Contractor Resources
Landscape and irrigation contractors are essential for managing irrigation systems in Bend. They handle system startups, program irrigation controllers, make repairs and perform efficiency upgrades.
Contractors who prioritize water efficiency help their customers save water, reduce monthly utility bills and lessen their reliance on local natural resources.
Large Landscape Program
Are you a contractor managing irrigation for a large landscape of one acre or more? If so, the Large Landscape Program could be a valuable resource for your customers. This program connects water conservation staff with contractors and owners of large landscapes to identify water-saving opportunities.
Contractor Resources
Landscapes significantly impact water demands in the High Desert, underscoring the value of water conservation in Bend. Designing outdoor spaces for functionality and efficiency helps our community remain resilient, purposeful and beautiful. To support this, the City of Bend provides resources for calculating landscape water demand, irrigation best practices, and City of Bend Standards and Specifications for those tricky street strips.
Regular inspections of irrigation systems are recommended by the City of Bend. These simple yet effective tips can save substantial amounts of water when performed consistently. Homeowners and contractors are encouraged to use the irrigation inspection checklist forms provided.
Sprinkler Inspection Program
Are you interested in having a City of Bend water conservation expert check out an irrigation system for your customer? If so, you can easily request an inspection. Each inspection includes a visual check of the system while it’s running, tests for precipitation rate, soil type, and pressure, and a one-on-one discussion with the owner or contractor on how to make the irrigation system as water efficient as possible.
Irrigation Days and Hours
Follow the code by ensuring your irrigation system runs during the approved hours and days. Remember, irrigation is not allowed between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The even/odd day schedule applies. If you need to irrigate outside of these hours and days, you’ll need a Code Variance from the City of Bend Water Conservation office at 541-317-3000, ext. 2.
Tree Preservation and Planter Strip Landscaping
To promote the health and sustainability of Bend’s urban forest, the City has established regulations that support the preservation, planting, and upkeep of trees on both public and private land. These guidelines also include standards for landscaping and irrigation in roadside planter areas, with an emphasis on conserving water.
Urban Forestry
Urban Forestry is a program which supports a thoughtful balance between protecting trees and making space for housing. The focus is on carrying out tree preservation guidelines to help maintain a healthy and sustainable environment as our community grows.
Conservation Connection
Conservation Connection was a quarterly newsletter created for Bend’s landscape and irrigation professionals. While it is no longer in production, it provided valuable tips and resources to support water conservation efforts in the community. Here are some great articles:
For Contractors
- High-Efficiency Nozzles
- Turf Management
- Landscape Contracting
- The Water Cycle – Bend’s Water System, Conservation
- Pollinator Pathways
- Neighborhood Association Information, Water Sources and Water Use, Protecting Water Resources, WaterWise Program, Sprinkler Inspection Program
- Landscaping Design Trends and Waterwise, Field Day
For Neighborhood Districts
Other Resources
Irrigation
Largely due to irrigation, the average Bend homeowner uses more water outdoors than they do indoors. Therefore, it is important to ensure water used for irrigation is not wasted.
Find a Certified Professional. WaterSense certification ensures these contractors are knowledgeable about the latest, best practices in water management and water-saving technology. These contractors have taken courses and passed an exam to become Irrigation Association and WaterSense certified contractors. Let us help you find local leaders in landscape water management!
Always have an irrigation plan when starting a new landscape or re-designing an old one. Behind most beautiful landscapes in the city of Bend is an efficient, properly installed irrigation system.
Conducting regular system inspections. Making routine irrigation schedule adjustments and ensuring that no irrigation is over-spraying or running off onto adjacent surfaces is the responsibility of the system owner. Avoid the “set it and forget it” mentality and manage water carefully in the landscape.
Irrigation systems are becoming more efficient and more technologically advanced. Smart Controllers can automatically adjust runtimes to match changes in weather and provide remote access from your smartphone. There are an increasing number of affordable irrigation system upgrades, including pressure regulating sprinkler bodies, high-efficiency nozzles, and soil sensors that can save water, money, and time.
Landscape
Bend’s landscapes are diverse. The resources below provide guidance and information so that whatever landscape choices you’re making, you have the tools to transform it to one that is more water efficient.
Whether mowing, composting, pruning, etc., regular maintenance is essential to the continued growth, health, and attractiveness of a landscape.
Plantings help reduce storm water run-off, decrease pollutants, add property value, create habitat, and keep our public spaces cool. Select plants that are appropriate for Bend’s climate and, that meet your use needs.
Integrate ideas from the resources below during the planning and design of your landscape to achieve a functional, beautiful, and WaterWise space for outdoor living.