4 Ways to Make Every Drop Count This Smart Irrigation Month
Improve your irrigation performance during peak summer demand
July brings heat, higher water demands, and increased pressure on commercial landscapes. It also marks Smart Irrigation Month, an annual recognition that promotes water-use efficiency and responsible irrigation practices.
Smart irrigation is about applying the right amount of water, in the right place, at the right time. When irrigation systems are properly managed, properties can support plant health, reduce waste, and avoid unnecessary water costs. Whether through routine maintenance, system upgrades, or smarter technology, small improvements can have significant impact on landscape performance throughout the summer.
The good news? Your irrigation system does not have to be a mystery. With the right strategy, smart upgrades and regular attention, your property can stay healthier, more efficient and better prepared for summer conditions.
Here are four ways to make every drop count.
1. Start With a Water Usage Analysis
You wouldn’t make a big decision about your property without the right information and your irrigation system should be no different.
An irrigation analysis can help identify how your system is performing, where water may be wasted, and which improvements could make the biggest impact. This can include comparing current water use with actual plant needs and looking for signs of inefficient watering, such as dry spots, soggy areas, runoff, or overspray.
Summer heat often makes irrigation issues easier to spot. Areas that appear drought-stressed may not need additional water, but improved coverage or system adjustments. Identifying the root cause can help property managers make informed decisions that improve performance while reducing unnecessary water use. For large campuses, HOAs, and commercial properties, an audit can be an important part of annual budgeting and cost reduction planning. An appropriate analysis of water usage can reduce costs by up to 20 percent.
2. Tune Up the System You Already Have
Summer is an ideal time to inspect your irrigation system. Heat makes performance issues easier to see, and even small problems can add up quickly when systems are running regularly.
A smart irrigation tune-up may include checking sprinkler heads, adjusting spray patterns, repairing leaks, clearing clogged lines, and reviewing irrigation schedules. These may sound like simple steps, but they can make a meaningful difference. A properly tuned system helps ensure water reaches the areas that need it without over-spraying sidewalks, parking lots, or buildings.
3. Plan for Heat and Drought Conditions
Smart irrigation also plays an important role in drought preparedness. Drought conditions can create turf stress, thinning foliage, reduced color, and other plant health challenges. We recommend pairing proper irrigation management with treatments that improve water penetration, reduce runoff, support deeper root growth, and help plants use limited moisture more efficiently.
Plant selection is also important. We draw on data from Nevada to Louisiana—our nation’s driest and wettest states—to select plants appropriate for the local environment.
In regions facing water restrictions or prolonged dry conditions, landscape planning becomes just as important as irrigation management. Drought-tolerant plant material, strategic turf use, mulch applications, and efficient irrigation practices can help reduce water demand while maintaining a healthy, attractive landscape.
4. Use Technology to Water Smarter
Smart irrigation technology can help remove some of the guesswork from landscape watering. Smart controllers adjusts watering schedules based on weather conditions, while rain and freeze shut-off devices and in-ground moisture sensors help ensure plants are watered only when needed.
Additional upgrades, such as drip irrigation, pressure regulation, and flow monitoring, can further improve efficiency by matching water delivery to the needs of specific landscape areas. Drip irrigation is particularly effective in planting beds and shrub areas, where it delivers water directly to the root zone and minimizes waste.
Why BrightView is the Right Partner
Smart Irrigation Month is a great reminder that efficient water management is a year-round responsibility. Ongoing monitoring, system maintenance, and strategic improvements can help protect landscape investments, support sustainability initiatives, and improve long-term performance.
Our irrigation specialists help commercial property owners identify opportunities to reduce water waste, improve system efficiency, and support plant health. From water-use analyses and system audits to smart controller upgrades and long-term planning, our teams can help develop solutions tailored to each property’s needs.
Ready to make your landscape more water smart? Contact us to learn how we can help support your water management goals.
Learn more about Smart Irrigation Month.
