DriWater FAQ
What is DRiWATER and how does it work?
DRiWATER consists of 98% water and 2% food grade ingredients. DRiWATER
is 100% natural and harmless to people and animals. It is not a polymer!
DRiWATER begins to liquefy when it comes in direct contact with soil. The
enzymes naturally found in soil gradually break down the food grade ingredients
and convert DRiWATER back into liquid. The capillary activity in the soil
then carries and maintains the moisture throughout the root zone for an
extended period of time.
- What ingredients are in DRiWATER?
DRiWATER is a combination of 98% water and 2% food grade ingredients.
The food grade ingredients are commonly found in foods such as mayonnaise
and ice cream.
- Is it possible to over-water using DRiWATER?
When applied per manufacturers recommended usage, DRiWATER will not over-water
plant materials. Used under normal circumstances, following manufacturers recommendation,
each 90 -Day Quart carton or Tube and Gel Pac will deliver one ounce of water
every three days. When used to establish native plants outdoors, DRiWATER is
designed to deliver only enough moisture to keep the plant under an adequate
amount of stress, which causes the plant to seek its own moisture source to
sustain itself. When used as supplemental irrigation to aid in ornamental plant
establishment in an existing irrigated area, DRiWATER is designed to deliver
enough water to keep the root mass moist between normal irrigation cycles.
- What happens when it rains?
During light rains, DRiWATER continues to work normally. In heavy rains, the
enzymes in the soil migrate away from the soil surface to avoid being too wet.
Without enzymes present, liquefaction stops and the natural rainwater feeds
the plant. When the soil begins to dry out, the enzymes migrate back toward
the DRiWATER and begin liquefying again.
- Does DRiWATER freeze?
DRiWATER freezes when temperatures fall below 25 degrees Fahrenheit and will
not be affected when it thaws out. Enzymes in the soil become dormant at approximately
38 degrees and, at this point, DRiWATER stops liquefying. When temperatures
rise, the enzymes become active and the DRiWATER begins to liquefy again.
- When temperatures increase will DRiWATER liquefy at a faster
rate?
No. DRiWATER is activated by microbial activity in the soil, it is not heat-activated
like a common polymer. In high temperatures, the enzymes in the soil continue
to break DRiWATER down at a consistent and steady release rate. If the plant
requires more moisture, additional DRiWATER or supplemental irrigation should
be used.
- Is it safe to eat DRiWATER?
We do not recommend this, however, DRiWATER is 100% natural and harmless to
people and animals.
- How can one Quart of DRiWATER give a plant enough moisture
when the evapo-transpiration (ET) rate of the plant is greater than
the liquefaction
rate of DRiWATER?
In the first year of establishing an indigenous tree or shrub, developing
a root system to sustain the plant is the main goal. If a newly planted
tree
or shrub is given scheduled watering during its first year, it may encourage
the plant to push growth (creating greater ET rates) that it is not yet able
to support by the plants root mass. When a plant is grown in the ground from
seed, the root develops in proportion to support plant growth. When plant materials
are grown in containers and transplanted into the ground, it is important to
encourage the roots to grow out and develop so they can draw enough moisture
and nutrients from the soil to be self-supportive. During the plants’ early
establishment period, most of the moisture the plant is given will remain below
the ground within the root mass and ET rates are lower than normal at this
time. Follow the usage guidelines, always taking into consideration the species
of plant material, soil conditions and how large the canopy or upper body is
on the plant.
- After DRiWATER has finished liquefying what should be done
with the Quart or the Tube?
The Quart Carton can be pulled out of the ground and recycled or left in the
ground to degrade. It will take approximately 6 months to a year to degrade.
After removing, simply brush surrounding dirt into the hole. If you are using
the Tube, remove the Tube and use it again on another site or recycle it. When
using the Tube over an extended period of time, DRiWATER will leave a protective
crust in the bottom of the Tube near the root zone until the time of reapplication.
- Are there nutrients added to DRiWATER?
No. DRiWATER is pure potable water.
- Can I fertilize while using DRiWATER?
Yes, however, during the first year, when establishing indigenous plant materials,
fertilizing with a high nitrogen-based fertilizer is generally not recommended.
When DRiWATER comes in direct contact with fertilizers, it will cause it to
liquefy at a faster rate. For this reason, when using fertilizers, it is important
to check the DRiWATER after 45 days.
- Does DRiWATER change the Ph of the soil?
No, DRiWATER has a neutral Ph of 5.25 – 5.5.
- Do the roots of the plants develop and grow unevenly around the area
the DRiWATER has liquefied?
No. Most plants require 2 containers of DRiWATER around the plant, supplying
equal distribution of moisture around the root mass. DRiWATER turns back into
water at the rate of one-ounce every three days. As liquifaction occurs, the
capillary activity in the soil carries and maintains moisture throughout the
root mass and surrounding soil. The amount of moisture delivered to the plant
is just enough to sustain it and, at the same time, provide an adequate amount
of stress to force the plant to seek out its own moisture source.
- Do the roots grow up into the DRiWATER container?
No. A plant does not recognize DRiWATER as the water source and the roots will
grow down naturally.
- When a plant needs more moisture, does DRiWATER liquefy at
a faster rate?
No. Liquefaction is the process of DRiWATER changing from a solid gel back
into liquid water. The liquefaction rates are predictable and are determined
by the amount of DRiWATER that is exposed to the soil. If a plant needs more
moisture, it is necessary to apply more DRiWATER or use supplemental irrigation.
- Can the brown Tubes be re-used?
Yes. The Tube and Caps can be recycled or re-used. Many commercial clients
establish plant materials on one site, then remove the Tube and Caps to be
used on another project.
- What is the shelf life of DRiWATER?
DRiWATER® has an 18-month shelf life.
- What if my DRiWATER® is more than 18 months old?
You can still use the product, however keep in mind that the product
may not last as long as indicated on the packaging. Therefore we
recommend checking your plants about 1/2 way through the cycle.
- When I received my order some of the gel pacs or quarts were open,
what do I do?
If you have received gel pacs or quarts that have opened in the shipping
process simply place the gel pacs in a plastic baggie and close. Staple
or tape the top of the quart closed.
- What is the guarantee on my DRiWATER?
We guarantee a gel product that has an 18-month shelf life and that
converts to water when applied according to manufacturers instructions.
If you experience a problem, notify our corporate office at 1-800
DRiWATER.
- It’s been less than
30 days and there is no more gel left in the package. Is DRiWATER
still working?
Yes, occasionally the gel will liquefy faster than 30 days (or 90 days
if using the quart) be assured that the product is still working. A way
to check for this is to put your finger in the soil and feel for moisture,
if it’s still wet to the touch, the gel is still present. If it’s
dry to the touch, water thoroughly and replace your gel pac or quart.
- How do I refill my PT Delivery System?
The 3” Gel Pac refill is best suited for refilling your PT Delivery
System®. However, you can use the DRiWATER® Quart to refill.
Simply take the gel out of the carton completely, wet the gel, and
slide it into the tube and replace the cap.
- I’m only going to be gone for 2 weeks, what are my
options?
For small indoor plants use the 2” gel pac according to usage
guide. When you get back after 2 weeks, take the gel off of your plants,
rinse off the dirt, place in a freezer bag and put it in the freezer
so you have it for your next trip. Take it out a couple days before
you are ready to reapply so it has sufficient time to defrost. Make
sure you cover the side exposed to the air with plastic wrap. It should
last approximatley 14 or more days.
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