Water Rates Rise Dramatically

WATER RATES RISE DRAMATICALLY

Before we get used to rain and forget about the high water bills from this record breaking extended dry summer, it is important to understand the non-weather factors impacting irrigation water costs.

Did you know that the average price for water in the Portland Metro area has doubled in the past 6 years? As you can see from the chart above, all rates have risen, some more than others, and the rates vary widely from city to city. Good news for those of you in Gresham as your rates have risen the least and your water is the cheapest. Bad news for those of you in Wilsonville and Tigard as your rates have risen the most and are the most expensive.

The reason for the differing rates is not completely understood but "it is what it is". The point we want to make is to prepare for annual increases greater than the overall inflation as that has been the pattern for the past 7 years and will likely continue.

Another point to make is that as water rates rise, conservation projects make more and more financial sense. Whether or not you want to "save the world" by conserving water, you all will agree that high ROI conservation projects are a "no brainer".

WEATHER BASED IRRIGATION HAS GREAT ROI

As we are all seeing in every aspect of our businesses, technology is rapidly changing and our businesses are benefiting from each advancement. Irrigation control is one of the many parts of Landscape Management that is benefiting from improved technology. Weather Based Irrigation can now control your irrigation from anywhere and adjust as needed regardless of time and location. This helps us control your irrigation in the most cost efficient method.

The operation of these new water management products is based on monitoring and adjusting daily irrigation due to the ever changing weather and associated irrigation need. The problem has been getting the remote on-site irrigation controller to connect with the central control computer in the irrigation manager's office and ideally on their phone. New advances have finally been made to make this easy and affordable.

If you don't have weather based irrigation control, you need to consider it as it makes sense for most properties.

http://www.pacscape.com/sustainable/weather-based-irrigation.php