Irrigation Companies in Atlanta

Let's talk Smart Irrigation which starts with proper design, head placement and proper nozzles. Then, it's up to you, the customer, to properly maintain your irrigation system like you do your car.

Today starts Smart Irrigation Month

The future of our water resources is a very important consideration here in Georgia. With the water wars and drought conditions in the southern part of the state. Being "smart" about irrigation will protect us in the future! What can you do? Water smartly and check back to our blog and website for tips and tricks from the professionals to help you do this.

Most important factors to consider when doing irrigation in Atlanta

Do you know what needs to be the first few things on your irrigation companies mind when they are installing your system? First should be proper design based on the water flow. Second should be installation of the most efficient system possible by using rain/freeze sensors, smart controllers, ET systems, pressure compensating heads and precision sprayer nozzles. Every component of your new irrigation system works together to create the efficient system you need to supplement the natural rainfall.

Do you really care about how much irrigation water you use?

If you don't, you should. On the news last night they showed that even with the rain we've had this year and the floods from last September we are already experiencing drought conditions. We should pay attention to our outdoor watering habits. If everyone followed some simple rules, we would save a lot of water. First, water early morning or late evening never during the middle of the day. Secondly, be sure you have a rain sensor to prevent your system from running during rain. Is there a lot of water on your side walk or street? Adjust your sprinkler heads to avoid run-off. Simple steps can make huge impacts on our outdoor water usage.

Irrigation Systems....Rain Sensors

On my way back from the airport on Saturday while it had been and was raining south of Atlanta, I passed a large chain of convenience/gas stores who sprinkler system was running despite the substantial rainfall that had already happened and it was current raining. What a waste of water! The way to resolve this problem is simple and inexpensive - it's a rain sensor!

In closing...Smart Irrigation Month

I gave you some tips throughout June on things you could do to make your irrigation system more efficient - a lot of the tips I gave you were simple and inexpensive. Let me know - did you use any of them or implement any of my ideas?

While Smart Irrigation Month only comes once a year, to preserve our most precious resource - WATER - we should be smart all year long about our water usage. Tiny steps in efficiency can go a long way. Just think....3 little things that save you 3-5% of water = as much as a 15% savings for you overall.

Be smart about irrigation all year long.

"Smart" Irrigation Tip for June 24th....

Did you know that soil type, plant type and a whole lot of other factors go into making sure your landscape gets proper watering from your irrigation system? The great thing about the new ET systems and smart controllers on the market are that some of them take into account these factors and more to efficiently and effectively water your landscape. By attaching a simple, inexpensive ET system such as Hunter's Solar Sync you could save up to 30% on your water usage (we did!) and it more than pays for itself in a season. What even more efficiency - check out Rainbird's ESP-Smart Controller!

Tip #16: Choosing an efficient rotary sprinkler head

Our industry is ever changing and irrigation water efficiency products are all around us. When choosing a rotary sprinkler head for your irrigation system you should consider whether or not there are there elevation changes, the way the head sprays water, adjustability and efficiency. For elevation changes, there are check valves that keep water from drizzling out of the heads when the irrigation cycle is complete. Ask your irrigation contractor to demonstrate or for photos of the rotary heads in action, you will then be able to see how they spray water differently. Ask your irrigation contractor to show you how to adjust your rotary heads so that you can make adjustments as your yard's landscape changes.

Tip #12: Irrigation System Warranties

A Warranty is typically given for a period of time on new irrigation installations but if the irrigation company that installs your system can't back up the Warranty then it's useless to you. We receive many calls each week from customers who cannot locate the company that installed their sprinkler system. They were promised a warranty and the company is no longer in business or not reachable. This is tip #12 because it is going to save you money in the long run if you have problems and an irrigation professional will provide good service after the sale including resolution of problems that may arise as well as tweaking your system to ensure that your irrigation system is working at it's best.

Also, make sure you understand the terms of your Warranty - if your not sure, ask - and make sure your Warranty is in writing not verbal.

Tip #11: Georgia outdoor water restrictions

It is always important to follow the watering rules or restrictions when watering your landscape. June 1st Governor Perdue approved new watering rules in Georgia. You may water anyday between 4 pm and 10 am. Got new landscape or sod? You can water anytime for the first 30 days.

Remember, your irrigation system should supplement the natural rainfall and watering everyday is not necessary.

Tip #4: Lower your water bill for your irrigation system

Make sure your irrigation contractor is experienced enough to properly design your new irrigation system . Proper design is the first key factor in any new irrigation system specifically the understanding of the hydraulics of an irrigation system such as water flow and pressure.

Tip #3: Increasing the Efficiency of Your Irrigation System

Over watering is the most expensive mistake people make when they have an irrigation system, proper watering time based around the landscape in your yard. You should always water the minimum time necessary for your landscape.

Ooops...June 1st Irrigation Efficiency Tip

Sorry guys - the 1st tip for the Month of June got posted on the other blog, so here it is:

Tip #1: Make sure that your irrigation system is evenly distributing water. Make adjustments at least each year and move heads, if necessary, to ensure even watering is evenly maintained for growing plants.

Don't Wait til it rains!

Don't wait until it rains and you find your sprinkler system watering at the same time to get an inexpensive rain sensor installed. This has been the law for over 5 years and still not being complied with by many irrigation contractors in Atlanta.

Take things a step forward with the innovative irrigation products in the market today using evaporation technology to help conserve water. Believe it or not, these smart controllers and sensors are very affordable.

Need more info, email me carla@milleniumirrigation.com

Thanks to Rainbird & Central Irrigation

Many thanks to Mike and Andy of Rainbird as well as Tony from Central Irrigation. We spent some time together this afternoon exploring products and water efficiency solutions. In our business it is great to see partnership building, exploration and exchange of ideas that will benefit the irrigation industry as a whole. Effective use of water with irrigation systems should be a very serious business and I appreciate seeing a large sprinkler manufacturer taking it seriously. Thanks!