Archive for the ‘Irrigation’ Category
Drip Irrigation
Water Your Garden Easily and Efficiently
Water Only Where You Need It
Drip Irrigation is the most efficient method of watering your garden available. Conventional irrigation systems may only be 50% efficient. A properly installed drip irrigation system is over 90% efficient. Drip irrigation applies water directly to the soil, only where you need it. The water is immediately available to the plant roots. Water is not wasted through evaporation, wind, or surface run off.
Better than Soaker Hoses
Additionally, the technology used in today’s drip emitters dramatically improves the efficiency over soaker hoses. Today’s drip systems use pressure compensating emitters. With a soaker hose, more water is applied where the soaker hose connects to the hose bib than at the end of the soaker hose. With pressure compensation, water is distributed evenly throughout the entire drip irrigation system.
Stop Sending Money Down the Drain
A properly installed drip irrigation will save you time and money. It is less expensive than you think. Systems start at $100 installed. We can use your hose bib or rain barrel.
Drip is the perfect solution to watering your vegetable garden, flower garden or newly planted trees.
Your garden will thank you for it!
Contact us today at (641) 209-1891
Drip Irrigation Emitter in Action
More than Meets The Eye
There is a lot more to a drip irrigation emitter than a simple hole in a hose. Drip emitters compensate for pressure and flush out dirt automatically. This video illustrates the capabilities and complexity of latest technology in drip irrigation.
pressure comp from Tom Barrett on Vimeo.
Video courtesy of Netafim
Brave New World: Trends in Landscape Irrigation Presentation
Plainfield, Indiana
February 16, 2011
I presented my talk, “Brave New World: Trends in the Landscape Industry” at the Indiana Irrigation Contractor Council’s 2011 Winter Education Session.
We had a great turnout and great presentations for the 2011 Winter Educational Session. From the state of the industry to new ways to grow your business.
The program had it all.
I am look forward to my next speaking engagement on February 24th on Permeable Paving at the Chicago Center for Green Technology.
In case you missed it, below is a copy of the presentation:
Key Learnings
- The business is rapidly changing
- Opportunities exist in areas unavailable five years ago
- Customers have different needs and require a new approach
- Companies investing in marketing are growing
Reflections on Brave New World: Trends in the Landscape Irrigation Industry
Recently, I spoke to the Indiana Irrigation Contractor Council’s Winter Education Session. I presented my seminar, “Brave New World: Trends in the Landscape Industry.”
I feel the seminar was incredibly helpful to the folks in the audience. Based on conversations I had with audience members, some of the points they found most interesting were the changing roles of women in work and current trends in the landscape industry.
I also feel I learned a few things through interaction with some of my class attendees. Some of the lessons I will take away from the class are contractors are ready to invest in marketing to grow their business.
I am look forward to my next speaking engagement on February 24th on Permeable Paving at the Chicago Center for Green Technology.
“SMART” Landscape Irrigation
Orlando, Florida
Febraury 4, 2011
The water we use to irrigate our crops is vital and still we as a nation continue to practice inefficient irrigation methods. Current irrigation practices waste an exorbitant amount of money and water using our current process.
Commercial and residential outdoor water use in the United States accounts for more than seven billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation.”—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Learning Objectives
- Understanding that stormwater is the largest source of water pollution in the United States.
- Sustainability starts with the landscape. Developing a functional landscape is the most effective and efficient means of remediating the environment.
- Combining “green infrastructure” with existing, conventional “gray infrastructure,” as well as combining new technology with old technology creating a sustainable future.
Relaxed style with great input!”–Kris Keckley, Rain One Irrigation
Open mined approach to “green” building and use of landscapes.”– Judy Benson, Clearwater Products & ServicesEPA WaterSense 2010 Partner of the Year
Tom, as usual you did a great presentation!”–Brent Mechan, Irrigation Association
Resource Efficient Landscape Irrigation from the National Green Centre
National Green Centre
Saint Louis, Missouri
January 10, 2011
The water we use to irrigate our crops is vital and still we as a nation continue to practice inefficient irrigation methods. Current irrigation practices waste an exorbitant amount of money and water using our current process. The EPA states, “Commercial and residential outdoor water use in the United States accounts for more than seven billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation.” The EPA estimates over three and a half billions gallons of water are wasted every day with inefficient and ineffective irrigation practices.
More than fifty percent of irrigation water used in residential and commercial irrigation systems is wasted. In his presentation, Barrett presents the “State of the Art” in irrigation design and installation. Barrett will present a comprehensive and sometimes controversial exploration of alternate water sources as well as the EPA WaterSense Program, SMART irrigation technology and current regulatory trends in the irrigation industry.
Learning Objective
- Efficient use of irrigation water
- USGBC LEED point system for landscape irrigation systems.
- Alternate water sources for landscape irrigation.
View more presentations from Tom Barrett.
Next Presentation at the National Green Centre
Next week at the National Green Centre conference, I’ll be giving two presentations. The first is on Constructing Rain Gardens and Bioswales. The second is on Resource Efficient Landscape Irrigation. Both presentations will be given on Monday, January 10th, 2011o.
I’m very excited to speak. Constructing Rain Gardens and Bioswales is one of my favorite topics because we create a functional landscape which reduces the largest source of pollution in America, stormwater.
Some of the key points highlight about are:
- The effects of stormwater pollution.
- The differences between rain gardens and bioswales.
- When do you need a civil engineer.
- How your can make a difference.
In the second presentation, Resource Efficient Landscape Irrigation, I will focus on:
- The evolution of irrigation technology.
- The importance of irrigation in establishing landscapes.
- New water saving technology.
- The importance of proper installation.
- How to save water without spending a dime.
Please join me and over 70 other speakers for one of the top educational events in the landscape industry.
Tom Barrett to speak at IICC 2010 Summer Field Day conference
Danville, IN – Local environmental expert Tom Barrett will be the featured speaker at the 2010 Indiana Irrigation Contractor Council’s 2010 Summer Field Day on Thursday, August 26. The event will be held at the Hendricks County Conference Center & Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main Street, Danville.
Barrett’s presentation, “Developing a Resource Efficient Landscape Irrigation System,” is a hands-on field session where contractors will learn to conduct a water audit. Attendees will even be able to learn about the equipment needed to run a water audit first hand in a working test area.
“An irrigation audit is one of the best ways to ensure that water is being used efficiently,” said Barrett. “Most irrigation systems use more water than they really need to maintain a healthy landscape. The savings in water is well worth the time and effort of an audit.”
About Indiana Irrigation Contractor Council
The primary goal of the Indiana Irrigation Contractors Council (IICC) is to promote professionalism throughout the landscape irrigation industry. The Indiana Irrigation Contractor Council provides legislative advocacy, educational sessions, and networking opportunities in order to advance the success of the professional irrigation community. The Indiana Irrigation Contractor Council (IICC) is a section of the of the Indiana Professional Lawn & Landscape Association.
For more information or to register, please call 317-575-9010.
July is Smart Irrigation Month
Smart Practices. Smart Technology. Smart Business.
July the peak month for irrigation water demand in most of North America. The Irrigation Association promotes water conservation throughout the year and brings special focus to water conservation and water efficiency when irrigation water use is the highest in July…
Will you join us in promoting water use efficiency and water conservation?
Here are links to help you promote July as Smart Irrigation Month…
From the Irrigation Association:
Smart Irrigation Month is an Irrigation Association initiative to increase public awareness of the value of water-use efficiency … and grow demand for water-saving products, practices and services.
Focused on July, traditionally the month of peak demand in North America, the campaign is designed to:
- Educate homeowners, businesses, growers and other users about simple ways to save money and water.
- Encourage industry firms and professionals to promote smart irrigation practices and technologies to customers.
- Help water providers minimize peak water use and reduce demands on infrastructure in their communities.
- Reinforce the role efficient irrigation plays in providing real solutions to today’s water challenges.
First launched in 2005, Smart Irrigation Month is gaining traction as stakeholders recognize the potential impact of efficient irrigation, in July and year-round.
Find out how you can get smart and save water:
EPA’s Fix a Leak Week March 15 – 21, 2010
Carmel, Indiana Utilities promotes the EPA’S “Fix a Leak Week”
Because minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes, Carmel Utilities is promoting “Fix a Leak Week,” March 15 through 21, 2010. Fix a Leak Week is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense® program as an annual reminder to Americans to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.
“Leaks can add up to more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted at home every year—that’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool,” said Sue Maki, Manager of Customer Relations and Education. “Carmel Utilities along with Delta Faucet are participating in Fix a Leak Week to help homeowners save money on their utility bills and to help save water in our community and for future generations.”
Following are a few water-saving tips:
- Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled model.
- Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that could save a home with a constantly running toilet up to 200 gallons of water per day.
- For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.
- Landscape irrigation systems should be checked each spring before use to make sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing.
For more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.
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WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, seeks to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water. For more information on WaterSense, and for a full list of labeled products and WaterSense irrigation and builder partners, visit www.epa.gov/watersense..