So what can we do to help?

According to the City of Bend Utility Department, landscape irrigation increases their water production five times the regular amount. That's an increase from 5 million gallons of water per day, to 26 million gallons of water per day.

That's a serious amount of clean drinking water, just to keep our landscapes lush! Especially in the face of a drought.

But the good news is, there are many steps we can take to ensure we are utilizing this precious resource as mindfully as possible.

Don't forget, underground irrigation is in no way a "set it and forget it" system. Things get bumped out of adjustment and broken regularly, so it's important to get eyes on the system regularly to ensure everything is operating as efficiently as possible. According to the EPA, one broken sprinkler head can waste 25,000 gallons of water in six months, and a leak as small as the tip of a pen can waste 6,300 gallons of water per month.

The sprinkler heads and nozzles we utilize on the systems we design are made with unique, multi-trajectory rotating streams that deliver water at a steady rate, with pressure regulated evenly at every single head. This allows the water to soak in at a rate that the soil can fully absorb it, without loss due to evaporation or wind. It also ensures all areas are getting equal amounts of water, rather than the first heads on the line getting more than the last heads. This can create water savings of up to 30% compared to standard heads, and results in an incredibly healthy landscape!

Irrigating this type of plant material is vastly more water conscious. We have been able to install completely hidden, highly efficient, and low maintenance irrigation systems for lush gardens and xeriscapes all over town. We love the opportunity to help home owners make the shift!