Editor's Note: Arlington Water Utilities and Tarrant Regional Water District offers a limited number of free sprinkler system evaluations for Arlington residents. The evaluations are on a first-come, first-served basis and residents must wait two years between free evaluations. 

An irrigation system that isn't working efficiently because of broken spray heads or an out-of-whack controller can make summer water bills worse. Arlington Water Utilities wants to help. So, the City is expanding the free sprinkler system audits it offers each year by adding additional certified irrigation specialists.

Starting this week, Arlington Water residential customers can call the City's customer care office at 817-275-5931 to request a sprinkler evaluation. Every year, Arlington offers a limited number of sprinkler evaluations in cooperation with its raw water provider, Tarrant Regional Water District, as part of its overall conservation strategy. The department decided to expand the program this summer in response to an increase in residents seeking help in controlling their water costs, said Craig Cummings, Arlington Water Utilities director.

"In talking with customers who have concerns about their summer-time bills, we have found that irrigation often is causing the increase in water use and thus water costs. In a year like this, when temperatures are high and rainfall is well below normal, ensuring that an irrigation system is functioning properly can make a significant difference in your city services bill," Cummings said. "That's why we are offering this service to residents."

When residents sign up for the sprinkler evaluation, a local licensed irrigation specialist will perform a 45-minute evaluation of their sprinkler system and provide recommendations for improvements. The program is not a sales pitch for additional contracting services and residents won't be pressured to make specific changes.

Earlier this month, City Manager Trey Yelverton shared a presentation with the Arlington City Council about summer water use and answered many questions residents have posted online. A video of that presentation is available here: https://youtu.be/9h3Mt994nC0

In response to questions about summer water use, Arlington Water Utilities has scheduled three town hall style meetings for residents. An informational presentation from Arlington Water Utilities Director Craig Cummings will be followed by a question and answer session.

• The first meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 28 at the West Arlington Police Service Center, 2060 W. Green Oaks Blvd.
• The second meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6 at the Arlington Water Utilities South Service Center, 1100 SW Green Oaks Blvd.
• The third will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12 in the Community Room at the NE Branch Arlington Public Library, 1905 Brown Blvd.

Arlington Water's customer service representatives are available to discuss water use and billing at 817-275-5931 and via email at [email protected]. The department's website, Facebook, and Twitter pages also offer tips and information all year long to help customers be water efficient.

More information on summer water use is available here: https://youtu.be/gnaDJFRV3Gw.

For more information on Arlington's Advance Metering Infrastructure program, visit http://www.arlington-tx.gov/water/your-water-meter/ and here's a link to a new video that shows you how you can read your water meter.