As drought extends its suffocating fingers across the country, many Americans say they are planning to save water this summer. This nationwide conservation mindset is evident in the results of a survey released this week by Orbit Irrigation Products, North Salt Lake, Utah.
According to the survey conducted by Wirthlin Worldwide, 64 percent of Americans say they plan to conserve water this summer.
“The average homeowner is becoming much more aware of the drought problems we face and they are seeking out water-conserving irrigation products and devices,” observed K.C. Ericksen, CEO, Orbit.
And 49 percent say their areas of the country are facing drought conditions. The results show significant concern and planned action in the West:
Region Plan to conserve water Believe there is a drought
East 68 percent 43 percent
Central 55 percent 45 percent
West 79 percent 65 percent
Total 64 percent 49 percent
The Mountain West sub-region claimed the highest percentage of people who said they intend to make changes in the coming summer months to save water. But throughout the various regions and sub-regions, the survey clearly illustrates the heightened sensitivity to water conservation across the country, Ericksen noted.
He estimated the professional irrigation market should see an impact based on the requests of customers to install more water-efficient products. “These conditions will also be an opportunity for the professional installers to introduce new water saving products, such as automatic timers, rain shut-off switches and micro watering products, to more of their customers,” he described. “Public awareness will not only reinforce the value of such products but also focus attention on the increasing efficiency need to use our natural resources intelligently and carefully.”
The author is Assistant Editor-Internet of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at aanderson@lawnandlandscape.com.