Opportunities to Save Water Colorado Water Workshop – through Efficient Design, Appropriate Technology, and Effective Management

EFFICIENT DESIGN 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; 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 selection Using it effectively…

Manufacturer Performance Data CIT SPACE algorithm to develop densogram for sprinkler selection Using it effectively… 60’ SC=1.2 DU=85% 70’ SC=1.4 DU=79% 80’ SC=1.4 DU=74%

Example: Nozzle Selection

Example: Spacing Variation

APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGIES Saving Water through APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGIES

Flow Sensors / Master Valves

Weather Sensor Technology

Soil Sensing Technology

“SMART” Controller Technology

EFFECTIVE SYSTEM MANAGEMENT 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

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!