SAWS offers free water irrigation system inspections
If you have a landscape irrigation system, you might be using more water than you need to.
The San Antonio Water System will look over your setup from stem to stern and recommend ways to cut water waste, and it’s entirely free.
All you have to do is ask.
Why should I do this?
SAWS says your irrigation system can consume more water in a week than your household appliances and indoor plumbing do in a month. If you can dial back on your watering without hurting your lawn or landscaping, you could save a lot of money.
How does it work?
You call SAWS to make an appointment for a Watersaver irrigation consultation.
When the day and time roll around, a SAWS “conservation consultant” will show up in your yard, turn on your irrigation system and check it out.
They’ll look for leaks. They’ll eyeball your controller settings. They’ll look for broken sprinkler heads. They’ll look for “overspray,” which is when your sprinklers reach beyond planted areas and douse sidewalks, streets and driveways.
They’ll measure how much water you’re using, and they’ll determine whether it’s more than necessary to keep your lawn and landscaping alive and well.
It’s all spelled out at www.gardenstylesanantonio.com/. Go to the Watersaver Programs tab at the top of the page and click on “Watersaver Irrigation Consultation” under Residential Coupons & Programs.
Then what?
When they’re done, the consultant will knock on the door, or call you on the phone, to tell you what they found.
With your permission — and only with your permission — they’ll adjust the settings on your irrigation controller to use less water.
What do I have to do?
Beyond making an appointment, not much. Just leave a clear path to your irrigation controller. If there are any gates that control access to your yard, leave them open. And bring your pets indoors. Read the utility’s FAQ for more information. You can find it on the Watersaver Irrigation Consultation page.
Do I have to be there?
Someone 18 or older has to be home to sign a form giving the consultant permission to turn on your irrigation system.
What if I don’t want a stranger in my house?
The consultant will not set foot in your house, and you don’t have to deal with them face-to-face if you’d rather not. “Homeowners may remain in their homes for the duration of the consultation,” SAWS says. In that case, the consultant will talk to you on the phone to share their observations and recommendations.
How long does all this take?
No more than an hour, according to SAWS.
What’s in it for me?
SAWS say that simply adjusting the settings on the irrigation controller can often save thousands of gallons of water per month. Controllers are complicated devices, and they’re sometimes set to water longer and more often than necessary, without the homeowner even realizing it.
The conservation consultant will give you a personalized irrigation report showing much how water you’re using. It’s very detailed, with a breakdown of how many minutes you’re watering in each zone and how many gallons it all adds up to.
The report will include a recommendation for changing your irrigation schedule to save water. It also will list rebates available to you if you “retire” (i.e., dismantle) your irrigation system or even if you take less drastic steps, such as capping individual zones, installing a master valve to prevent major leaks or converting sprinklers to drip lines.
Scroll to the bottom of the Watersaver Irrigation Consultation page and watch the righthand video for tips on deciphering your irrigation report.
Is that all?
You’ll also get free advice on taking care of your lawn, shrubs and plantings.
I’ve heard enough. How do I schedule a consultation?
Call 210-704-SAVE (7283).
Any other advice?
For a gallery of SAWS how-to videos on programming your irrigation controller, adjusting watering cycles by season and related topics, go to www.gardenstylesanantonio.com/how-to-videos/.