Having a healthy and functional (and desert friendly) landscape is about making smart horticultural and irrigation decisions. Burqueños know that water conservation is a way of life — and an important responsibility in this beautiful high-desert region. By working together, we can continue to ensure a reliable water supply and keep Albuquerque landscapes colorful and beautiful.
Watering your yard efficiently is one of the best and easiest ways to conserve water. More importantly, proper watering will keep your plants healthy throughout the year. The trick is to give your plants enough water – but not too much.. Fortunately, improvements in irrigation system technology are making it easier to do just that – and the Water Authority is rolling out new rebates in April to help you add the latest in irrigation tech:
WaterSense Smart Irrigation Controllers
WaterSense-labeled controllers allow watering schedules to better match plants’ water needs.
A WaterSense labeled controller can automatically or manually reduce watering times or the number of days when the system operates. That means less water is delivered to the plants during cooler months or when it has rained recently. As outdoor temperatures increase or rainfall decreases, WaterSense labeled controllers increase irrigation systems’ watering run times or schedule to compensate. Some of these controllers are equipped with smartphone friendly irrigation technology that allows the user to set watering times remotely. Replacing a standard irrigation timer with a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller can save up to 30% in outdoor watering. Customers can choose from a list of pre-qualified controllers.
Smart Water Application Technology Irrigation Flow Sensors
Irrigation flow sensors measure the speed at which water travels through an irrigation system and sends that information to the Smart Irrigation Controller. This helps detect issues and conserves water. For example, if water is flowing at an unusually high rate (because of a line break or broken sprinkler), a flow sensor works with the controller to take corrective action. Such action could include stopping the water flow or sending alert messages to your device. Additionally, some flow sensors can quantify how much water is used in a landscape, making it easier to stick to a landscape water budget.
Smart Water Application Technology Pressure Regulators
Pressure regulation devices increase the efficiency and performance of your sprinkler and drip system by reducing the water pressure to a set, optimal rate. This is important to improve water distribution uniformity and avoid underwatering or overwatering. The three most common pressure regulating devices are pressure reducing valves, flow control valves and pressure sustaining valves.
WaterSense Pressure Regulating Spray Sprinkler Bodies
These devices provide pressure regulation at each individual spray head. The sprinkler body is the exterior shell that connects to the irrigation system piping and houses the spray nozzle that applies water on the landscape. WaterSense labeled spray sprinkler bodies with internal pressure regulation can reduce water waste by providing a consistent flow at the sprinkler nozzle. When the sprinkler body maintains pressure near its optimal operating pressure, the connected nozzle is better able to generate the right amount of water spray and coverage for more uniform distribution of water across the landscape. Customers can choose from a list of pre-qualified spray sprinkler bodies.
