July Is Smart Irrigation Month and Inland Empire Utility Agency is Celebrating

Beginning in 2005, the Irrigation Association® has celebrated the month of July as Smart Irrigation Month to promote the social, economic and environmental benefits of efficient irrigation technologies, products and services in landscape, turf and agricultural irrigation. Chino-based Inland Empire Utility Agency (IEUA) is joining in the celebration for the second year through a public outreach campaign to teach the community about the importance of applying efficient water practices outdoors through simple tips and advanced water technology.

“Up to 60 to 70 percent of the average household water use is for irrigation purposes. Poor irrigation system design or incorrect installation and maintenance can lead to runoff and overwatering,” said IEUA Board President Paul Hofer. “Smart irrigation is essential for every home’s landscape as it significantly reduces the amount of water wasted outside of the home.”

To help celebrate Smart Irrigation Month, IEUA will be giving away free hose nozzles to residents within the Agency’s service area – Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland. The agency will also be giving away water saving kits to those people who follow them on their social media channel(s) @IEUAwater as an added incentive. The nozzles are limited to two per household and the water saving kits are limited to one per household through the month of July while supplies last.

IEUA recommends the following important tip for use throughout the year:

• Water responsibly by checking your city’s/water district’s ordinances that may 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 look for, detect and repair all leaks.
• Install high efficiency sprinkler nozzles, drip irrigation or moisture sensor systems on irrigation systems.
• 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.

Additional tips on efficient irrigation, rebates and resources can be found by visiting: www.ieua.org.

“It is timely that Smart Irrigation Month is in July when temperatures start to rise dramatically,” said Hofer. “The more awareness and education that is available, the more water-saving techniques are utilized, thus preserving our region’s water supply.”