By Robert Burns
Two trainings to help professional irrigators and water conservation staff save water will be conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Feb. 24-25 at the Lower Colorado River Authority Dalchau Service Center, 3505 Montropolis Drive, Austin.
“Over 1,100 community water systems are currently affected by drought and water restrictions, including many in the Central and South Central regions of the state,” said Charles Swanson, AgriLife Extension irrigation specialist, College Station. “Much of the area around Austin currently has some type of outdoor water restrictions in place for irrigation, including limited days per week and times during the day to irrigate.”
To help bring professionals and water conservation staff up to date on the latest methods to make best use of their resources, two trainings will be conducted by Swanson and Dr. Guy Fipps, Agrilife Extension irrigation engineer, College Station.
Eight continuing education units for landscape irrigation licenses will be offered to those attending either training. To register for either or both trainings, go to http://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/irrigation.
The Feb. 24 training, “Irrigation Troubleshooting and Performance Testing,” will consist of hands-on training in how to program irrigation controllers, electrically troubleshoot controllers and valves, properly install rain sensors, determine sprinkler precipitation rates and create good irrigation schedules, Swanson said. The cost is $165, including lunch. The training will start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m.
The Feb. 25 training, “Drip Irrigation Workshop,” will review basic hydraulic requirements such as pressures and flow of a drip irrigation system, he said. The cost is $165 and includes lunch. The training will start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m.
Attendees will learn about different types of drip products, drip product selection, designing, and installing drip for both turf and bedded landscape application,” Swanson said.
“The LCRA has a long history of sponsoring irrigation short courses and conservation with AgriLife Extension,” Fipps said. “We are happy that once again LCRA is assisting with the classes and letting us use the excellent classrooms and facilities located at their Dalchau Service Center.”
Both courses are approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for licensed irrigators, irrigation technicians and irrigation inspectors, Swanson noted.