Install a water-saving smart irrigation controller and qualify for a money-saving rebate. Smart irrigation controllers take the guesswork out of how often and how long to water. These devices connect to WiFi, access weather data and adjust the watering schedule to account for rain, temperature, humidity, UV index and evapotranspiration.
Turn back your automatic timers in the spring and fall and water according to the Weekly Lawn Watering Guide.
Visually inspect your sprinkler system once a month during daylight hours. Check and fix any clogged, broken or misaligned heads and nozzles. Although watering at night is recommended, you won’t notice problems with your system unless you see it in operation.
Turn your sprinkler system off during or after a rainstorm and leave it off until the plants need to be watered again. Consider installing an automatic rain shutoff device on your sprinkler system.
If the water coming out of your sprinklers is misting and drifting away in the wind, it is likely caused by too-high pressure. Install a pressure reducer on your sprinkler line.
Screwdrivers are a great tool to test soil moisture. It is recommended to water about 6 inches deep every time. If the screwdriver goes into the ground easily, wait to water. Consider using a soil moisture sensor that automatically turns your sprinklers on when the soil is dry.
