Markus Hogue, program coordinator of the irrigation and water conservation program at the University of Texas at Austin, is in charge of the nation's largest water conservation irrigation system, spanning 125 acres of the college campus.
According to The Daily Texan, Hogue monitors water data through a computer program connected to the massive sprinkler system. Over the past year, Hogue has worked on the development and installation of the water system, which aims to improve water monitoring capabilities to enable more responsible water usage and reduce waste.
The new watering system addresses many concerns of existing irrigation systems, such as high costs, breaks and lack of monitoring tools. The new system can track gallon usage, detect leaks and breaks, measure rainfall, and report water evaporation in real time. One computer, smartphone or remote control can monitor the entire system from a user-friendly interface, The Daily Texan reported.
While homeowners cannot install a massive, sophisticated irrigation system similar to the university's, they can use smarter lawn care practices to enhance water conservation efforts.
Ohio's Zanesville Times Recorder reported only half of the United States receives enough annual rainfall to support a healthy lawn. Thus, millions of Americans are using supplemental water sources to maintain a healthy and thriving yard. However, homeowners in areas with sufficient rainfall should conserve water and allow the natural supply to support the plants.
