March 22, 2012 was World Water Day. Let's not allow this day to pass us by this year without encouraging each of us to ask ourselves what we can do differently to help conserve our beautiful resource. With summer quickly approaching it is important that everyone does their part in water conservation. As soon as the grass and gardens start "asking" us for water until the end of the landscape season, on average, BC residents water consumption will increase by 50% and even as high as 60% compared to the winter months.

Here are a few facts and tips from livingwatersmart.ca for homeowners and commercial property owners when it comes to maintaining your lawns and gardens this summer.  The more aware we become of the 'little' things, the bigger the difference will be.

• A standard garden hose running can use and potentially waste up to 600L of water per hour
• A lawn only needs 25mm or an inch of water INCLUDING rainfall per week
• Watering less frequently and for less time, promotes deeper, healthier roots - "strive to survive"
• 70-80% of all plant problems in the garden are caused by improper water delivery
• It's much better to water gardens and lawns early in the morning when it is cool (less water evaporates) and the winds are calm
• Watch out for drips — keep your outdoor taps in good shape. A single dripping tap can waste an OBSURD amount of water in a year!
• A poorly designed/installed/maintained irrigation system can easily waste water each cycle (watering the sidewalk, over-watering, watering during rain)
• A well designed/installed/maintained irrigation system can reduce water waste by 20% per season - an irrigation system with a rain sensor installed will reduce your water consumption considerably more while preventing your lawn from drowning.  A rain sensor is a huge asset and should be mandatory with every irrigation install.  It will pay for itself in a single season.

Wishing everyone a green and sunny summer!

Todd Botham
TBI Irrigation