Irrigation Efficiency

Dr. Dotty WoodsonExtension Program Specialist – Water Resources

Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Irrigation Efficiency

• Residential and commercial landscapes use more than 25 percent of the total water consumption in urban areas of Texas.

• Water usage increases 25 to 60% during the summer.

• Rain and Freeze Sensors

• How Often?

• How Long?

• When?

Irrigation Efficiency

Irrigation Efficiency BMPs• Water only when required. Only judge water requirements in the

morning.

• Water deeply to promote deep roots and healthy turf. An inch of water will generally penetrate the soil to a depth of six inches.

• Water slowly for better absorption. Use drip or soaker hoses wherever possible.

• Never water on windy days.

• Water early in the morning to reduce wasteful evaporation.

• Mulch flower, groundcover, garden and shrub areas two to three times a year.

• Water newly planted flowers, shrubs and trees individually.

• Water without creating runoff.

• Audit irrigation system 1 or 2 times a year.

Irrigation Efficiency

Irrigation Efficiency

Irrigation Audit

• Check every sprinkler head

• Make any repairs• Run system with

catchment cans• Correct any poor

distribution• Time how long each

station needs to run• Set controller

Use Drip Irrigation90% Efficient

• Shrubs areas

• Flower beds

• Vegetable Garden

• Groundcover areas

Drip Irrigation

Dr. Dotty WoodsonExtension Program Specialist- Water Resources

Texas AgriLife Extension17360 Coit RoadDallas, Texas 75252972-952-9688D-woodson@tamu.edu