Home

Bookmark and Share Print

Sub-Page-Conservation-Header-Used-757px 
Main Page    Trees    Xeriscape    Soil    Lawn Care    Rebates    Back to Landscape+Irrigation

Sprinkler and drip systems

Irrigation System Efficiency:

Did you know over-watering turf grass is the largest source of water waste?  Efficient irrigation systems that use the best available technology can save water and money.  However, any irrigation system that is not properly designed, maintained and/or managed can waste water.   You should always operate and maintain an efficient irrigation system to make sure your system isn't wasting water and costing you money.  

A brief description of standard system types, components and efficiencies follows:

Sprinkler System Heads:
Rotor Heads - 
More efficient than the typical spray head but used for longer distances (20' - 100'+).

Impact Heads-            
Similar to rotor heads but with a canister style body; also for longer distances (30'-150').

Spray Heads -             
Less efficient than rotors but designed for smaller areas (typically 3'-15').

Rotating Heads -         
A water conserving option to the standard spray heads (as low as 5' up to 35' depending on brand). Also known as   "MP heads," "Rotating Nozzles," or "Matched Precipitation Rate Rotary Spray Heads" these heads are specialized spray heads that are much more efficient than the standard spray nozzle.  See which heads are eligible for rebate!

What makes these spray heads unique?  Matched Precipitation Rotating Heads are efficient because they:                                   
  1. Rotate- to provide better coverage
  2. Match Precipitation- to make sure each head puts out the same amount of water at the same rate.  This means your lawn is watered evenly, rather than standard spray heads and rotors that can sometimes have more water coming out of one head and less out of others.
  3. Lose Less Water- These spray heads put out a larger sized water droplet rather than a mist.  More water reaches the turf and less is lost to the atmosphere.
  4. Use Less Water- All of these factors mean that these heads use less water to keep your lawn looking green.  Even though less water is being used, sometimes longer run times are required.  

Types of Drip Systems:
Above Ground Drip-    
More than 90 percent efficient if correctly maintained.  Above ground drip systems like micro-sprays and bubblers are eligible for rebate.  Soaker hose system is not included.    

Subsurface Systems-  
Some drip systems can be installed underground without any visible emitter because the drip tubing is designed to emit water at the root level.  These subsurface drip systems are also eligible for rebate.

Monitoring & Maintenance:
SMART Controllers -   Come in two main varieties: 
  1. Weather-based (based on evapotranspiration and/or other factors like wind, etc).
  2. Sensor-based (based on in-ground moisture sensors)
To be eligible for rebate, drip controllers must be Smart Water Application Technology (SWAT) approved controllers.  The SWAT approval program is one of the functions of the Irrigation Association (IA). Approved controllers are eligible for rebate.  SMART controllers do more than simply run programs.  Their programs are constantly updated and adjusted based on current weather or soil conditions. This advanced information helps you save water (and money)!  SMART controllers are eligible for rebate.  You can also use existing weather data like to monitor your current system. 
 
Irrigation Audits -     
Audits can spot and help improve irrigation inefficiencies.  City of Boulder residential customers can sign-up with the Center for ReSource Conservation (CRC).  The CRC Slow The Flow program helps homeowners and small HOAs determine where water is being wasted and how the system can be improved. Commercial irrigation audits are eligible for rebate when they are done by an irrigation auditor who is certified by the IA.

Additional Resources  

Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 October 2012 14:11