No Silver Bullet

There is no silver bullet in the quest for demand reduction in landscape water use.  The key to sustainable demand reduction is the property owner understanding the fundamental issues – the basics of landscape water management.    There is no substitute for understanding the basics, no technology that is a silver bullet -- no short cut to be taken.

Imprinting an effective understanding of landscape water management basics can be done.  “Understanding” is defined as knowledge in long-term memory that enables positive decisions and actions toward efficient landscape water management.  At Irrigation Essentials we have reconfigured how landscape water management is typically presented.  Our guidelines for an “inquiry based learning” methodology are:

• Keep it simple
• Encourage a social environment where people care enough to participate and  contribute
• Include practical hands-on steps that are empirical and verifiable
• Accurately frame the expectations along the way

This approach puts the focus on how we come to know the important conditions in the landscape, to better arm the end user with the skills to make effective site-specific decisions.

Understanding the basics will enable people to inspect and verify the effectiveness of their irrigation.  With understanding will come the confidence to replicate success and further fine-tune their irrigation management.  

Irrigation Essentials will enable an insight into the ecology of the landscape, which should lead to the desire for an ecologically correct ornamental horticulture, transforming the end user into part of the solution for long term demand reduction in landscape water use.

Water Utility Articles • Posted on 03/04/2009   •  (1) Comments • Permalink

Landscape Water Conservation Policy Development, Marketing and Outreach

Landscape Water Conservation Policy Development,  Marketing and Outreach
Irrigation Essentials offers expertise in the formation and review of landscape water conservation policy, conservation program design, and program implementation.
Contact us for assistance with your landscape water conservation policy and out reach programs!
 

Water Quantity and Water Quality

Irrigation Essentials promotes solutions that address both water quantity and water quality. Water quantity issues are addressed through helping property owners and their agents better manage their water, while protecting their property value.  We aim to reduce peak season demand and relieve pressure on water utility infrastructure. 
Runoff and deep percolation affect water quality.  Irrigation Essentials targets these critical issues by building knowledge about appropriate water management and environmental stewardship while helping property owners protect the value in their landscape.

Soil Science and Horticultural Practices

Irrigation Essentials adds “Soil Science 101” and appropriate horticultural practices to the “tool belt” of effective water management. Conventional landscape practice touches on the importance of soil structure and soil nutrients.  The importance of soil biology has been underappreciated for its beneficial impact on both water quantity and quality.  Recent science as highlighted in the Smithsonian Museum Natural Sciences exhibit “Dig It”, and recent USDA publications underscore the importance of soil biology.
 

Water Utility Articles • Posted on 02/18/2009   • Permalink