The Public Works Department is committed to water conservation. Beginning in 2007, existing landscape median and parkway irrigation systems have been upgraded to utilize rain sensors to regulate watering as part of the ongoing maintenance and replacement practices of the Trees & Landscaping Division.

A more sophisticated approach is being used for new construction projects involving landscape irrigation within City rights-of-way. A water management system is the City’s current standard for new installations. Water management systems focus on water conservation, labor savings, and irrigation control. Features of water management systems include:

Did you Know? The city requires all landscaping contractors to use only fescue grass in public landscaping projects because it uses 70% less water than bluegrass.

• Ability to be controlled by a computer or radio controller from off site locations;
• Rain sensors to automatically adjust station run times;
• Moisture sensors to allowing system to respond to real time soil conditions;
• Waterline failure sensors which automatically shut off the flow during a leakage;
• Capability of handling up to 48 stations;
• Usage reports; and
• Adjustability for maximum irrigation efficiency.

The steps being implemented by the Public Works Department support the city's Clean and Green initiative.