Orange County Utilities highlights Smart Irrigation Month with helpful reminders

July is Smart Irrigation Month and Orange County Utilities wants to remind residents of ways they can efficiently manage their irrigation systems.

As summer temperatures rise, the demand for water to irrigate lawns, gardens and landscapes also increases. By doing your part and being water smart, customers can help preserve our precious water resources now and for future generations.

Watch the Weather, Wait to Water – When rain is predicted, give your irrigation system a break and turn it off. If your system has a rain delay feature, set it to three days to avoid overwatering. Do not water in the middle of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when quick evaporation is most likely. Instead, water early in the morning or late in the evening to make every drop count!

Check Your System – Regularly test your irrigation system and inspect it frequently for leaks, overspray, and other issues that waste water. Many modern systems are controlled by phones, which makes checking easy from the palm of your hand.

Test Rain Sensors – Required by state law in Florida since 1991, these devices help manage flow by recognizing when nature provides the water your landscaping needs and shuts off automatic sprinklers. To test or check a rain sensor, simulate rain by spraying water on it while a sprinkler zone is running or use a diagnostic unit. If your sensor has a bypass setting, ensure it’s set to “active” for testing.

Don’t Overwater – Homeowners typically overwater lawns and landscapes by up to 30%. By selecting and planting carefully, watering wisely, and maintaining and upgrading automated irrigation systems, customers can save money and water while achieving better results.

Know Your Days – Mandatory lawn watering restrictions specify the days when you may water, based on whether you have an odd- or even-numbered address and the time of year. Complete guidance is available online at ocfl.net/WateringRestrictions.

For information about water conservation, visit www.occonservewater.net or email Water.Division@ocfl.net.