Evapotranspiration -- sounds complex, but what it simply means is the amount of water that evaporates from the soil PLUS the amount of water that evaporates (transpires) through the leaves of the plants.

Evapotranspiration is a simple concept that can save you money when it is applied to landscape irrigation.
 

"The beautiful thing about this type of controller is that it can adjust the amount of water without human interaction."
 

Evapotranspiration controllers, or ET controllers use a simple weather sensor to adjust the amount of water applied to your landscape based on weather conditions.  The beautiful thing about this type of controller is that it can adjust the amount of water without human interaction. 

Since we are all undoubtedly concerned these days with achieving optimum water efficiency with our sprinkler systems, the move towards ET controllers is a wise one.  A certified professional can design, install and maintain our system to ensure optimal efficiency.  Ask your irrigation professional about an ET controller for your sprinkiler system. 

The Irrigation Association has studied the developments of these ET controllers, also called "smart water" application technologies.



Did You Know?

Lawn watering uses nearly half of the water around most homes.

The Irrigation Association is educating irrigation professionals and the public with some sensible programs and promotions for water efficient products and services.

The first of these, called WaterSense, is a voluntary public-private partnership program sponsored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  Its mission is to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by promoting and enhancing the market for more water-efficient products and services. 

WaterSense recommends these simple methods of saving water: 

For Lawns & Landscapes: 
     • Water lawns and gardens during the coolest part of the day, such as early morning, when there's less evaporation
     • Set Sprinklers to ensure they’re watering grass and plants, not getting on the street or sidewalk
     • Use soaker hoses or trickle irrigation systems for trees and shrubs

Use Your Appliances Wisely:
     • Wash only Full Loads
     • Scrape off dishes before loading into the dishwasher, don’t rinse them
     • Replace old washers with Energy Star qualified appliances that use less water

Replace Leaky Toilets:
     • Use high-efficiency models that use less than 1.3 gallons per flush

Conserve Drinking Water:
     • Keep cold water in the refrigerator don’t run water out of tap until it is cold
     • If you can, use left over water for other projects such as watering plants or cleaning

Consult an irrigation professional who is certified through a WaterSense program.  A certified professional can design, install and most of all, maintain your system to ensure optimal efficiency.

At the present time there is a need in the irrigation industry for irrigation professionals to become certified in auditing in order to help conserve water.  This gives your irrigation contractor the knowledge needed to inform you and to utilize the types of water-saving technology such as weather-based irrigation controllers and moisture sensors, available for your outdoor watering system. 

Another example of this technology is the climate or soil moisture sensor-based ‘smart” controllers which evaluate weather and soil moisture conditions.  These controllers then calculate and automatically adjust the irrigation schedule to meet the specific needs of your landscape.  

Robert Boyle (RB) of RB Irrigation states that “using these types of controllers has dramatically reduced unnecessary water consumption”. 

For any WaterSense questions, contact Robert at #516-987-6637,

or at RB@RBIrrigation.net. 

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, your irrigation professional should conduct regular checks and maintenance of your system to ensure on-going water efficiency.