Opportunities to Save Water

Colorado Water Workshop – 7.21.10

through Efficient Design, Appropriate Technology, and Effective Management

Saving Water throughEFFICIENT 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; third-party testing by CIT in zero wind.

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

Manufacturer Performance Data

• Single-leg profile for sprinkler selectionUsing it effectively…

Manufacturer 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 Selection

Example: Spacing Variation

Saving Water throughAPPROPRIATE

TECHNOLOGIES

Flow Sensors / Master Valves

Weather Sensor Technology

Soil Sensing Technology

“SMART” Controller Technology

Saving Water throughEFFECTIVE 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

Developed from system audit.

Programming Guideline

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!