Changes, add-ons and upgrades

WOW!! After record high temps in March, snow every weekend in April, and a mix of hot dry weather and lots of rain in May, we have finally slowed down. Very unpredictable spring so far.

We are now pretty much through the initial period of start ups and repairing freeze damage. Now is the time to have us make any changes, add-ons, or upgrades. Landscaping changes and matures over time, which means the sprinkler system needs to be changed and adjusted as well. Sprinkler heads need to be moved to accommodate new or over grown shrubs, and some need to be raised and straightened over time.

Some upgrades can be made to your system to either save on water, give better coverage and water distribution, or just to be more user friendly. There are rain sensors to turn off the system when there has been enough rainfall, "smart" controllers that adjust the watering schedule according to the weather, easier to use controllers than some of the older models, and newer heads and nozzles that water more efficiently.

Some water districts give rebates for making some water conserving upgrades. Colorado Springs Utilities, Donala Water and Sanitation, and Woodmoor Water all have different rebate programs.

Warm, dry, early March

This first week of March has been VERY warm and dry. Breaking records of temperatures in the low to mid 70s. And I know you are tempted to start up your system, and water those plants, shrubs and turf.

BE AWARE!! we will most likely get another freeze, and more snow. March is typically our snowiest month in Colorado Springs. Even April and early May can see freezing temperatures. If you do turn your system on this early, or have us take care of it, please make sure to watch the weather and drain the system when it gets cold again. Anything above ground, such as the backflow preventer and copper pipes, can still freeze overnight, and have damage occur. These components are costly to repair or replace.

Time to look at water conservation

Over the next few months, I'll be talking a little more on ways to conserve water by changing the way we water our lawns. Here in Colorado Springs, water rates will raise by 40% and more for Colorado Springs Utilities customers. This could mean HUGE water bills in July and August.

There are two ways to save water with the sprinkler system. Products and Techniques.

There are many different products that can be used to save water:

• check valve heads
• pressure compensating heads
• rain sensors
• ET (evapotranspiration) controllers
• high efficiency nozzles
• drip vs. microsprays
  

And there are many less expensive ways by using different techniques

• changing the way we set controllers for water scheduling
• routine tune-ups throughout the year
• changing the scheduling on the controller many times throughout out the season
• aerating
• correct fertilizing
• raise and straighten sprinkler heads

Please visit periodically as we discuss these different elements