Does Drip Irrigation Save Money?

Drip irrigation is a method of applying low-pressure water to soil and plants at slow, even rates. Designed for efficient water use, drip irrigation systems help prevent loss of water through evaporation or run-off.

Drip irrigation systems can be simple or complex, serving large agricultural areas, commercial properties or small gardens, depending upon your needs. Understand the benefits and challenges before deciding whether drip irrigation is right for your property.

Several sources cite the efficiency of drip irrigation over traditional watering methods. The Texas Agriculture Extension Service notes that drip irrigation can reduce water loss by up to 60 percent when compared with hand watering or sprinkler systems.

The Environmental Protection Agency's Water Sense website states that drip irrigation systems use between 20 and 50 percent less water than conventional in-ground watering systems. The North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance echoes the EPA's comments, citing water savings of between 30 and 50 percent.

The US Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service recommends using drip irrigation as part of a water conservation system, noting that drip irrigation saves water because it is precisely placed where needed, eliminating evaporation.

In a drip system, water is transmitted to plants via small diameter, flexible plastic pipes and perforated pipe, emitters or microsprinklers. Perforated pipe discharges water along its length. Pipes are spaced at designated intervals, such as 12 or 18 inches, to water closely spaced plantings. Emitters deliver a precise amount of water regardless of changes in pressure and can be inserted directly into pipes or hoses.

Cost estimates are that systems typically cost between $500 and $1,200 per acre, split between capital investment and annual running costs, and recommends that landscapers new to drip irrigation start small and expand the system as the budgets allow.

Drip irrigation systems require monitoring, as tubes and tapes can become plugged by silt or particles that are not filtered from the water, or by chemicals and algae. Leaks are also a problem and equipment must be checked to ensure water is flowing evenly.

Water savings and cost savings may not go hand-in-hand.

It doesn’t matter to us whether you want rock gardens, lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of landscaping in between, we can help.  To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.

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Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
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