It’s that time of year again — Smart Irrigation Month!
Each July, we take time to spread awareness about smart irrigation and its benefits. We know what you’re thinking… We already have smartphones, smartwatches, robot vacuums that clean by themselves, and now there’s smart irrigation? What could possibly come next?
Well, as technology advances, companies continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of irrigation systems to reduce costs, water waste, and properly measure the soil’s nutrient contents. But Smart Irrigation Month is not only about the technology behind irrigation systems, it’s about educating people on the social, economic, and environmental benefits of smart irrigation.
This time around, we’re celebrating best practices and water-conserving technologies that aid in the health of global food production and sustainable landscapes. And don’t worry! You don’t have to be a farmer or agriculturist to participate in Smart Irrigation Month. There are many ways you can spread the word and support water conservation this month. ‘Water’ you waiting for? Let’s dive in!
Why Should You Care About Smart Irrigation?
As agribusinesses across the world begin to implement innovative technology into their daily operations, the smart irrigation market is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2025. Think about it. Farms all over the globe experience extreme weather conditions: heavy rains, tornadoes, hurricanes — you name it, they’ve experienced it.
So, how does this affect the life of an average person? 
Basically, these harsh conditions can make it difficult for some regions to grow quality crops, thus hindering the quality of food you buy at the grocery store. And no, we’re not just talking about squashed blackberries, we’re talking about nutrient-depleted blackberries. To combat the sometimes unkind weather, smart irrigation systems have highly advanced soil and weather sensors. These sensors measure the health of crops, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions about how to improve and protect the health of their cultivation. Basically, these sensors make sure the crops are getting the exact amount of water they need — not too little, and not too much.
For example, smart irrigation systems tailor watering schedules to automatically meet the needs of specific landscapes. Whether a farm is on top of a mountain, in a valley, or by the sea, smart irrigation systems optimize water usage so that no drop of water is wasted. A study by the Irrigation Association (IA) and the International Center for Water Technology at California State University in Fresno, proved that smart irrigation controllers save up to 20% more water than traditional irrigation controllers. Everyone can do their part, even those with an irrigation system for a small green roof should be thinking about their impact on water conservation.
Top 4 Smart Irrigation Tasks to Accomplish this Month
If you do have an irrigation system for your landscape, green roof, or farm, whether traditional or smart, take the time this month to check for areas that could use some improvement. Here are 4 tasks you can complete this month to check in on your current irrigation system:
-1.jpg?width=417&name=ecogardens-turning-your-roof-top-irrigation-on-2%20(1)-1.jpg)
1. Conduct an irrigation audit
First and foremost, it’s critical to check all of your irrigation equipment to make sure it’s working properly. A leaky pipe or faulty sensor can dramatically weaken your irrigation system. Also, don’t forget to check the water pressure. Low water pressure may be a sign your nozzles or spray heads are clogged.
2. Upgrade nozzles
Out with the old, in with the new nozzles! Older nozzles don’t offer the same benefits — like reducing water evaporation — as the latest models. If you don’t have it within your budget to upgrade your entire irrigation system, an alternative in the right direction would be to simply upgrade your nozzles.
3. Replace spray heads with drip irrigation
Ever hear the saying, “get to the root of the problem?” Well, with drip irrigation you actually can! Drip irrigation reduces evaporation and puts more water where it is needed most, directly at the roots.
4. Upgrade Your Irrigation System
If you notice a lot of issues with your current irrigation system, it may be time to upgrade. Here are some things to be on the lookout for:
- Clogged or obstructed sprinklers
- Excess runoff
- Valve leakage or failures
- Changes in water pressure
- Insufficient stormwater management
Our Ecogardens team helps our clients conduct an irrigation audit, pinpoint where nozzles can and should be replaced, and uncover areas where drip irrigation would be most beneficial. On top of it all, we provide a maintenance report specific to your irrigation system as to how to best improve it overall for better water conservation and cost savings.
We even have favorite irrigation products that we endorse. Interested to see which ones and how you can purchase them directly? Visit our sister company, Roof and Garden to explore and get a quote.
How Else Can You Participate in and Support Smart Irrigation Month?
Okay, so say you aren’t a farmer, agriculturist, or even have grass in your yard. There are still so many ways you can help spread the word about Smart Irrigation Month! One really easy way is to share posts on your social media using #SmartIrrigationMonth. Sharing helpful and educational information with your friends and family will help raise attention on the importance of smart irrigation systems.
Final Thoughts
While July is the month to celebrate and promote the benefits of smart irrigation, it’s not the only month we should talk about it. Smart irrigation is crucial to the success and livelihood of our country’s crops and food supply. In the U.S. alone, outdoor water usage for landscape irrigation averages 9 billion gallons per day! What’s crazy is that almost 50% of this water is wasted. Did that strike a bit of fury in you? Us too. This water waste is due to overwatering caused by inefficient traditional irrigation systems.
This July, and always, make sure to educate yourself, your friends, your neighbors, your acquaintances, the grocery store cashier — everyone, really — about the need for smart irrigation systems to conserve water. If you’re interested in upgrading your traditional irrigation system to a smart irrigation system, reach out to our team of experts for a consultation. We cannot wait to save the world with you, one drop of water at a time.
