July is Smart Irrigation Month

Each July, the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) celebrates Smart Irrigation Month by emphasizing the importance of efficient outdoor watering practices and introducing homeowners to the latest innovative irrigation technology. This national campaign aims to connect customers with resources to better understand their existing irrigation systems and provide guidance on implementing new smart irrigation systems.

Why Smart Irrigation Matters
Outdoor watering accounts for over 50% of a homeowner's total water use. By adopting smart irrigation practices, homeowners can significantly reduce their water consumption and maintain their landscapes in a sustainable way. Sprinkler inspections and retrofits can reduce single-family home water use by as much as 30%. For example, high-efficiency sprinklers deliver water at half the rate of traditional sprinklers, preventing runoff and ensuring that water is used more effectively.

Key Actionable Items for Homeowners

• Inspect Sprinklers: Regularly inspect your sprinklers while they are running to ensure they are functioning correctly.
• Know Your Watering Schedule: Schedule an virtual appointment to determine efficient watering times or create one using the resources provided by SMWD. Click here to schedule a 20-minute virtual meeting.
• Retrofit Older Systems: Upgrade your irrigation system with smart technology products such as high-efficiency nozzles, drip irrigation, and weather-based irrigation timers.

Exciting Events and Resources
Throughout July, SMWD will host a series of events and provide valuable resources to help homeowners make the most of Smart Irrigation Month:

• Outdoor Watering Expo: Join us on Thursday, July 17, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the SMWD Headquarters for live irrigation demonstrations, smart retrofit information, and exciting giveaways.
• Smart Sprinkler Timers: A Virtual Open House: On Wednesday, July 23, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, participate in breakout rooms with experts from RainBird, Hunter, Rachio, and Orbit to learn about smart sprinkler timers.
• Smart Timer Rebate Booth: Visit Home Depot in Mission Viejo on Friday, August 1, from 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm for in-person assistance with smart timer rebates.
• Visit our website to find REBATES and a WATERING CALCULATOR.

By participating in Smart Irrigation Month, homeowners can take meaningful steps towards water conservation and enjoy the benefits of a more efficient and sustainable irrigation system. Let's work together to make every drop count!