IDAHO PROCLAIMS JULY "SMART IRRIGATION" MONTH
Governor Butch Otter has proclaimed July 2013 as Smart Irrigation Month for the state of Idaho.
This is the first year that Idaho has recognized Smart Irrigation Month, an Irrigation Association initiative that began in 2005.
Idaho is celebrating Smart Irrigation Month by supporting efforts to provide all water users with information and tools on how they can save money on water and energy costs, enhance plant health, and reduce run-off.
Focused on July, traditionally the month of peak demand for outdoor water use, Smart Irrigation Month is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the value of water-use efficiency, water saving products, practices and services. It is intended to:
* Educate homeowners, businesses, growers and other water users about simple ways to save money and water.
* Encourage industry firms and professionals to promote smart irrigation practices and
technologies to customers.
* Help water providers minimize peak water use and reduce demands on infrastructure on their communities.
* Reinforce the role efficient irrigation plays in providing real solutions to today's water
challenges.
* Help protect community water supplies for today and the future.
Property owners and managers typically over-water up to 50%, unintentionally wasting money every time they take out the hose or turn on an irrigation controller. Results from the use of "Smart Watering" technologies and practices can be achieved by:
* Installing irrigation products that use "real-time" weather data and soil moisture
conditions to automatically adjust watering to meet plant needs.
* Reducing run-off by using controllers and nozzles capable of applying water at the
correct soil infiltration rate.
* Helping water users program automatic controllers to maximize their efficiency.
* Using sub-surface, low volume, and drip irrigation to precisely apply very small amounts of water to turf, gardens, trees and shrubs, minimizing evaporation.
* Retrofitting existing systems with rain sensors that prevent watering during rain events.
* Auditing irrigation systems and making the necessary adjustments to ensure that water is being applied effectively.
* Helping customers plant and maintain low water landscapes that will thrive in their climate and site conditions.
All industry professionals and businesses are encouraged to participate in Smart Irrigation Month. This is an initiative of the Irrigation Association, a non-profit industry organization dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation. Visit Our Smart Irrigation Page to learn more.
click here to view the signed proclamation.