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Conservation for Outdoor Water Uses: 

Conservation for Outdoor Water Uses Presented By: Rose Mary Seymour, Public Service Assistant, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, UGA OR Andy Hull, Vice Chairman GGIA, President EnviroNetwork Consulting, Inc., Principal of E2P, LLC. & Green Leader Associates, LLC. With Special Thanks to Dr. Gary Wade, Professor Horticulture UGA for his contributions

Presentation Overview: 

Presentation Overview Why conservation of outdoor water is important and effective Best Management Practices Creating Change At the Local Level

Land Values: 

Land Values Attractive, water efficient, low maintenance landscapes increase residential property values by 7-14 % (national statistics) Healthy landscapes contribute to biodiversity, habitats and non point source pollution control

Average residential water use increases 30% - 50% during the summer months: 

Average residential water use increases 30% - 50% during the summer months

Benefits of Water Efficient Landscapes: 

Benefits of Water Efficient Landscapes Lower water bills Conservation of natural resources Energy conserved Reduced storm water and irrigation runoff Fewer yard trimmings to manage or landfill Reduced landscaping labor and maintenance costs Extended life of water resources infrastructure

Basic Strategies and Methods for Water Efficient Landscapes: 

Basic Strategies and Methods for Water Efficient Landscapes Proper planning and design Proper soil preparation Appropriate plant selection Practical turf areas Efficient irrigation Use of mulches Regular maintenance

Proper planning and design: 

Proper planning and design 10% irrigated regularly 30% irrigated on demand 60% is not irrigated

Proper soil preparation: 

Proper soil preparation Sample and test for nutrients Amend with organic materials

Plant selection: 

Plant selection

Use Turfgrass for a Purpose: 

Use Turfgrass for a Purpose Aesthetic Value (Welcome Mat) Recreational Surface Erosion Control Avoid Using Irrigated Turfgrass Just to Fill Space

Efficient Irrigation: 

Efficient Irrigation Adjust timers frequently changes in season and rainfall patterns Rainfall sensor stops irrigation during rain Drip irrigation

Rainwater Harvesting: 

Rainwater Harvesting

Mulching: 

Mulching Prevents evaporative water loss Prevents soil-borne diseases Insulates the roots Reduces weed competition

Provide Regular Maintenance: 

Provide Regular Maintenance

Comparative Cost of Converting 1000 sq. ft. of Irrigated Area to Mulch or Groundcover Plants: 

Comparative Cost of Converting 1000 sq. ft. of Irrigated Area to Mulch or Groundcover Plants

Creating Change at the Local Level: 

Creating Change at the Local Level Cases in Water Conservation EPA Water Resources Center Publication #RC-4100 http://www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency/index.htm

Outdoor Water Users: 

Outdoor Water Users Public parks and recreation areas Golf courses Commercial office building landscapes Multiple family residential units Individual residential homeowners

Educate Citizens Locally: 

Educate Citizens Locally GA Cooperative Extension Service County Programs 4-H Programs Schools Local Community and Watershed Organizations

Provide Resources Locally: 

Provide Resources Locally Training video or DVD Landscape Planning Guidelines Pre-designed landscape plans Revolving loan programs for landscape conversions Optional irrigation audit services Low water use plant materials recommendations

Local Ordinance Control: 

Local Ordinance Control Only allow pre-approved low water use plant materials Required amount of hardscape or turf for property landscape designs Require irrigation audit of irrigation systems Require separate outdoor water metering

Provide Local Incentives: 

Provide Local Incentives Free rain sensor for irrigation systems Rebates $.25/ft2 for land areas converted to water efficient systems (with $500 limit)

Provide Disincentives: 

Provide Disincentives Fining for irrigation of hardscape areas Peak use restrictions Surcharges or increasing rate structures

Take Home Message: 

Take Home Message Landscapes are valuable parts of our communities and they need to be efficient to be desirable There are many options for communities and governments to change outdoor water use practices