Smart Irrigation Month is celebrated in July as an ode to the technology that has helped in saving water worldwide. Smart irrigation is a system that controls and schedules irrigation times after monitoring the weather and soil conditions. Why is such a system important? Because less than 1% of all the water on Earth can be used by people. Unfortunately, due to the increase in populations globally, the amount of water available is drying out quicker than expected. Hence, it is important to save water and turn to machinery and technology in devising strategies to save water.
History of Smart Irrigation Month
Smart Irrigation Month was an initiative kickstarted by the Irrigation Association with the aim of educating individuals regarding the benefits of smart irrigation technologies, products, and services. Amongst many examples of water wastage, one is directly associated with sprinklers — people turn on sprinklers but forget to turn them off! Therefore, the concept of smart irrigation was founded to ensure the right technology is being used at the right time.
The purpose of Smart Irrigation Month is to raise public awareness through campaigns that promote efficient water use, saving money on utility bills, nurturing green spaces, and the protection of a community’s water supply. Why is this essential? Because more than nine billion gallons of water is used each day for landscape irrigation and over 50% of this water is wasted due to overwatering. Today, the Earth’s water reserves are diminishing since it has been used for irrigation of agriculture for decades.
Irrigation is believed to have started in Egypt, in Mesopotamia. People directed an overflow of water in any one region to a place where water for agriculture was required. The automation of irrigation systems began in the 1800s, and there has been no turning back since then. The shift towards automatic irrigation systems occurred because the value of a house at that time was often based on the condition of its lawn. To ensure the right amount of water was provided to the plants, the sprinkler system was introduced in the 1950s. This was followed by several innovations that controlled the activity of these sprinklers.
Smart Irrigation Month timeline
Philip Pratt invents the first automatic sprinkler system for fires.
J. Lessler obtains the first U.S. patent for a lawn sprinkler.
Weather-based smart irrigation controllers are installed.
G. Parameswaran and K. Sivaprasath propose a smart drip irrigation system using IoT.
Smart Irrigation Month FAQs
Why do we need smart irrigation?
Smart irrigation is essential since it helps in minimizing the wastage of water.
What does a smart irrigation controller do?
It controls the time of when and for how long a sprinkler turns on.
Can I control my sprinklers with my phone?
Yes, there is a mobile application that allows you to manage your sprinkler system with a cell phone.
How to Observe Smart Irrigation Month
Get a smart irrigation system for your garden
The best way to celebrate the month is to get a smart irrigation system if you don’t already have one! In fact, spread the message amongst your neighbors and encourage them to get one, too.
Run a campaign regarding the importance of smart irrigation
This could be an online campaign or a physical campaign that requires posters, speeches, etc. The aim should be to have your voice heard regarding the benefits of smart irrigation.
View a documentary that shows the grim future
Unsure why smart irrigation is so important? Google some good documentaries that show how bad the future of Earth will be if we run out of water.
5 Fun Facts You Need To Know About Smart Irrigation
Running things online
Smart irrigation systems have WiFi controllers.
Reduce the water bills
Smart water technology can reduce water usage by 20 to 40%.
LED lights that explain it all
Smart irrigation systems have LED lights that glow when irrigation is needed.
Rain sensors
The systems have rain sensors that stop sprinklers during rain and for some time after it.
Sensing data
The systems have soil moisture systems that measure water content on the surface.
Why Smart Irrigation Month is Important
It creates awareness regarding smart irrigation methods
There are several methods of smart irrigation, but not everyone knows what they are and how they benefit society. This is why this month is essential to spread the word about the benefits of all smart irrigation methods.
It reduces water wastage
When people gain knowledge regarding smart irrigation and start adopting these methods, water wastage can be instantly reduced.
It helps the globe
Water conservation is important if we want to preserve our environment and minimize future water shortages. Smart Irrigation Month, in effect, helps the globe since it educates people regarding ways of saving water.
Smart Irrigation Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | July 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 1 | Saturday |
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