Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.

Jack Overdorff of Eco-Land Design inspects an irrigation system.

Jack Overdorff of Eco-Land Design inspects an irrigation system.

Irrigation systems need regular maintenance to keep them working efficiently year after year. Damage from lawn equipment and normal wear can result in leaks and other serious problems that waste significant amounts of water and increase bills.

Here are a few checks to perform on a monthly and periodic basis, as well as high-value upgrades to maximize investments:

Adjust sprinkler heads monthly. Remove or correct obstructions that prevent sprinklers from distributing water evenly. Adjust sprinkler head positions and spray patterns to avoid watering sidewalks or structures and to provide necessary clearance over growing plants.

Periodically inspect your system for leaks. Leaks are a huge water waster. A good contractor can perform regular maintenance checks. But these checks can be done by homeowners too.

Just place the system in test mode and walk each irrigation zone looking for leaks, broken or clogged spray heads, and other problems. Ask your contractor to show you common problems to watch for between visits or take advantage of a free training through Citrus County Utilities (CCU).

When it is time for an upgrade, weather-based controllers offer high value. These controllers evaluate weather and then automatically adjust the irrigation schedule to meet the specific needs of the landscape. These controllers take the guesswork out of watering your landscape, thus saving water over time.

Look for the Water Sense label when seeking a new irrigation controller. CCU offers its water customers a $100 account credit for upgrading.

Rain/freeze sensors are another high-value option. These inexpensive sensors can be added to any irrigation system and help save water by turning your system off in rainy and/or cold weather. CCU also offers a $50 account credit for replacing a nonfunctioning rain sensor.

Call 352-527-7669 with questions or to schedule a training.

To apply for a rebate, visit https://citruswater.wufoo.com/forms/rebate -application-2022.

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