Did you know that over watering is the most common problem in the home landscape according to landscape professionals? Irrigation may be costing you more than you know, not just in wasted water, but in over watered and unhealthy plants. Turf grass and other plants are healthier when the soil regularly dries out, since plant roots need oxygen as well as water to survive. Plants in permanently soggy soil are more prone to disease and shallow root systems that are ill-equipped to handle drought situations.

For those with in-ground irrigation systems, installing a rain shut-off device or rain sensor can reduce seasonal outdoor water use by 5 percent or more.

A rain sensor is a device, typically the size of a small microphone or salt shaker, that attaches to a building or other structure and is exposed to the elements. When it rains, the rain sensor acts as a circuit breaker, interrupting the normal program of the irrigation controller. The irrigation system will remain in a standby mode until the rain sensor dries out, at which point the rain sensor allows the controller to return to its normal programmed cycle. It can either be wireless or hard wired directly into the controller.

While you’re getting ready for the spring startup of your irrigation system, you can help fix a big leak. There are few things quite as annoying – or more wasteful or costly – than an irrigation system that runs when it doesn’t have to … in the rain. Rain sensors turn off your irrigation when it rains, saving you water and money.

When starting up your irrigation system, be sure to check the system for leaks, check the irrigation schedule and install a rain sensor if you don’t already have one.

For more information on how to receive up to $100 to cover installation and or purchase of a rain sensor, visit www.cascadewater.org.