| IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT |
| Few landscape contractors have the technical knowledge to implement a science-based irrigation management program that will control landscape water use and costs. However, if the landscape contractor has the responsibility of irrigating the landscape, he or she should be held accountable for excessive landscape water use and costs. |
| |
| Site water requirements and costs are predictable. The California Urban Water Conservation Council's BMP 5 method is The Standard accepted by the California, Landscape Contractors Association, the green industry, and over 300 state, municipal, and private organizations. The formula is: |
| |
Landscape Water Requirements = ETo x Kcl x Landscaped Area |
| |
No site in California should exceed a water budget based on this formula.
The services below are to provide those with the responsibility of controlling landscape water use and costs with the information and tools necessary to implement a science-based irrigation management program. |
| |
Landscape Water Use Analysis
Review of past water consumption and actual use requirements to determine the effectiveness of past irrigation practices. Factors include historical weather data, site location, square footage of property, plant type, and a number of other pertinent factors. |
| |
As-Built Irrigation System Mapping
Using state-of-the-art equipment and Global Positioning and Geographic Information Systems (GPS and GIS), locate and document all irrigation system components and conditions affecting applications. This is particularly valuable for those sites with no documentation or as-built irrigation drawings. |
| |
Irrigation Budgets
Annual irrigation water budgets (water required and costs) based on landscape size, historical weather patterns, and provider rates. |
| |
Schedules
Irrigation schedules are based on Reference ETo and various site factors and are broken down to monthly and time requirements. |
| |
Irrigation Programs
Irrigation controller programs are computer generated and based on controller area factors such as zone microclimate, plant water requirements, soil data, and irrigation system efficiency. Programs are initially based on Reference ETo, then adjusted for Real-Time ETo. |
| |
Monitoring
Monitoring landscape water use through an internet web site helps ensure that use does not exceed budget. |
| |
Irrigation Specifications
Dendron irrigation specifications contain industry accepted task descriptions, establish required task frequencies, and determine task costs. This type of specification is the basis for establishing responsibility and accountability.
|
| |
| Beginning April 1, 2004, landscape water requirements shall be based on the formula |
| |
Requirements = ETo x Kcl x IE x Landscaped Area |
| |
Excessive use shall be the responsibility of the landscape contractor
(or other person responsible). |
