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Get smart about irrigation this summer using these four tips

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Graphic reading July - Smart Irrigation Month - regionalh20.org with illustration of a water droplet and a green leaf.
July is Smart Irrigation Month. Celebrate by using smart, water-efficient technologies that help save money and reduce water waste. Here are four ways to get started!
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Tip one: Use efficient sprinklers to avoid water waste.

Reduce pressure to reduce wasted water from spray sprinklers.

Do you have spray sprinklers? Most sprinkler nozzles have recommended operating pressures between 30 pounds per square inch (psi) and 45 psi, while water system pressure typically ranges from 40 to 80 psi.

Illustration showing impact of pressure on irrigation systems; the top (high pressure) system has one sprinkler head with a high stream of water that spreads far and releases mist into the air, a second with slightly less water and mist, and third with very little water coming out; the bottom illustration shows three sprinkler nozzles all releasing the same amount of water at an even level.
Irrigation system operating at high pressure (top) vs. an irrigation system with pressure regulation (bottom)
  • To help sprinklers function efficiently under high incoming pressures, you can install WaterSense-labeled spray sprinkler bodies at each sprinkler or install a pressure-regulating valve on the whole system.
  • The top image shows an irrigation system operating at high pressure. This can waste water due to high flow rates, misting, and uneven coverage, which can also negatively affect landscape health. 
  • The bottom image shows the benefits of pressure regulation using WaterSense-labeled spray sprinkler bodies: consistent flow, reduction in misting and overspray, and improved coverage. 

Switch to multistream rotating sprinklers.

Consider replacing standard spray heads with multistream rotators for up to 30 percent water savings.

Close up view of a mutlistream sprinkler head spraying water onto a green lawn with the water spraying out in multiple distinct sprays

Tip two: Start smart watering with a WaterSense-labeled controller.

Example of the WaterSense logo: a white circle reading WaterSense Meets EPA Criteria around a blue and green water drop.

Do you have an in-ground irrigation system with an old clock-timer controller? Consider replacing your old controller with a WaterSense-labeled smart controller. Smart controllers use local weather data or soil moisture measurements to automatically adjust how long and how often your irrigation system runs. Portland Water Bureau customers who install an approved WaterSense-labeled irrigation controller are eligible for rebates up to $100 for residential accounts and up to $500 for commercial or multifamily accounts. Limit one rebate per account.

Do it yourself or work with a pro.

A new smart controller must be wired correctly and programmed carefully to achieve water savings. If you’d rather hire a pro than do it yourself, the EPA’s WaterSense program certifies irrigation professionals who practice water‐efficient techniques. Find a WaterSense-certified irrigation professional in the Portland metro area.

Tip three: Sign up for the Weekly Watering Number.

text from a text message that reads: June 9-June 15: Your WWN is 0 inches this week. Different plants have different water needs. Here's what you need to do: regionalh20.org/wwn

Take the guesswork out of watering and sign up to receive a personalized Weekly Watering Number each week. The Weekly Watering Number can be used with any type of watering system you have. It takes just 15 minutes to measure how much water your system uses (don’t worry, this is a one-time thing!) and you'll be set to water efficiently all summer long.

Tip four: Get smart about watering the old-fashioned way.

Close up view of a handheld hose nozzle with multiple spray options and an on/off lever

Watering by hand can be a smart way to water too! If you use a hose to “hand water” plants, a self-closing hose nozzle is an easy way to keep water only where you need it. As an added benefit, these nozzles often provide multiple spray patterns such as shower, mist, and jet. The Portland Water Bureau offers FREE hose nozzles and other water-saving devices to customers.

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