Cagwin & Dorward Landscape Contractors

The Sequoia Glen Water Management Case Study was covered in the February 2007 issue of Building Owners & Managers Association's (BOMA) Newsletter:

Water usage is on the mind of many these days, and for good reason. The EPA has calculated that 25% of all water wasted in California is wasted on landscapes. In addition, the Governor recently signed California Bill AB1881 into law. This bill was based upon recommendations given by a statewide landscape task force which was created to review landscape water use issues.

This new legislation includes:

Restricting the prohibition of low water-usage plants in common interest developments (that will mean HOA's can no longer prohibit homeowners from using drought tolerant and native plants)
Adoption of standards for landscape irrigation equipment in the form of weather based (ET) controllers, moisture sensors and/or other water saving irrigation devices by the year 2010
After January 1, 2012, the sale of any irrigation controllers or moisture sensors for landscape use must meet the adopted standards

California water customers can be proactive, adapt early and begin experiencing savings now, or wait until water costs rise to intolerable levels or worse case, mandatory rationing.

Sequoia Glen had been experiencing significant repair costs due to water damage from excessive irrigation pipe breakage. The cost of water used on their landscape was a big concern as well. Blake Webber, President of the Board of Directors of Sequoia Glen Homeowners Association in Novato, CA contacted Cagwin & Dorward for help. After discussing his concerns with Irrigation Specialist Clayton Keller, Clayton called in Cagwin & Dorward's Water Conservation Manager, Debra Lane.

After performing a landscape water analysts of the property and determining the specific needs of the customer, Debra recommended:

Install 3 WeatherTRAK, weather-based ET Controllers from Hydropoint Data Systems of Petaluma, CA.
Install master valves & flow sensors throughout the system
Install red warning lights to indicate a major leak or pipe break

Debra worked in conjunction with a senior engineer from Hydropoint to set up this customized system. The flow sensing equipment was calibrated to detect excessive water flow in the event of a pipe break. In such a case, the master valve would shut down and stop the flow of water.

The WeatherTRAK controllers applied water to the landscape based on weather conditions and plant type. Sprinkler run times were changed automatically to apply only the amount of water needed by the landscape. No other modifications to the irrigation system or major renovations to the landscape were made.

Cagwin & Dorward saved the customer money by providing what they needed, while staying within budget guidelines. Debra simply monitored the programming and made slight adjustments during the year.

At the end of a 12-month period, Cagwin & Dorward’s Water Management Department analyzed the results:

Landscape water use was reduced by 23%
177,470 gallons of water were saved
The flow sensing system successfully detected 2 major pipe breaks
In both instances the master valve shut down correctly and the red warning light went on
Plant health has never looked better, another testament to the benefits of watering based on weather and plant needs

According to Hydropoint, independent studies show a 20 - 45% reduction in water consumption after the installation of a WeatherTRAK controller.

The excitement for Cagwin & Dorward’s Water Management team is seeing actual savings that is measurable in real dollars. Even better, the customer couldn't be happier: "Not only does the property look the best I have seen it since 1992, it has saved us money and water", Blake Webber, President of the Board of Directors of Sequoia Glen Homeowners Association.

Becoming Part of the Solution ...

Water Management - Case Study in B.O.M.A. Newsletter