The Mission of The Palm Beach Mobile Irrigation Laboratory (MIL) is to educate homeowners and system operators to maximize the efficiency of their irrigation systems,
while providing a foundation for protecting water quality and quantity in our area.
 
 
David DeMaio (MIL Project Manager) works with the home owner to solve common problems   The lab conducts a series of tests to check the distribution uniformity and the application rates.

How can the Mobile Irrigation Laboratory help?

The more efficiently irrigation water is applied the less time it takes.  By measuring the system uniformity, flow rates, pressure, and evaluating the soil conditions the MIL operator can work with the homeowner to solve common problems. All evaluations are summarized in a detailed report sent to each homeowner or property manager.

How do I get a free evaluation of my irrigation system?

Simple, just contact us.  The only requirement is that you reside in Palm Beach County and your property is less than ten acres.  Schools, businesses and private homes can all take advantage of our services whether your system runs on costly city water, a well or lake.

Why Conserve Water?

With an exploding population and limited water supply it is essential that we save now, for future generations, and preserve our fragile ecosystems. In addittion it's more economical to save now rather than search for alternative sources later, when we face the possibilities of rising prices and greater restrictions.

How is the Mobile Irrigation Laboratory Funded?

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) funds the Mobile Irrigation Laboratory with technical support from USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service.

How much water can I save?

The Palm Beach MIL has conducted over 1140 evaluations since its inception in 1994 with potential water savings reaching 276,681,672 gallons a year.  That's an average of 242,703 gallons a week per property.  Based on our follow up evaluation data, actual water savings on average are about 92% of the potential water savings.

Watering Tips

  • Do not mow the lawn too short.  The higher the blades of grass, the deeper more extensive the root system will grow.
  • Water in the early morning to minimize evaporation.  Watering at night might encourage fungus and disease development.
  • Avoid over fertilization.  Too much fertilizer will cause extra stress on the lawn requiring additional water.
  • Check your sprinklers once a month to ensure there are no leaks and that all heads are adjusted properly.
  • Mulch all landscaped areas to a depth of three inches to help lock-in moisture and keep a more uniform soil temperature.