When
it comes to irrigation, drip is one of the most effective and efficient ways to
water. It helps deliver water directly to the target, with very little
waste. What a great new idea, right? Great idea? Most
definitely! New? Not really.
Drip
irrigation dates all the way back to 1866. In Afghanistan, researchers began
experimenting with drip using clay pipe in irrigation and drainage
systems. The theory of targeted watering was brought to the United States
when, in 1920, water was successfully applied to plant root zones without
raising the water table. Modern-day drip systems have become much more
sophisticated and efficient but utilize many of the same, original principals.
A
properly designed and operating drip irrigation system can save up to 80% in water usage, in comparison to other
irrigation methods. This savings comes from the ability of drip to
deliver water directly to the root zone, coupled with a very low evaporation
rate. Basically, it allows you to put the water “where it’s needed” in the
“amount needed”. Pretty cool stuff!
In
addition to water savings, installing a drip system may also qualify for a tax
credit or rebate on your water bill. In areas, such as the San Lorenzo Valley Water District , installing drip irrigation can earn
homeowners up to $500.00 in water bill credit.
Another
consideration is the ongoing water restrictions many of us are facing across
the country. While many businesses and homeowners struggle to keep their
landscape investments alive under ever-increasing water rationing, drip can be
a very real solution. Numerous city governments are providing drip
irrigation exemptions. The City of Plano , a large Texas suburb, allows drip
watering during Stage 1, 2 and 3 of their drought contingency plan.
You’re certainly not a drip if your landscape is alive and your neighbor’s is
not!
While
drip can be a serious tool in your sustainability toolkit, there are some
special considerations. It is imperative that drip systems be properly
designed. Since drip delivers its water payload directly to the plant
root zone, the tubing must placed correctly within the landscape. Poorly
designed or installed systems can result in too little or too much water being
applied. Additionally, drip systems operate utilizing lower water
pressures and require low or pressure regulating control valves. It’s
also important to consider the water source and type of filtration which is
needed. Even small impurities, within the water supply, can derail a drip
system. Therefore, proper filtration is critical. Finally, as opposed to
standard irrigation systems which operate in terms of “gallons per minute”,
drip zones are measured in “gallons per hour”. System controls and programs
must be able to address these increased application times.
The
days of being able to just add more water to solve a landscape problem is
over. Water is a finite resource and expensive resource. Drip
systems can help make the most of this costly and precious commodity. I
think Leonardo De Vinci may have said it best, “Water is the driving force
of all nature”. Drip irrigation can help bring this force into
focus.
Contributed by Mark Hopkins, National Sales
Operations/Texas Regional Sales Leader, ValleyCrest Landscape Companies.
