Opportunities to Save WaterOpportunities to Save Water

Colorado Water Workshop – 7.21.10

through Efficient Design, Appropriate Technology, and Effective Management

Saving Water through

EFFICIENT DESIGNSaving Water through

EFFICIENT DESIGN

Coordination / ResearchCoordination / Research

• Understanding client needs/project goals• Understanding maintenance intent and

management sophistication• Understanding site conditions and constraints• Pursuing alternative water sources

Designing with Water Use in MindDesigning with Water Use in Mind

Appropriate Plant SelectionAppropriate Plant Selection

Irrigation Selection CriteriaIrrigation Selection Criteria

• Evaluation of application efficiency is critical during the design and equipment selection process.

• Sprinkler coverage uniformity is a function of layout pattern, spacing, system pressure, and nozzle performance.

• Using high efficiency sprinkler or drip application techniques where possible

Distribution Rate Curve DataDistribution Rate Curve Data

• The distribution rate curve or DRC:– Shows “single leg” variation in application rate

from the sprinkler out to the full extend of the “effective radius.”

– Single leg profiles provided by manufacturer; third-party testing by CIT in zero wind.

– Design with consideration for Distribution Uniformity (DU) and Scheduling Coefficient (SC)

Manufacturer Performance DataManufacturer Performance Data

• Single-leg profile for sprinkler selection

Using it effectively…

Manufacturer Performance DataManufacturer Performance Data

• CIT SPACE algorithm to develop densogram for sprinkler selection

Using it effectively…

60’SC=1.2DU=85%

70’SC=1.4DU=79%

80’SC=1.4DU=74%

Example: Nozzle SelectionExample: Nozzle Selection

Example: Spacing VariationExample: Spacing Variation

Saving Water through

APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGIES

Saving Water through

APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGIES

Flow Sensors / Master ValvesFlow Sensors / Master Valves

Weather Sensor TechnologyWeather Sensor Technology

Soil Sensing TechnologySoil Sensing Technology

“SMART” Controller Technology“SMART” Controller Technology

Saving Water through

EFFECTIVE SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

Saving Water through

EFFECTIVE SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

Water AuditingWater Auditing

– Evaluation of actual system uniformity• Ongoing

CONSISTENT maintenance and corrective action

• Develop specific programming parameters based on actual DU and SC

Actual Field Audit SummaryActual Field Audit Summary

Developed from system audit.

Programming GuidelineProgramming Guideline

Paradigm Shift?Paradigm Shift?

• Managing irrigation systems based on user needs and activity, not solely on “aesthetic perception”

• USGA sustainability position “We need to understand how brown can be the new green”…

• Drought response planning opportunities

Thank You!