BMPs for Water Conservation

Frank HenningWatershed Extension Agent

Georgia’s WaterGeorgia’s Water 9.5 million people 9.5 million people

depend on a clean depend on a clean water supply.water supply.

The population is The population is increasing by more increasing by more than 2.2 % a year than 2.2 % a year making GA the 5making GA the 5thth fastest growing fastest growing state in the nation.state in the nation. http://drought.unl.edu/gallery/2007/Georgia/LakeHartwell2.htm

© 2006 National Drought Mitigation Center

Georgia’s Growth & Water Use

- GA Water Use increased 20% between 1990 – 2000 (EPD, 2007)- 16% increase in population projected for 2000 – 2010 (Bachel, 2003)

• 1/2 population in 12 urban counties

• 2/3 population in 40 counties

Urban Areas

Water RestrictionsWater Restrictions

• Georgia one of the fastest growing Georgia one of the fastest growing statesstates

• Demand for water is increasingDemand for water is increasing• Water is not unlimitedWater is not unlimited• Lack of water can harmLack of water can harm

-wildlife-wildlife-landscapes-landscapes-business-business

Landscape Design? Landscape Design?

Design BMPs for Water Conservation

• Develop a design • Preserve established vegetation• Consider light conditions in plant selection• Select plants that tolerate site temperatures• Select plants adapted to area rainfall • Group plants according to water needs• Reduce root competition – spacing • Reduce or utilize surface drainage• Small, concentrated, high impact seasonal color• Efficient irrigation

http://apps.caes.uga.edu/urbanag/pubs/bmp_watercon.pdf

Traditional Design considerations

- Color- Texture- Form- Arrangement

Why Not Include Plant Water Use In Design

Plant for Water Conservation

Installation BMPs for Water Conservation

• Plant in fall and winter• Prepare planting bed – infiltration, water holding• Appropriate soil amendments• Soil testing – proper lime and fertilizer• Mulch

http://apps.caes.uga.edu/urbanag/pubs/bmp_watercon.pdf

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UGA Farm

Start Here!

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Maintenance

Maintenance BMPs for Water Conservation

• Proper liming and fertilization• Relieve compaction, improve infiltration• Pest control – weeds, insects, fungus, vertebrates• Mowing height• Proper pruning – selective vs. sheering• Mulching or topdressing

Irrigation BMPs

• Design – deliver the correct quantity • Frequency – soil moisture or plant stress• Time of day • Efficiency – uniform, leaks, overspray, evaporation• Quantity – encourage deep roots

Irrigation