IEUA Recognizes July as Smart Irrigation Month

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) celebrates July as Smart Irrigation Month. The Irrigation Association® started this public outreach campaign in 2005 to educate the public on the importance of efficient outdoor water-use by implementing simple practices and utilizing innovative, efficient irrigation tools.

Throughout the month of July, IEUA will be promoting water-use efficiency programs and residential rebates that are offered year-round. In addition to highlighting these programs, the Agency will be posting and resharing smart irrigation tips on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

“The goal is to encourage our communities to be more mindful of water usage throughout the warmer season,” said IEUA Board President Kati Parker. “Smart Irrigation Month provides an opportunity to generate awareness of water-wise habits for efficient irrigation that will help us preserve our region’s water supply for today and for the future.”

Smart Irrigation Month is recognized in July as it is typically the month of peak demand for outdoor water use. An inefficient irrigation system on a residential property can cause runoff and overwatering, wasting as much as 50 percent of the water used outdoors.

“Smart irrigation significantly reduces the amount of water wasted outdoors and is part of the solution to today’s water challenges,” continued Parker.

Homeowners commonly overwater lawns and landscapes by up to 30 percent. IEUA recommends following these simple tips to save water and irrigate efficiently this summer:

• Water responsibly by checking your city’s/water district’s ordinances that can include restrictions on watering schedules and water waste.
• Only water your landscape a few minutes at a time while checking for run-off.
• Be sure to detect and repair all leaks.
• Install high efficiency sprinkler nozzles, drip irrigation or moisture sensor systems on irrigation systems (rebates available).
• Hydrozone by dividing your yard into zones and grouping plants with similar water needs together.
• Consider replacing your existing irrigation controller with a Smart Controller. Smart Controllers save water by automatically adjusting to changes in the weather and the needs of your landscape, and account for plant types, soil conditions, location, climate, and other landscape conditions (rebates available).

For more tips on efficient irrigation, rebates and resources visit www.ieua.org.