As in every other sector, the technology surrounding irrigation systems has advanced significantly in recent years, particularly with regard to the engineering of the delivery systems themselves and the automated nature of the controls being used.
As an irrigation pump contractor and irrigation systems specialist, we’ve got years of experience in both the art and the science of getting water from where nature happens to have left it, to where property owners and businesses need it to be. This is our job of course, and we love it. However, we must admit it’s a particularly tricky job in Florida, thanks to a range of factors which include the climate, the plant life and the nature of the irrigation systems which many people are currently depending upon.
It’s easier and more affordable than it’s ever been for businesses and communities alike to ensure that they’re surrounded by lush green vegetation, vibrant plant life and perfectly manicured lawns 12 months of the year. That’s not to say that there aren’t difficult issues which any irrigation pump contractor will have to deal with but we thought you’d be interested in some of the insights we have into getting the most out of an irrigation system.
To put it as simply as possible – different plants need different levels of watering at different times, and this is particularly true in Florida, where even relatively small areas might include a mix of trees, tropical plants, flowering bushes and lawns. A generalized irrigation system which waters at the same level across different types of plant life will over water some, underwater others and generally fail to deliver the exact level of hydration needed for maximum effectiveness. The solution will involve having sprinkler heads adjusted to deliver varying amounts of water and, more generally, to invest in the most up to date automated control program to fine-tune the time and scale of water delivery.
It may be known as the sunshine state, but Florida is often hit by highly changeable weather patterns. In practice, this means that the summer months, in some parts of the state, can be hit by sudden very heavy rainstorms. A study by the Florida State University found that ‘torrential’ rain - defined as more than three inches falling in a single day – accounted for approximately 10% of all the rain that falls on the state, and is particularly prevalent in coastal regions. Trying to second guess when a sudden downfall might occur is difficult on an individual basis, but an smart irrigation control system will utilize data such as readings from rain and wind sensors in order to make adjustments to irrigation levels instantly, making allowances for current and temporary weather conditions in order to save water and avoid over-watering.
Likewise, protection from, and warnings about electrical events during storms is another advantage offered by modern systems. This not only reduces worry about equipment damage but play a huge part in ensuring economical use of water and energy.
It would be nice if an automated irrigation system could be designed, installed and then left to its own devices. As irrigation system specialists, we know how important it is to get the design and installation of the system just right, but we also recognize the need to remain vigilant from installation onward, and to be aware of the kind of issues which can impact on the efficient operation of the system. Smart irrigation technologies like Flowguard can help you avoid problems and give you control over the delivery but vigilance is still the key. A fully-managed irrigation solution is an option you should consider if you want to make the most of your system and keep a close eye on its operational efficiency.
Major weather events aside, there are some potential hazards in everyday life that can be mitigated with a little awareness and understanding:
One of the downsides of keeping a lawn well-watered is that it has to be mowed regularly, and without taking precautions you might find your expertly positioned and calibrated sprinkler heads being destroyed or damaged by the blades of a mower. Possible solutions to this recurring problem include placing your sprinkler heads lower in the ground and installing swing joints. These are flexible joints which mean that, when a mower or tractor rolls over the sprinkler head, it shifts down and out of the way, protecting it from further damage.
The natural habitat your irrigation system is helping to maintain doesn’t just look fantastic, it offers a home to all sorts of wildlife. The bad news is that some of this wildlife likes to burrow underground and thinks nothing of gnawing through any irrigation pipes that get in the way. These could include moles, rats, skunks and racoons, and the solution depends upon the scale of the problem. If you’re dealing with just a couple of mice or chipmunks gnawing into the control box of your system, for example, you could simply block the holes with wire wool and install additional screening. A larger infestation, however, might mean you have to call on the services of a professional pest controller.
It’s pretty much impossible to avoid some dirt and debris making its way into an irrigation system, particularly when it is being installed. Once there, however, it can build to create blockages and undermine the efficiency of the system, wasting water and running up higher energy costs for irrigation. Initially, your irrigation pump contractor should flush the whole system through with water before connecting any sprinkler heads, and the flushing process should be repeated on a regular basis to prevent any build-up of material.
One over-arching principle which should help to keep your irrigation system operating to maximum efficiency is to create a regular maintenance plan with your irrigation company, rather than simply waiting for something to go wrong. Checking the system from top to bottom on a regular basis will enable you to spot issues before they escalate into severe problems. By the time a leak becomes apparent, for example, it might have wasted hundreds if not thousands of gallons of water, whereas a regular maintenance sweep could have picked it up at a much earlier stage.
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