"Our vision is to promote efficient and effective irrigation throughout Miami-Dade County", said Maribel Balbin, Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department’s (WASD) Water Use Efficiency Manager. "Smart Irrigation Month is a way for residents and businesses alike to review their irrigation equipment and practices and make sure that each and every one of us is doing our best to maximize our most precious resource."

Promoting the efficient use of water has always been a priority to WASD. Last November, WASD was awarded the 20-year Water Use Permit, and it continues with the implementation of multiple projects in the Water Use Efficiency Plan, which will provide savings of 19.6 million gallons per day over the next 20 years. Ongoing education about Smart Irrigation practices will be conducted throughout the month of July on radio stations and via community presentations.

"While the irrigation industry is focusing on providing increasingly efficient technology to the marketplace, it is up to consumers to adopt this technology." Balbin said.

Residential irrigation systems (e.g. automatic sprinklers) offer convenience and control in protecting landscape investment. However, most homeowners tend to overwater their lawn and waste water through inefficient habits. The key to efficient outdoor irrigation is applying just enough water and only when necessary. Implementing water-wise habits will result in a healthier lawn and landscape, in addition to conserving water.

Smart Irrigation not only saves water, it also reduces your water bill!

For more information and tips on smart irrigation practices and new technology to operate your irrigation system at peak efficiency, please visit http://www.miamidade.gov/conservation/smart_irrigation_month.asp.