Water Conservationists Encourage Residents To Update Sprinkler Systems

<p>Winter is coming, and you can take steps to prepare early by using less water on your lawn.</p>

Friday, October 28th 2016, 3:54 pm

By: News 9


Winter is coming, and you can take steps to prepare early by using less water on your lawn.

The days of old watering systems are coming to an end. Now there are plenty of options for you to save water and money, with the tap of a button.

Water conservationists with Oklahoma City are on a mission to educate citizens about smart irrigation systems. This year they have visited 25 neighborhoods to assess how homeowners are using their sprinklers. Although even/odd day scheduling has been in effect for two years, water conservation coordinator Robert Reaves said, “We figured up if these people made all these schedule changes and made repairs, these 25 HOAs could have saved about 10 million gallons of water.”

Reaves and his OSU extension associate Josh Campbell say as with any other industry, technology is the wave of the future. New irrigation systems will program sprinklers automatically using current weather forecasts and moisture in the ground.

They say right now is the perfect time to make the switch. Campbell pointed out, “Bermuda grass, being a warm season grass, is going to start going into dormancy.”

“There’s no need to be watering a lot right now,” added Reaves. “Cut your watering at least by half.”

Many of the new systems can even be controlled from your smart phone, using apps. Reaves showed off his, saying, “It’s got the temperature. It’s got a look-ahead forecast and it’s got my watering schedule, each one of my zones.”

In October, Reaves was able to use a quarter of the water he did during the summer months.

The systems range in price from about $100 to $250, but the investment will save you money on your utility bill while conserving a precious resource for our growing community. Campbell said, “If you care about your community and you care about our natural resources, then being conscious with how you use water just makes sense.”

The conservationists say the best way to find the right watering system is to compare prices and reviews online. Just look for the EPA WaterSense logo. You can also find useful tips on the city site squeezeeverydrop.com

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