The City of San Diego Water Department's Commercial Landscape Survey
Program combines proven conservation techniques with new computer software
programs. In addition to a thorough analysis of their irrigation system, customers
also receive detailed site maps and specific recommendations for repairs and
equipment upgrades. Water savings of 20 percent or more are often realized
through modified management practices alone. To assure that water
management objectives are achieved, the City monitors customer water-use with
a custom designed landscape database and budgeting program called the Water
Resources Landscape Database (WRLD). WRLD combines Geographic
Information System analysis tools with water meter readings, historical weather
data, and aerial photographs to provide recommended landscape water budgets
for the upcoming year. WRLD also produces a color map of each site, with
measurements of the landscaped areas, divided into plant hydrozones and types
of irrigation systems. The measurements are then entered into a mathematical
formula that calculates the budget, reported in billing units of 748 gallons. These
budgets are mailed to customers and printed on future water bills. With this
information, customers can compare actual water use to budgeted amounts.
Another tool, the web-based Landscape Watering Calculator, is used to calculate
sprinkler schedules, measured in minutes per week for each month of the year.
This schedule can then be posted inside the irrigation controller as a
programming guide. The combination of on-site surveys, detailed reports and
recommendations, landscape area measurements, water budget bill reminders,
and watering schedules make it easier than ever for customers to maintain a
healthy, attractive landscape by using the right amount of water. Includes figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 660 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 10 |
| Published : | 04/07/2004 |
