Combating Summertime Heat Spikes

Homeowner - Terri Bailard, Atherton, California

With its Mediterranean climate, Atherton, California gets virtually no rain from May to October. And, midday temperatures of 95 to 100 are common in the summer. For homeowner Terri Bailard, who enjoys gardening but doesn’t have time to monitor watering schedules, these conditions presented certain challenges to maintaining healthy plantings on her one-acre property:

• Rapid response on extra hot days to prevent wilt
• Even application of water across a diverse landscape
• Convenience in managing water application

Implementation:

• ETwater Manager web based irrigation control interface
• ETwater Smart Controller, governing 14 stations
• Combination of rotary and spray sprinklers, drip system for pots and roses

With ET Water...
Terri installed the ETwater smart controller in the spring of 2004, replacing a timer-based system. She quickly saw improvements in overall water application, and more vigorous plant growth in all areas of her garden. Wilt and dieback were no longer a problem on hot days, because the ETwater smart controller automatically irrigated lawns and beds when necessary. In addition, accurately setting watering times and coverage areas across her diverse garden was much easier using the ETwater Manger web interface.

ET Water Benefits

• Optimized water usage
• Healthier lawns and gardens
• Less time spent adjusting coverage
• Easier water management