Farms to Front Lawns: Smarter Irrigation Tips for July's Water Wise Month

From large agricultural fields to neighborhood front lawns, every landscape depends on water to thrive. That's why July is recognized as Smart Irrigation Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about efficient water use and smarter irrigation practices. This month, we're sharing practical tips to help everyone conserve water.  Whether you're managing acres of farmland or caring for your backyard lawn, small changes can make a big difference in conserving water while keeping plants healthy. 

Every Drop Counts 

Water plays a vital role in all aspects of our lives, from producing the food we eat to maintaining the landscapes around us. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the United States has 54.9 million acres of irrigated farmland and pasture. That's roughly 85,000 square miles or the entire state of Utah and Virginia combined!  

Thinking about irrigation a little closer to home, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly one third of all residential water user goes towards landscape irrigation. Which comes out to almost 9 billion gallons of water every day! It's also estimated that about 50% of that water is wasted due to evaporation, wind, or run off.  

These numbers highlight just how important smart irrigation practices are for conserving water while supporting healthy crops and beautiful landscapes. As demand for water continues to grow, finding smarter ways to irrigate has become more important than ever. 

On the Farm

Irrigate based on actual soil conditions  

Implementing soil moisture sensors and weather stations to monitor field conditions in real time. Making irrigation decisions based on actual soil moisture and environmental data helps avoid overwatering and gives the crop water only when needed.  

Watch the weather forecast  

Avoid irrigating when rain is expected. We know forecasts aren't always perfect, but checking the weather before starting irrigation can save you time, labor, and water! 

Inspect and maintain the irrigation system  

Regular maintenance can go a long way toward conserving water. Routinely check for leaks, clogged nozzles, emitters, filters, and pipes. Keeping equipment maintained ensures the system is running at peak efficiency.   

Position nozzles and emitters closer to the ground  

Reducing the distance water travels through the air will minimize losses to evaporation and wind drift. This will allow more water to reach the root zone where it is needed most.  

Even water application  

Evaluate your system to see if it is distributing water uniformly. Consistent applications help to prevent under and over watering, leading to more efficient water usage.  

System Upgrades 

If your system allows, variable rate irrigation technology can apply different amounts of water to different areas of the field based on soil moisture levels, soil type, yield goals, and more.  

On the Lawn or Landscape 

Smart Irrigation Controllers  

Smart irrigation controllers can adjust watering based on local weather conditions or soil moisture levels. This helps prevent watering and gives your lawn or landscape only the water it needs. 

Water Deep and Infrequently  

Deep and infrequent watering forces plant roots to grow deeper into the soil in search of water. This deep root system makes your lawn more resilient during hot dry weather and reduces the need for frequent irrigation. 

Water in the Morning 

Watering in the early reduces the loss of water through evaporation and gives the soil and plants time to take up the water before the hottest parts of the day. Morning watering also gives plant leaves time to dry off, reducing the risk of disease.  

Inspect and Maintain 

Regularly check your irrigation system for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, clogged nozzles and filters or misaligned sprinklers.  

 Check Your Coverage 

Adjust your sprinkler heads or drip lines to ensure water is reaching your lawn, landscape or garden and not sidewalks, driveways or streets. Proper coverage reduces wasted water and improves irrigation efficiency.  

Choose Native or Drought Tolerant Plants  

Native or drought tolerant plants are naturally adapted to your local climate and usually require less watering once they are established. Incorporating these plants into your landscape can reduce water usage while creating a beautiful resilient yard! 

Mulch Around Plants 

A layer of mulch around plants helps to keep the sun off the bare exposed soil and reduces evaporation. Mulch can also suppress weeds that compete with plants for water, a double whammy!  

Resources and Next Steps

Check with your local water utility  

They may offer rebates for smart irrigation controllers, soil moisture sensors, or efficient sprinkler upgrades.  

Explore federal, state, and local conservation programs  

Many provide incentives or cost share funding for water-saving practices.  

Schedule a seasonal irrigation system check  

The quickest way to make an immediate impact by identifying leaks, clogged nozzles, or inefficient watering patterns.  

Soil moisture monitoring tools

Consider using soil moisture monitoring tools to make irrigation decisions based on actual field or landscape conditions. 

Whether you're growing acres of crops, maintaining a landscape, or caring for your lawn or garden, small improvements in irrigation can lead to meaningful water savings. This Smart Irrigation Month take a few minutes to evaluate your watering practices and explore the tools and resources available to help you make every drop count!