• What is a "lawn sprinkler system"?
• What are the components of an automatic irrigation system?
• Why should I hire BWI?
• How much water does my lawn require?
• What happens if my lawn doesn't get enough water?
• Will over-watering damage my lawn?
• What is the best time of day to water my lawn?

A sprinkler system is a complex network of pipes, valves, electrical connections and sprinkler heads. Because it serves as the circulation system for your yard, the design and installation of your system are critical to its success. It is a complicated process requiring a host of equipment, as well as a background in landscape design and hydraulics. This is why it is so important to have a professional contractor design and install your system.

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What are the components of an automatic irrigation system?

Photo courtesy Hunter Industries, Inc.

Back Flow Prevention Device: Available in an outdoor or indoor models, these devices prevent water from re-entering the main water supply via the sprinkler system (and therefore any fertilizer or chemical contaminants the lawn). In Maryland, these are required by law to be installed. Consult with your sales person to determine which device is best for you.

Valves: Installed in a valve box below the ground and closest to the main water source, valves are the zones that distribute the water to the sprinklers.

Sprinkler Heads: There is a variety of types to meet almost any application. Your system will be designed allowing the most efficient and low maintenance heads possible. They will be designed to apply precise watering evenly throughout the lawn.

Controller/Timer: The controller, or timer, is the brain of your system, allowing it to operate according to a program customized for your landscape needs.

Rain Switch (Standard): A rain switch acts as a gauge, turning off your system automatically when a pre-determined setting has been selected. The gauge collects water and tells the system when to turn off. The rain gauge should be set in an open area to collect rainfall and allow exposure to the sun so it can dry when not raining.

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Why should I hire BWI?

Design Excellence: Ray Kellish, with sons Ryan, Patrick and Kevin, head up our Irrigation Engineering Department. They engineer each and every system to insure that the final product is one that is perfectly suited to the soil, light and landscape characteristics of your property.

Installation Experience: Each of our Installation Foremen has had a minimum of six years of experience installing systems. They have seen it all and are prepared to do whatever it takes to insure that your system is best it can be.

Dedicated Service Department: Our service crews are always in contact with our home office with our state-of-the-art Nextel radio/phone communications system. We have always have a technician on call for emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We want to earn your business.

To sum it up, Blue Water Irrigation has made an investment in personnel, technology and equipment that is second to none. If you are searching for a professional company with full-time dedication to install your landscape irrigation system, your search is over. We can handle the job.

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How much water does my lawn require?

Photo courtesy Hunter Industries, Inc.

The lawn requires enough water to penetrate the depth of the roots. This should be at least six inches. However, there are several things to consider before watering: weather, the type of soil, wind and sun exposure. As the temperatures rise you'll need to water more often. An average of 1" per week is recommended in the summer and it can be spread evenly every other day. Soil conditions will determine how much water is required. Soil that has a lot of clay will retain the most water and may even cause puddles under the grass. Soils with a lot of sand will not hold as much water; therefore, more frequent watering is required. Lawns with a good amount of loam will be the most balanced. The soil will retain the water and slowly release it to the roots. Wind and sun exposure can also determine the amount of water considered. Too much wind or sun can accelerate evaporation and those shady areas may delay evaporation.

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What happens if my lawn doesn't get enough water?

If the soil becomes too dry the lawn will not be able to satisfy its own requirements. This will cause the lawn to become weak and susceptible to changes in color, insect damage and disease.

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Will over-watering damage my lawn?

Many lawns are damaged from excessive watering. This causes nutrients to become diluted and washed away. As a result, the lawn will require additional applications of fertilizer. Over-watering also allows the lawn to become weak. This leads to shallow roots, causing it to become disease-prone and weed infested.

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What is the best time of day to water my lawn?

Early mornings (before sunrise) when water pressure is greatest, evaporation is minimal and the lawn can absorb the greatest amount of water are the best time to water your lawn. Avoid watering after sunset because water that does not evaporate may cause disease. Do not water during the hottest point of the day because the sun will evaporate the water before it can soak the lawn. To water your lawn efficiently, it requires the right amount of water, evenly distributed, at the right time.