Irrigation Impacts - Protecting our Water Supply Infrastructure
In recent summers, the CRD's water system has struggled with sudden spikes in demand when many irrigation systems start simultaneously, typically at 4:00am, 5:00am and 6:00am on lawn watering days. These rapid increases can double water use instantly, straining the systems ability to maintain flow, pressure, and water quality.
The water system needs more automatic/timed irrigation systems to start between 12:00 am to 4:00 am. To help alleviate this issue, CRD added a new lawn watering time (12:01am-10:00am) to the Water Conservation Bylaw No. 4099 for timed irrigation systems only.
You can learn more by watching the video below, or by checking out our Peak Demand Information Sheet [PDF/261KB].
Here are three easy ways you can help protect our water supply infrastructure:
- Switch to the new overnight lawn watering schedule for timed irrigation systems. Aim for your system to start between 12:00am and 3:00am.
- Stagger your irrigation system start time off the top of the hour to reduce the instantaneous demand. Pick a random time like 2:23, 1:41, 3:12.
- If you can, water flowers, veggies, trees and shrubs on non-lawn watering days. The watering schedule days only apply to lawns!
Healthy Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a strong lawn and garden. Soil organisms break down organic matter like mulch and compost, recycling nutrients back into the soil. This creates good soil structure, allowing air, water, and roots to thrive. Starting with healthy soil saves time, money, and water while leading to healthier plants.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rain barrels capture water from a roof through the downspouts of your eaves troughs and hold it for later use such as on lawns, gardens or indoor plants. Collecting roof runoff in rain barrels reduces the amount of water that flows from your property. Collecting rainwater can mean hundreds of litres of free water you can use in your garden every year, for only a small investment of time and materials.
Lawn Care
Water use increases by about 44% in the summer months, primarily due to outdoor watering. Help reduce water use in the driest parts of the year by reevaluating your lawn care practices.
Follow these tips to manage the water your lawn uses wisely.
Efficient Irrigation
Irrigation systems are great for maintaining a healthy lawn and garden, but if they're not properly maintained, they can waste a lot of water. In fact, up to 50% of home irrigation water is lost due to evaporation, runoff, overwatering, leaks, and poor system design, installation, or upkeep.
Identifying Leaks in an Irrigation System
If you notice areas of your lawn that are always wet, have puddles or show signs of erosion, you may have a leak in your system. Test your system annually, in the daylight, to see if there are leaky heads or hoses that need to be fixed.
Check out the videos below to learn more about irrigation system leaks:
Irrigation System Maintenance
In the spring, check your irrigation system and garden hoses for thin slits from frost or freezing. Regularly check sprinkler heads (at least monthly) to ensure they are adjusted to spray appropriate landscape areas and are not clogged or malfunctioning. Have your irrigation system checked by a contractor at least once every year.
Before winter, flush your irrigation system to make sure no water will freeze in the system, causing cracks in pipes and sprinklers. Before spring, inspect the system and check for leaks and clogs that may have happened over the winter.
Reduce water waste by adjusting irrigation systems and/or sprinklers so that water does not run down the driveway, sidewalks or street. Regularly check sprinkler heads to ensure they are in good working condition and pointing in the right direction.
Check out the following two videos to learn more about winter and spring irrigation system maintenance:
Scheduling Irrigation Systems
Scheduling is the process of applying the correct amount of water at the right time. The largest loss of plant materials and the overuse of water is the direct result of improper irrigation scheduling. The biggest problem is watering too frequently. Proper irrigation scheduling is the key to efficient water use and helps to protect our drinking water distribution system.
As well, ensure that your schedule aligns with the CRD watering schedule, in effect each year from May 1 to September 30.
Check out our to learn more about irrigation system scheduling:
Choosing an Irrigation System
There are two main types of irrigation systems: micro/drip and in-ground.
- If you have a large lawn, an in-ground system might be the best choice.
- If most of your yard is landscaped with plants like bushes, shrubs, or garden beds, a micro-drip system could work better.
- For yards with both a large lawn and a significant landscaped area, a combination of both systems may be ideal.