Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Why you should be going sub-surface *

With the advent of more stringent water restrictions, Greene Eden Watering Systems has been receiving many inquiries about sub-surface drip irrigation in major turf projects. Potential clients are keen to see serious water savings, when comparing sub-surface with sprinklers, but added advantages are low maintenance costs and zero vandalism.

An important issue is the ability to disperse treated effluent/wastewater in a hazard free environment.

Costs can also be saved on effluent treatment (ET), as sub-surface will readily accept wastewater treated to a lesser level, such as classes B or C.

An added consideration is that sub-surface systems when using treated wastewater do not require buffer areas or interruption to irrigation schedules when wind speeds rise.

Four million meters of drip tube, installed by Greene Eden into projects located throughout South Australia, and especially in more arid areas, Gisborne Victoria, Birdsville and Bedourie Queensland, are testament to the fact that sub-surface drip irrigation works well, with clients experiencing drops in water use up to 40 percent.

With flow meters and moisture sensors incorporated into the system, along with application rates applicable to ET, the guess work is taken out of application rates for irrigation water. For Councils facing harsh water restrictions, serious decisions are needing to be made. Some will have to see closure of sports turf areas and others will have to accept dried grasses and dust as the norm.

Sub-surface drip irrigation could change that.

For further information contact Katherine Eden at Greene Eden Watering Systems on (08) 8262 8460.

* Copy supplied by Greene Eden Watering Systems

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