Earth Day: irrigation and water solutions

Changeable weather is a characteristic of the UK’s temperate climate and, since the landscape community is particularly sensitive to seasonal weather variations, most of us will remember unseasonably warm, cold, dry or wet years and the challenges this posed to the industry.

Even in countries shaped by a temperate climate, climate change is pushing the boundaries of this seasonal variation. Climate scientists believe the UK will experience warmer and wetter winters, hotter and drier summers, and more frequent and intense weather extremes.

Whilst climate change presents opportunities for the landscape industry in terms of planting palettes, it is also likely to challenge stakeholders to manage resources. The main challenge is collecting excess water during periods of high rainfall and storing it for use during prolonged periods of low rainfall. By 2050, heatwaves like that seen in 2018 and 2022 are expected to happen every other year.

Accessing sufficient supplies of water is forecast to become a challenge for both domestic and commercial users, and so far little action has been taken by leaders to mitigate this. Based on current progress, the Association predict government-led solutions will lag behind demand for many years.

The solution, therefore, is for industry members to ensure their operations and projects are protected as much as possible.

In this article, Zac Ribak, Managing Director of Accredited Supplier Watermatic shares ideas on how members can ensure access to water is maintained using the latest technology.

So, what are our options?

First off, Drip Irrigation, as part of an overall irrigation package, reduces water consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional methods making it a sustainable choice for water management. So much so that government regulations permit this even during hosepipe bans. As these bans happen more frequently it has major implications for both peace of mind and preserving valuable garden and landscape assets.

It also means that irrigation is a form of risk management that increasingly needs to be built into landscaping projects at all scales from patios to palaces.

As public awareness grows concerning water shortages the landscape industry needs to stay ahead of the curve or risk missing out on work going to others who have their eye more on the ball. That time has arrived for many, particularly at the higher end of the market, who do want the peace of mind, hosepipe ban protection and share the wish to make their landscapes environmentally sustainable as far as possible. The cost versus benefit formula has changed for clients and this is the direction things have been moving in over recent years, with increasing numbers see the investment to be well worth it for all of these reasons.

Landscapers take note! Specialist irrigation installers design systems that use computers to select and operate the timings an optimize the watering schedules in appropriate zones based on soil moisture levels, soil types and plant requirements. Beware strict regulations covering tank and pump systems which require an anti-syphon air gap to prevent suck back contamination. Find an irrigation specialist that understands what you are trying to achieve overall for budget, system function and is horticulturally aware for the planting.

“The Intelligent Use of Valuable Water” This approach reduces wastage by ensuring that irrigation only occurs when and where necessary. Landscaping professionals can integrate these irrigation solutions into their own projects to enhance water efficiency and really improve customers’ outdoor spaces.

How to achieve results

Drip irrigation systems: work by delivering water directly to the root zone/base of plants, minimising wastage and optimising efficiency. These systems use non syphoning pipes, pressure regulating tubes, and valves to control the flow of water, ensuring that plants receive the necessary moisture without excess runoff. Some types of pipe can be buried – but not all - so you want to avoid that pitfall or your warranties disappear.

Pop-up sprinkler: irrigation heads do indeed pop up from their invisible cylinders when it is time to apply water and then retract automatically when the pressure drops. They are a mainstay but need careful thought and planning to avoid over/underlapping coverage.

Micro emitters: do not pop - up, but they do deliver a spray close to the base and leaves of plants when needed. A useful tool for tailoring the irrigation plan to specific plant needs and infilling of irrigation water where needed. Tree irrigation rings are similar and provide the right amounts of water to these valuable items.

Pumps: need to have the appropriate power and quality to integrate well with the system. After all, this is where the pressure is generated to support the water supply rate balanced with the tank capacity and water application rate.

Water sources: are key and can come direct from the mains (with anti-syphon measures) as a potable source, but also from harvested rainwater, boreholes or wells. But it is a safety essential to know that we must regard anything other than from the mains as greywater and not fit for drinking as when rainwater is harvested it may well run through open roof guttering and surfaces open to bird and animal droppings and other contaminants.

Storage Tanks: come in all shapes and sizes to suit difficult overground and underground spaces so they present their own issues when it comes to an integrated system that will deliver the best results. It requires some skill in locating these so they are inconspicuous, fitting into odd shaped spaces or not disturbing general functions on site.

Rainwater harvesting: involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use. This technique reduces reliance on traditional water sources and helps mitigate the impact of low network pressure e.g. at the extremity of the water supply or where hilly ground causes pressure drops. And, of course, dreaded droughts. Many more projects are incorporating rainwater harvesting systems to supplement their water needs, contributing to a more sustainable water supply chain.

Boreholes and wells: can really make a difference in some situations where there is an opportunity to use existing (and sometimes quite ancient) water infrastructure. Some older wells are prone to need cleaning out of debris and general rubbish which can be a real task in itself. Smaller irrigation systems rarely need holes to be drilled or wells to be reinstated.

Drilling: is sometimes used in larger systems particularly when water- bearing aquifer rocks are within reach of the drilling. They can deliver independence from the mains supply but building and lining holes in the ground can add chunky costs. It is also key to identify what rocks are present as not all rocks are equal from a water supply viewpoint. They can disappoint in quantity and quality.

Specific examples

Ideally, irrigation should be tailored to the particular needs of a landscape or garden rather than 'one size fits all'. Where soil quality and drainage vary we can set up separate irrigation zones in groups based on watering needs where timings and quantities are each automatically controlled by a dedicated computer.

A specific zone may be dedicated to run lawn area pop-ups and sprinklers, Micro sprinklers and water emitters which can be tailored for the needs of shrubs. An area with poor drainage would be in another zone delivering less water to suit that. We may use rain and moisture sensors to feedback on specific needs for each zone. And of course, well-drained soil would be supplied with appropriate amounts of water at the right times.

There can be zones for raised beds, planters, pots and trees. It can be flexible, too, with young yew hedges needing irrigation for a year or two and then again during droughts. Other trees may require specific levels of irrigation depending on type and situation.

How to specify your irrigation needs

This begins with awareness of the following main factors together with the desired overall final effect of the hard and soft landscaping together with planting scheme. Some sites have variable soil types, drainage conditions, sun facing exposure together with the availability of water and electrical power on site. If you can communicate these points early to your irrigation installation specialist things will run smoother, faster and possibly cheaper, too.

Thank you to Zak Ribak, Managing Director of Accredited Supplier, Watermatic for supporting this editorial.