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(NAPSI)-Water efficiency plays an important
role in protecting water sources and improving water quality. By using water
wisely, you can save money and help protect the environment-this includes
making efficient use of the water you use to keep your landscape healthy and
beautiful! Efficient water use in the landscape will lower water bills,
conserve natural resources, preserve natural habitats, decrease energy use,
extend the life of the nation's water resources infrastructure, and provide
many more benefits.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) offers a number of tips to help save water in your yard. A key factor
to efficient landscape water use is choosing the right timer for your
irrigation system. Several important timer features to look for are:
• Multiple, independent programs allow
watering different areas of the yard on different days.
• Station run times determine how long an
area will be watered. This is especially useful for watering different types
of landscaping (turf versus trees) with different methods (sprinkler versus
drip).
• Rain shut-off device capability permits
attaching a shut-off device (purchased separately) which is used to
automatically stop watering when it rains.
Recently a whole new generation of
controllers has been gaining popularity. Evapotranspiration controllers,
called ET controllers, automatically change watering schedules based upon
past or historic climate conditions for a given region. The ET controller
removes the burden of deciding the best watering schedule from the
homeowner.
Other ways to save water in the landscape
include:
- Grouping plants according to their water
needs.
- Using native and low-water-use plants.
- Limiting turf areas to those needed for
practical uses.
- Making sure the soil is healthy.
- Remembering to mulch.
Learn more about irrigation timers, using
water wisely in the yard and the home, and other important water efficiency
topics by visiting EPA's water efficiency
website. Be kind to the earth and to your pocketbook-use water wisely.
You'll be glad you did! |
