Irrigation System Installation

It can be frustrating to put a lot of work into creating a beautiful lawn only to have a period of drought come along and partially or completely undo your efforts. Even if it will ultimately survive, no one wants to watch their lawn turn dry and brown.

Depending on the level of the Water Conservation Plan that is currently in effect, you may be able to water your lawn during specific periods, but when the window for doing so is early in the morning, it may be inconvenient or even impossible for some homeowners to take advantage, due to work or other considerations. They may even simply not want to get up early to perform a manual watering.

Using a timer for mechanical watering is an option, but again, the watering restrictions need to be followed, generally signifying that it can only be done once per week. While a good weekly soaking can help your lawn survive a drought, certain types of grass are more drought resistant than others. If your lawn is more susceptible to damage from long dry periods, it may need supplemental watering, such as that provided by rainwater collection and irrigation systems.

Rainwater Harvesting

For centuries, if not millennia, people have been harvesting rainwater for purposes that include drinking, irrigation, and other non-potable uses. Today, increasing numbers of homeowners are once again seeing the advantages of collecting rainwater. Simple harvesters may use rain barrels, retention ponds, or trenches, while more complex harvesters can include rooftop and surface collection systems that connect to storage tanks. This water can then be put to use for irrigation of your lawn and garden.

Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting

The primary advantage of a rainwater storage tank and irrigation system is that it is a sustainable practice that virtually anyone can implement. It is an environmentally responsible means of meeting your irrigation needs and reducing your dependency on the municipal water supply. After the initial cost of installing the collection system, the water you use is provided free of charge by Mother Nature. Additionally, there are several other benefits:
Harvesting rainwater will reduce the demand for water during peak consumption periods.

Rainwater can be used primarily as an irrigation source, but also may serve as a backup water supply in certain emergency situations.

By using rainwater over tap water that has been treated by municipal systems, it reduces the energy cost for water treatment plants and pumping stations, as well as fossil fuel use by the machines that repair sewer and water lines.
Collecting rainwater can reduce stormwater runoff that could otherwise stay on the surface and sweep pesticides, fertilizers, and sediment into water catchment areas.

Rainwater harvesting may help to limit other harmful effects of stormwater runoff such as flooding and erosion.
Rainwater is more nourishing for plants because its slight acidity helps plants absorb nutrients in the soil, it’s low in calcium and magnesium, it’s free from treatment chemicals, and it is a source of the nitrates that help plants grow.