Property Management

April 15, 2024 Published by Golden Horseshoe Chapter - By Rick Malda

Essential Considerations for Property Managers Regarding Irrigation Systems

From the Volume 19, Spring 2024 issue of the CCI GHC Condo News Magazine

As spring approaches, landscape and irrigation become a topic of mind again. We thought it might be helpful to point out some of the less thought of issues to think over when it comes to managing properties with irrigation systems.

Understanding Irrigation System Activation times

Property Managers should be vigilant about the timing for activating irrigation systems. Typically, in Southern Ontario, there’s no pressing need to start watering landscapes before the Victoria Day long weekend. It’s crucial to know whether you can manually turn off the control panel until then, or if you expect the irrigation contractor to handle it. Leaving the system on “auto” too early, around April 15, can lead to ineffective watering, especially if relying solely on rain sensors. Consider a smart Wi-Fi control panel for more efficient management, allowing for remote activation or deactivation.

Watering Needs Across Different Property Areas

Irrigation needs can vary significantly across a property. Areas behind units, shaded spots, or those at the building’s rear may have different requirements from when they were initially landscaped. Irrigation contractors typically activate all zones without adjusting for changed needs, often leading to over or under-watering. It’s essential to reassess and adjust the watering schedule to fit the current landscape requirements.

Irrigation System Asset Health Checks

An up-to-date overall asset condition report for your irrigation system can pre-empt costly repairs and budgetary surprises. Aging components such as booster pumps and control panels or a high number of sprinklers or zones might necessitate future expenditures. Unlike basic opening or closing services, a comprehensive assessment helps maintain the system’s efficiency and longevity.

Prioritizing Key Areas for Irrigation

Informing your irrigation contractor about the property areas most valued by owners can significantly influence maintenance priorities. Knowledge of these priorities allows technicians to focus their efforts on improving or repairing these critical areas first, ensuring that the most impactful parts of your landscape receive the attention they deserve.

Comparing water bills during peak irrigation months (June, July, and August) against the past 2-3 years can provide insights into the system’s efficiency. An inefficient system may be costing you more than necessary, and upgrades can often pay for themselves through water savings.

Collaboration Between Landscape and Irrigation Contractors

Fostering a relationship between your irrigation and landscape contractors can lead to more cohesive property maintenance. Since landscape contractors are likely on-site more frequently, they can quickly communicate any issues to the irrigation contractor, preventing minor problems from escalating into major concerns.

For property managers, keeping these considerations in mind can greatly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of irrigation systems, ultimately benefiting the landscapes they manage and the residents they serve.

We like to consider water as a very precious resource, not to mention a pretty expensive one! Why not try and use it more efficiently! If you’d like to know more about how we can help, please reach out to us!

Rick Malda – President Arizona Outdoor Solutions Inc.
https://arizonaoutdoorsolutions.ca/commercial/efficiency-audits/