In the next 50 years, Texas and many other areas face a critical water shortage. Even with further development of conventional and alternative supplies of water, Texas is still looking at a water deficit of more than 16 percent. That is why consumers and landscape irrigation contractors must work together to ensure wise and efficient use of water to irrigate our landscapes.
To help reach this goal, the Texas WaterWise Council has adopted a list of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to serve as guidelines we can use to implement WaterWise landscapes across Texas.
Irrigation contractors and designers should discuss the BMPs with their customers, explaining the benefits and principles of a WaterWise landscape. And after the installation of the irrigation system is completed, the WaterWise contractor will take the time to explain how to operate the irrigation system in a water-efficient manner.
Not only will implementation of BMPs equal water conservation in Texas, it will also raise the level of professionalism of your company and mean customer satisfaction.
Likewise, consumers can use the BMPs as a checklist when selecting a landscape designer or irrigation contractor. As an educated consumer, you should understand the basics of plant selection and placement, as well as how much water is actually needed in the landscape. Remember, although a contractor may install the best water-efficient design around, the amount of water applied to the landscape is ultimately decided by the homeowner.
Keep in mind that landscape irrigation in Texas is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). In accordance with state law, Title 2 Texas Water Code, Chapter 34 and Title 30 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 344 rules, any individual in the business of selling, designing, consulting, altering, servicing, or repairing landscape irrigation systems for non-agricultural purposes in the state of Texas must be a TCEQ Licensed Irrigator or must qualify as an exemption under law. For more information contact: TCEQ, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087.
Please review the TCEQ web site for specific information on:
Landscape Irrigators Certified Individuals Database
Licensed Irrigator and Licensed Installer Licensing Examinations Approved basic irrigation training courses
The Texas WaterWise Council submitted the following BMPs for the purpose of promoting urban water conservation through efficient design and consumer education:
1. Install water conservation devices on automatic sprinkler systems including rain shut-off devices, flow meters and/or soil moisture sensors for more precise control.
2. Design with “water management efficiency” in mind:
Use “matched precipitation rate” nozzles for individual zones
Consider soil infiltration rate, slope, and design precipitation rate when selecting sprinkler heads to reduce the potential for runoff
Install low-angle sprinkler heads to avoid high wind and dirt
3. Install low volume irrigation in long narrow strips, small irregular-shaped areas and landscape beds to reduce evaporation losses and to avoid applying water on hardscapes such as patios, decks, sidewalks, parking areas, and roadways.
4. Provide the customer an “as-built” of the irrigation design that specifies the location and specifications of all application devices, pipelines, wiring, control valves, backflow prevention devices, and rain shut-off equipment.
5. Ensure that all valves in boxes have a device allowing them to be located by metal detectors.
6. Provide the customer with a design performance report of the irrigation system that includes individual zone precipitation rates in inches per hour.
7. Provide the customer with a “landscape water conservation” recommendation guide for promoting efficient water use. Topics include the importance of hydro-zoning plant material, maintaining proper operation of system components, and how to determine irrigation run times from plant water requirements and zone precipitation rates.
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