PROBLEM

POTENTIAL CAUSE

SOLUTIONS

Misting, Fogging

High Water Pressure

• Pressure regulating devices maintain the optimum water pressure to sprinklers, which will minimize misting and fogging.  This can result in over 50% water savings.

Water Runoff and Erosion

Slopes, clay soil, over-spray, too much water applied too quickly

• Controllers with multiple start times or cycle + soak will enable you to water in multiples, yet shorter cycles to allow for better absorption.

• High efficiency nozzles with matched precipitation rates provide better distribution of water and can reduce water usage by up to 30%.

• Low-Volume drip irrigation applies water slowly and more directly to plants' roots.

• Check valves to prevent drainage at lower elevations, which eliminates flooding and erosion.

Over-Watering due to weather changes

Controllers are rarely adjusted to accomodate for weather changes

• Automatic shut-off devices temporarily suspend irrigation when sufficient moisture is detected or if it is raining, resulting in 15-20% water savings.

• Many irrigation controllers contain features that enable users to easily make changes to their systems (to accommodate for weather changes) without disrupting predetermined settings.

Over-Watering due to different types of plants

Different plants have different watering needs

• Plant your gardens and natural areas in zones and use a controller with multiple independent programs.  This will provide you with the flexibility to adjust your watering schedule per the needs of each zone.