Landscape Irrigation Efficiency – BiJay Adams
February 14, 2017 Download the Presentation
Background
- Approximately ½ of the water we use annually is applied to landscapes
- Through education and planning, it is estimated that landscapes can be well maintained using 20-50% less water
Distribution Uniformity
- Distribution Uniformity (DU) is a key indicator of the performance of an irrigation system
- DU measures how uniformly an irrigation system applies water to the landscape
- Simple catch can trials can be conducted on any type of irrigation system and the data is used to calculate the distribution uniformity for the system
- DU is calculated as the ratio of the average irrigation volume applied to the driest quarter of the landscape (or grid) and the average volume applied across the whole landscape (or grid)
Proposal
- Develop a regional Model Efficient Irrigation Design Standard
- Hire consultant to prepare Model
- WaterSense (EPA Partnership Program) has labeled certification programs in the following specialties:
- Irrigation System Design
- Irrigation System Installation and Maintenance
- Irrigation System Audits
- Filed Notices of Intent to develop and/or revise specs for soil moisture control technologies and landscape irrigation sprinklers
- Now have a draft spec for spray sprinkler bodies
- Final product specs for weather based irrigation controllers
- Outdoor irrigation product labeling/specs in development similar to toilets, faucets, etc.