Irrigation Notebook: Feb. 2001, Regulatory Roundup

Rain sensors will soon run rampant in New Jersey’s irrigation systems, thanks to a recently passed state law. These water conservation devices, which shut off an operating irrigation system when rain is falling, are now mandatory for new commercial and residential systems.

This new law should hopefully alter the public’s perception of irrigation as an unnecessary, frivolous use of water while also conveying that contractors are responsible water users and are serious about conservation, according to George McCarthy, president of Spring Irrigation, Dayton, N.J., and author of the rain sensor legislation.

In New Jersey, which has suffered through severe droughts in recent years, changing the perception of irrigation is especially critical, McCarthy said. During a water shortage, “the problem is that the first thing they’re ready to do is shut off irrigation systems,” he conveyed. “This puts a lot of (contractors) out of business.”

The biggest challenge this legislation faces is simply educating the industry, McCarthy noted. “Unfortunately, there hasn’t been enough done to let everyone know that this law exists,” he said, adding that how the law will be enforced is still being determined and will likely occur in conjunction with the issuing of permits required to install lawn sprinkler systems.

WATCHING WATER USE. Massachusetts is also taking water conservation issues seriously, with its pending irrigation and landscape recommendations.

Slated for finalization in March, these statewide guidelines aim to send a consistent and comprehensive message about outdoor water use to landscape and irrigation contractors and homeowners, according to Jackie

Murphy, assistant director for water policy and planning, Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Boston, Mass.

Massachusetts, like many other areas across the country, is feeling increased pressure to monitor its water use carefully, due to the recent proliferation of in-ground irrigation systems in Eastern Massachusetts combined with a serious drought a few years ago, Murphy noted.

According to Murphy, the recommendations, which cover both irrigation and landscaping, will include:

• Don’t water when local water use restrictions have been enacted;



• New landscapes should minimize lawn size and use native, drought-tolerant landscaping;



• Existing and new landscapes should be watered only when necessary;



• Water slowly, deeply and infrequently to encourage deep-rooted lawn growth;



• Water in off-peak hours, such as before sunrise and after sunset;



• Rain shut-off devices should be installed or retrofitted on irrigation systems;



• Sprinkler heads should be located at least 8 inches from paved areas;



• Irrigation system controls should be adjusted every two weeks at minimum;



• Rainwater should be captured and reused if possible;



• With landscape installation, a 12- to 18- inch base of organic matter is recommended to help soil hold water and minimize evaporation;



• Mow lawns at highest recommended height - generally 2½ to 3 inches.

Brian Vinchesi, president, Irrigation Consulting, Pepperell, Mass., predicted that these recommendations will serve as a wake-up call to the green industry

to watch its water use. “This should be seen as eye opening for contractors - to pay more attention to water conservation in design and installation,” he said.