The Borough of Avalon will embark on an experimental program designed to show the effectiveness of three different irrigation technologies. This program will help determine the best way to reduce water use and costs associated with the irrigation of Borough property. This program will be the first of its kind along the Jersey Shore, and involve in-kind services provided by private companies.
During the December 8th council meeting, Collins discussed a plan with the Avalon Borough Council that will result in three different irrigation technologies that will be used on three very similar traffic islands located along Dune Drive between 39th Street and 43rd Street. One island will use the current sprinkler head system; a second island will be fitted with an under the soil drip irrigation system; the third traffic island will be fitted with a smart, weather-sensitive controller and advanced technology sprinkler heads. Each of the three traffic islands will be covered with new sod, and water use will be carefully monitored and recorded through the spring and summer of 2011.
The Borough of Avalon has received generous participation from private companies who will finance a majority of this project. John Deere Company will provide the equipment that will be used, while local landscaping companies will provide the labor and expertise needed for installation. The Avalon Department of Public Works assist with project and provide constant monitoring of the traffic islands to determine which system works the best, and uses the least amount of water.
