not the same as other heads within the same zone. This leads to problems with uneven water coverage within a zone.
Watering Uniformity:
Head-to Head Coverage
What Did We Find?
• Tilted, Leaky, and Clogged sprinklers.
• Sprinklers blocked by plants or turfgrass.
• Clocks set for 3 or more days a week, when only 1 or 2 days will be enough (when applying water efficiently).
Over watering occurs when water is applied too frequently or in excessive amounts.
Encourages growth of fungi and bacteria
New plant growth encourages insect infestation
Promotes a shallow root system
Reduces oxygen to the roots, causing stress
Encourages weed growth
Leads to runoff over the soil and leaching (movement through the soil)
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Some Solutions: Rotating Spray Nozzles for Mixed-Head Zones
Some Solutions: Variable Arc Spray Nozzles
Evapotranspiration (ET) Controllers
Soil Moisture Sensors
Some Solutions: Technology Advancements – Weather Based
Micro (AKA Drip or Low-Volume) Irrigation
•Most efficient application method = 90 to 95% efficiency
•Applies water slowly, more precisely than traditional sprinklers
•For landscape beds ONLY
•Can be used to retrofit existing zones
Micro Sprays
Drip Tubing
Micro Bubblers
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What if You Use Contractors?Professional Licensure and Certification
•No license requirements for landscaping contractors.
•Florida State licensure is not yet required for irrigation contractors, but is voluntary and includes a test. (State of Florida
Construction Industry Licensing Board Examination)
• In Pinellas County, the Construction Licensing Board requires a license for Irrigation System Specialty Contractor.
What if You Use Contractors?
Hire Landscaping and Lawn Professionals with a PINELLAS COUNTY-MANDATED
Training Certificate for Landscape Best Management Practices
Employees must carry their card.
Lawn and Landscape Maintenance Contracts
Model Florida-friendly Landscaping™ Management Contract
MS Word and PDF available here:https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/community_association_kit.htm
The Harbor Isle Role Models
Create a Sensible Sprinkling Team to: • communicate with & educate
your neighbors
• sponsor/create events, product demos and hands-on workshops
• share resources
•make bulk purchases
•work on grant proposals and community projects
•help neighbors with specific easy-to-implement efficiency measures (adjusting nozzles, replacing sprinklers, adjusting controllers, annually checking rain sensors for proper operation, etc.)
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Watering Efficiency
StormwaterRunoff
Prevention
Better Environment
Chris Claus, Water Conservation CoordinatorSt. Petersburg Water Resources [email protected]
Carlos Frey, Design Manager, Stormwater and EnvironmentalSt. Petersburg Engineering and Capital Improvements [email protected]
