How do we ensure that we use the water in the most efficient and effective way?

To ensure that you are using the water in the most effective way you should follow the following steps:

• Service your irrigation equipment to ensure that it is leak-free, blockage and scale free and all moving parts are free to move through complete arcs etc. Check distribution uniformity by putting buckets out to ensure water is distributed evenly.
  
• Never leave a static, hose-fed sprinkler system (one where the sprinkler head does not move across the pitch) unattended. Always be prepared to monitor and move it regularly.
• The best way to apply water is the right amount on fewer occasions rather than applying water little and often. This will allow the water to get deeper into the soil, encouraging deeper root growth and reduced water loss due to evaporation and transpiration by the grass.
  
• Only apply the amount needed. You can check this by using a spade or corer to see how far the water is penetrating. If you have sandy soils or well drained soils then do not over apply water. If you have heavily cracked clay soils, apply water slowly otherwise water will simply flow down the cracks and away from the turf plants.
  
• Do not allow the water to pond or run-off as this wastes water and cause pollution. If irrigation is not going into the profile then consider spiking and look for areas of compaction. Reduce the rate of watering and increase the length of time for watering to reduce wastage.
  
• When watering, look for signs of water repellency (hydrophobicity) which is very common on dried out sandy or thatch soils. Water repellency isn’t just when water ponds on the surface - it can cause water to flow limited parts of the soil and other parts of the soil will remain dry. Take cores or use a spade to look where water is going in the soil profile. Be aware that although thatchy soils can stay wetter for longer once they dry out they are very difficult to wet up.
  
• You should consider watering the minimum number of pitches possible. Review your fixture list and consider the potential wear and recovery required - you may be able to take certain pitches out of use.