Page 116 - Hong Kong Green School Guide

3. Green School Guide - 3.4 Water Use
Hong Kong Green School Guide 114
3.4.3 Water Efficient Irrigation
Benefits
• Efficient irrigationsystemcan reduce
water usage through minimising
evaporation and irrigation according
to the actual weather condition; and
• Improve hygiene by avoiding
water splashing on the ground and
prevent mosquito breeding due to
excessive irrigation water.
Issues to Consider
a. Opportunities
• Schools can adopt water efficient landscaping with either native species that
do not require potable water or an efficient irrigation system.
b. Solutions
• Native plants should be selected as a top priority as they can minimise water
requirements. Native plants can survive without additional watering as they
can thrive on just rain water. Native plants also require less fertiliser and
pesticides, thereby reducing impacts on local water. Useful Reference (1)
provides Hong Kong Native Plant information;
• When irrigation is required, an efficient irrigation system should be selected.
Water efficient irrigation systems include drip/micro irrigation, weather-based
irrigation controls, soil-moisture-based irrigation controls;
• The water distribution system must be even across the landscape area to
avoid over watering or insufficient watering;
• Irrigation by lower quality (harvested rainwater or recycled grey water) water
can be equally effective. Refer to Rainwater and Grey Water Recycling
section in this Guide; and
• Plumbing components related to irrigation system must be installed by
Licensed Plumber.
Applies to NS & ES