The City of Westminster is currently in the process of designing and replacing several of its parks' irrigation infrastructures. Many of the parks in Westminster have irrigation systems that are over 40 years old and are in desperate need of replacement and modernization to continue to serve residents for decades to come.
Water is becoming an increasingly precious resource in Westminster, and we are striving to utilize it in the most effective and sustainable ways possible. In order to do that, our irrigation systems must be updated with smart irrigation tools that will allow for us to achieve these goals for our City and our residents.
Some of these updates will include: weather-based watering, rain sensing, soil moisture, and data tracking technology to increase efficiency and reduce overall water use and waste. Durable, leak free and ecofriendly piping with a 100 year lifespan will help reduce costly maintenance repairs.
Smart irrigation practices are proving to be an essential upgrade in modern urban park environments for a variety of reasons. Here are some key reasons highlighting their importance:
- Water Conservation: One of the most significant benefits of smart irrigation is its ability to conserve water. By using sensors and technology to optimize irrigation schedules and adjust watering levels based on real-time data, smart irrigation systems can reduce water waste, ensuring that only the required amount of water is used for irrigation.
- Sustainability: Efficient water usage through smart irrigation practices helps preserve a precious natural resource and minimizes the environmental impact of regular irrigation.
- Improved Plant Health: Smart irrigation allows for precise control over the timing and amount of water applied to both turf and plant material in the parks. This results in turf and plants that are both healthy as well as more drought tolerant.
- Cost Savings: While there is an initial investment in setting up smart irrigation systems, the long-term savings in water and labor costs can greatly outweigh the upfront expenses.
- Reduced Maintenance: Smart irrigation systems can detect and alert City Staff of potential issues, such as leaks, equipment malfunctions and communication errors, allowing for timely maintenance and follow-up. This proactive approach saves time and money for Westminster and its residents.
- Real-time Monitoring and Control: Smart irrigation systems offer remote monitoring and control options, allowing City Staff to make adjustments from anywhere with an internet or cellular connection.
- Drought Resistance: Smart irrigation practices can improve turf and plant material in Westminster to help them become more resilient to drought conditions. By optimizing water use and ensuring efficient irrigation, these systems can help maintain Westminster’s essential water supply even during periods of water scarcity.
The City of Westminster is very excited about completing this project to become better environmental stewards while updating the aging irrigation infrastructure throughout our Parks System.
List of Proposed Parks
- Orchard - Construction phase
- Stratford - Construction phase
- Standley Lake Visitors Center - Construction phase
- Foxshire - Design phase
- Windsor - Design phase
- Ranch - Design phase
- Sherwood - Design phase
- Mayfair - Design phase
- Faversham - Design phase
- Tepper Fields - Design phase
- Bishop Square - Design phase
- Municipal Courts - Design phase