What do you think might be one of the costliest natural disasters affecting the U.S.?
Hurricanes? Tornados? Floods?
Nope. It’s drought.
Currently, 46% of the contiguous U.S. is in moderate to exceptional drought.
Typically, Georgia is one of those states negatively affected by drought, but this year we’re in pretty good shape. We experienced a dose of “weather whiplash” this summer when excessive rains created flooding where extreme drought had existed just a few months prior.
The current drought is concentrated in the western half of the country, which is in contrast to this time last year when 61% of the contiguous U.S. was in moderate to exceptional drought and drought conditions stretched from coast to coast.
In fact, just last year Georgia’s summer rainfall deficits were at record proportions in some areas, according to the National Weather Service.
While we may have received relief this year from drought, looking historically at National Weather Service reports for our region shows drought is expected to return. Georgia faces a recurring challenge that its water supply will meet the demands of its growing population, especially as dry periods occur more frequently. That’s why being smart when it comes to outdoor watering on your commercial property is crucial in our climate.
Rain, rain come this way
Drought: U.S. Geological Survey Water Fact Sheet says Georgia averages 50 inches of rainfall annually, which is more than enough to meet the requirements of most plants. The rain, however, doesn’t always fall in sufficient quantities during the time of year when plants need it most. This is where supplemental water in the form of irrigation is helpful.
One of the ways Atlanta commercial property managers can maximize water to their valuable landscape plants while minimizing overall use and cost is through the proper use of drip irrigation.
The deal on drip
Drip irrigation, also known as micro-irrigation, is a highly effective irrigation system that slowly waters the soil directly around the bases of individual plants through small flexible pipes and emitters. Drip irrigation can be a part of a larger irrigation system, such as on a typical commercial property, to water specific plant beds.
Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient watering methods, according to the Alliance for Water Efficiency. While a traditional, professionally installed irrigation system can be 50% to 70% efficient, a well-designed drip irrigation system can be nearly 100% efficient, saving a commercial property manager water and money.
Benefits of drip
Drip irrigation can boost water savings while at the same time improving plant vigor by delivering water and nutrients directly to plant roots. It’s targeted, intelligent water application that minimizes evaporation losses, water pooling, runoff and the watering of unnecessary areas like roads or sidewalks.
Drip irrigation’s numerous benefits include:
- Decreased water use and costs
- Increased water efficiency
- Decreased energy costs
- Improved environmental quality
Today it is more important than ever to use water wisely and irrigate intelligently.
HighGrove’s water experts can assess the irrigation system and water use on your commercial property and give you a detailed plan of attack to decrease water costs and boost sustainability.
Call us at (678) 298-0550 or use our simple contact form.
Last modified: June 2, 2021