The word ‘audit’ has a negative connotation this time of year, and evokes feelings of stress, aggravation and hassle. But there is one type of audit you can receive this spring that doesn’t include a visit from an IRS representative—a water saving audit!
Water restrictions are a fact of life in many local townships and boroughs during the summer months. Water companies increase rates annually, and with the lack of snowmelt this year we can’t expect this summer to be any different. Even if you’re one of the few who has a private well, it is in your best interest to protect ever last drop when things start to heat up. A water audit performed by an irrigation professional can help you cope with summer drought and the increasing regulations that will soon come into effect.
During this visit, a few important steps are taken to ensure that your irrigation system is running as efficiently as possible. First, sprinklers will be evaluated to make certain that no water is being wasted. This is especially important for those properties with older systems that may be leaking and in need of repair. Further, your sprinklers might be using outdated equipment to detect moisture levels, so new sensors that identify rain, soil moisture, and water flow can be installed to make sure that your system is responding acutely to changes in weather. In some cases, scaling back water use is as easy as replacing old hardware with more efficient nozzles and heads—a quick and inexpensive fix that could save you a bundle on your water bill.
A little common sense can go a long way when trying to conserve water, and your irrigation specialist will also help you assess the different water needs of your lawn, plantings and flower beds. You might find that you are overwatering an area of your property without even knowing it, so taking this step is crucial in managing both water and costs. If you’re looking to make improvements on an existing system or are designing a new one, consider using Drip System technology, which will decrease the percentage of water that evaporates and distributes water directly to the roots.
By receiving a water saving audit and making these simple adjustments to your sprinklers, you could reduce the cost of operating your system anywhere from 5% to 30%. While you may be inclined to do-it-yourself, it may be well worth leaving to the irrigation professionals if your water bill remains higher than it should be.