So far this year we’ve been lucky when it comes to rainfall.
But I think we all know what lies ahead this summer. Last year’s complicated water
use restrictions targeted home landscapes (unfairly if you ask me) in an
attempt to conserve water. However, many decision makers now understand that
landscape irrigation (NOT TURF) represents a drop in the bucket when it comes
to water use. Proposed changes to the restrictions would allow irrigation of
landscape beds as water supplies become limited.
I’ve dabbled with lots of low volume irrigation systems with
varying degrees of success. For my money, permeable soaker hoses do a good job
of delivering water at a reasonable cost. They don’t work well on uneven
terrain (not much of a problem in Galveston) and they have to be replaced
periodically. But other than that I find they are very efficient - and can be
covered by mulch so they're barely visible.
Getting water to various locations in the landscape can be challenging
but PVC pipe is easy to work with, making irrigation plumbing a DIY project for
virtually anyone. In our sub-tropical climate we don’t even have to worry too
much about freezing and in some areas I barely have the pipe buried.
However – you do need a LICENSED PROFESSIONAL to tie in to
the water supply. They’ll install a back flow preventer to ensure you don’t
contaminate the water supply.
Lastly, controlling each irrigation zone use to mean running
wires from the timer to a solenoid valve. That can be a difficult task –
especially in an existing landscape where you have to work around plants and hardscape.
The advent of battery operated control valves (solenoids) has made this job
sooooo… much easier. They’re a little pricey ($40 last time I checked at HD)
but worth every penny.
NOTE: Most of these systems fit together using hose
connections. Hose thread is different from machine thread and if you attempt to
screw a hose fitting into a regular threaded PVC fitting it will leak – even with
Teflon tape. The DIY Centers have PVC slip to hose fittings in the irrigation section
NOT in the plumbing section with the rest of the PVC stuff. Go figure.
Regardless of the system you choose, in the end YOU are
responsible for its operation. Even the most efficient irrigation system can be
wasteful if not run and maintained properly. An irrigation system is not a
one-and-done setting operation. They have to be checked regularly and
adjustments made based on changes in water demand.
Use your irrigation system
wisely!!!
