We know what you’re thinking.
Smart Irrigation Month? What’s next, Iced Tea Month? (Actually, yes, that exists.) Or Horseradish Month? (Yes, that exists, too.)
SPU believes Smart Irrigation Month is one theme month worth paying attention to. The Irrigation Association launched Smart Irrigation Month in 2005 to increase public awareness of the value of efficient water use. It’s a great opportunity for all of us to learn more about using water wisely. Being water wise not only saves you money on your utility bill, it helps ensure that we’ll have enough water for future generations of people and wildlife.
How to participate
True to its name, the Smart Irrigation Month campaign is focused on efficient irrigation tools and practices, but even if you don’t have an irrigation system installed, there are plenty of ways to participate by practicing efficient water use in your yard and garden:
- Plant right: Keep your soil healthy to improve water penetration. Mulch well to reduce water evaporation. Consider planting “drought tolerant” plants that will thrive without irrigation after they are well established (first 1-3 years).
- Water wisely: Concrete doesn’t need water! Set sprinklers to water plants, not your driveway or sidewalk. Don’t water excessively and water during the evening or early morning hours to reduce evaporation.
- Invest in an irrigation system: An automated irrigation system can keep your lawn and landscape healthy while minimizing water use. Already have an irrigation system? The Saving Water Partnership (Seattle and participating water utilities) offers a $100 rebate for installing a smart irrigation timer.
Looking for more smart water use tips? Visit www.savingwater.org.