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Opportunities to Save Water
through Efficient Design, Appropriate Technology,
and Effective Management
Colorado Water Workshop – 7.21.10
Saving Water through
EFFICIENT DESIGN
Coordination / 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 Mind
Appropriate Plant Selection
Irrigation 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 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; thirdparty testing by CIT in zero wind.
– Design with consideration for Distribution
Uniformity (DU) and Scheduling Coefficient (SC)
Manufacturer Performance Data
Using it effectively…
• Single-leg profile for sprinkler selection
Manufacturer Performance Data
Using it effectively…
• CIT SPACE algorithm to develop
densogram for sprinkler selection
60’
SC=1.2
DU=85%
70’
SC=1.4
DU=79%
80’
SC=1.4
DU=74%
Example: Nozzle Selection
Example: Spacing Variation
Saving Water through
APPROPRIATE
TECHNOLOGIES
Flow Sensors / Master Valves
Weather Sensor Technology
Soil Sensing Technology
“SMART” Controller Technology
Saving Water through
EFFECTIVE SYSTEM
MANAGEMENT
Water 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 Summary
Programming Guideline
Developed from system audit.
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!