Water-Efficient, Cost-Effective Irrigation
Lisa Maturo, author and Dixie Speck, editor
 Now that the drought is over, Atlanta is once again approving and installing separate water meters for irrigation use upon permit request and payment. The benefit of an irrigation water meter is that you do not have to pay wastewater treatment fees on water used for irrigation. Keep in mind that Atlanta has already approved annual water rate increases through June 30, 2012. Irrigation meter installation costs (parts & labor) range from $1800-$2500, depending on whether the system needs an RPZ backflow preventer and rain sensor to comply with county code. The breakeven point, where the costs equal the water bill savings, is 16-21 months. Why are we mentioning this now? It can take a few months from the time a permit is submitted until the new meter is actually installed and connected to your irrigation system.
Homeowners can request an irrigation water meter at the Dept. of Watershed Management Meter Applications Department (in person) at City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue, S.W., Suite 1650 (Mon-Fri 8:15 am - 4:45 pm). A no-charge backflow inspection is required for a new irrigation water meter installation. Solterra can install the required backflow preventer. Contact Solterra if you would like us to help you get an irrigation water meter installed.
Other Ways to Save Water and Money:
- A properly installed rain sensor can turn off the irrigation system during rain periods.
- To reduce water usage, separate plants with different watering needs onto different irrigation zones. Flowers and seasonal color beds need more frequent water than shrubs. Turf watering can be optimized when it is on a separate irrigation zone from shrubs and flowers.
- Adjust irrigation schedules to shorter durations and lower frequency during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring. SolTerra Landscape can make these adjustments for you.
- Watering during the cooler parts of the day (early morning is best) reduces water lost to evaporation, and gives plants time to absorb the water before the hot part of the day.
- Mulch slows evaporation and shades roots. It is recommended to mulch to a depth of 2-3 inches.
References:
www.Atlantawatershed.org
www.atlantaga.gov/
Atlanta water meter application form:
http://www.atlantawatershed.org/Custsrv/newmetr.htm
Interviews:
Dept. of Watershed Management 404-330-6081 secretary,
Byron Painter, Plumbing Division Director, Bureau of Buildings
Danny Friend, Backflow Division Director, Bureau of Drinking Water
|
Solterra featured in PLANET Advantage
PLANET is a national landscaping business organization
 Did you know? Solterra owner Dixie Speck worked for 12 years as an electrical engineer before starting a design/build landscaping company.
Dixie was featured in Fall 2009 issue of PLANET Advantage in the article about rewarding second careers.
A quote from the article about how Dixie's unique expertise has led to more exposure for Solterra.
"New company owners have to work hard to get their name in front of perspective customers. One of Speck's strategies was to gain exposure through various media outlets. She has appeared as a guest designer for several episodes of HGTV's "Landscape Solutions," "Good Day Atlanta," and on numerous radio programs. She is also an expert resource for Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine. Speck has provided classes on landscape design for Emory University's Continuing Education Program and is regularly asked to speak at garden clubs
and industry events."
|
