As spring approaches, focus begins again on plants and irrigation. This can add a significant cost to many school districts. Listed here are some ideas that you may consider to reduce this cost.
First, there was an earlier blog discussing xeriscaping. Choosing native and adapted plants in your climate reduces the amount of water required to maintain them. These plants are generally sustained by the natural amount of rainfall in your area. Adding more of these plants instead of expansive areas of grass (which requires more water) can also help reduce the demand on an irrigation system.
Second, consider the type of irrigation system that is used on your campuses. The most common type is spray irrigation with sprinkler heads placed throughout the area requiring water. These are most practical when watering a large expanse of grass. Where possible however, especially in planting beds, consider drip irrigation as an alternative. Much less water is lost to evaporation or wind drift and is more focused at the roots of the plants. Flow rates are also much lower, which significantly reduces the amount of runoff and the amount of water used.
Third, does the entire campus need irrigated? There may be portions around the building and entrances or specific play field areas that could benefit aesthetically and practically from water where other grassed areas may not be as visible or used as often and would not necessarily require irrigation. Additionally, we have had a few clients recently install synthetic turf instead of grass for more of their playing fields, including not just football but baseball, softball and even a practice field. Where there is possibility of drought as was for this district, they saw tremendous benefit in paying the upfront cost for these fields knowing that they would save greatly on irrigation because of the little rainfall they have received the past few years.
There is also the option to collect and store the rainwater that falls on the site and use this water for site irrigation. There can be significant cost to adding this system, but it can generally pay itself off in 5-10 years.
Fahad al duways
ReplyDeleteRanger college
We can put artificial grass sports courts to not extravagant water and there is no difference between the artificial truf and natural grass.
Dhafer AL bahri
ReplyDeleteRanger college
There are simple solutions to save water , use water sprays it is works well and kept a large amount of water . The second solution is to guide the students of the importance of water and how we can save it .
Elias, Rico [Ranger College].
ReplyDeleteThere is no question that the most popular choice of costs is ultimately the most minimum amount of spending possible, especially in an economic time of recession, conservation, and higher rates. With spring in the air, and signs of summer blooming in the horizon, the weather of the seasons seem unusually different globally. Controversially, global warming can be blamed for the unpredictable weather. Areas are receiving unusual amounts of rain, and going through long stretches of droughts. Although expensive, an automated rain shut-off device should be considered to prevent unnecessary irrigating, which can also be cost reductive. Also keep in mind that the cost of water usage will be higher within the establishment period, which is usually the first year or two after completed. Additionally, the winter season is notoriously known for freezing underground water lines, and everyone knows when water freezing it expands causing the irrigation lines to break. This is a cost that should be included along with the annual audit. I agree with using native and climate adapting plants is money saving and require less irrigating. When considering turf, the more drought resistant the better depending on your climate and environment. Bermuda is one of the most commonly types used and is very climate resistant.