This section of the Los Angeles Water Audit and Retro-Commissioning Report includes information on your landscape and irrigation system. For a more general assessment of your system and recommendations, enter information on just the irrigation controllers. To receive more comprehensive efficiency recommendations, add information on the stations managed by each controller. Stations or valves control the watering of each irrigation zone and you can be added by clicking “add Station” at the bottom of each controller entry form. If you have a landscape contractor or water management service, we recommend working with them to complete this section. It's recommended that you turn on at least a couple stations to identify potential issues.
Data entry guidance for a select set of Landscape Irrigation inputs are provided below.
Irrigated Area - Square footage of the landscape area irrigated.
System Pressure - Find your system pressure by checking the pressure regulator (if one exists) or using a water gauge to test the water pressure entering your system.
Irrigation Controllers
Controller Type - Most irrigation systems have a time based irrigation controller you set the start time and the amount of run time per zone. Smart/weather based controllers have a built-in ability to adjust sprinkler run times based on your local weather. Many of these controllers will have a visible option for “Smart” or “Weather based” modes
Rain Sensor - Rain sensors turn off irrigation cycles when a specific amount of rainfall has occurred. The sensors are usually mounted in an open area exposed to rainfall near the irrigation controller. They can be both hardwired into the controller or wireless.
Pressure Regulation - Pressure regulators control the water pressure in your irrigation system. Regulators at the valve control pressure going into the different zones. These regulators are found attached to the valve controlling each zone. Sprinkler heads can also have pressure regulators which are found under the “pop-up” or “spray” portion of the sprinkler typically labeled PR.
Flow Sensor Type - Flow sensors measure your irrigation water use. They are typically installed in the main line of the irrigation system, near where it connects with the non-irrigation water lines. Flow sensors with a “master valve” are able to turn off the water supply if unusual water flow is detected.
Existing Low Water Plants - Low water plants include any “California friendly” or climate appropriate plants that are adapted to the climate in Southern California. Examples include native plants (flowers, bushes, trees), succulents, and cactus.
High-Efficiency Sprinkler Nozzles - High efficiency sprinkler nozzles deliver water slowly reducing water waste. Water leaving the nozzles often looks like multiple rotating streams of water or a spray with larger droplets that do not create any mist.
Mixed Heads - “Mixed Sprinkler Heads” occur when there is more than one type of sprinkler head per zone. For example, pop up sprinkler heads and rotating spray heads.
Different Types of Plants on Same Valve - Plants with differing watering requirements (ex: bushes and turf) should not be on the same valve which provides the same amount of water for both.
Leaks - Leaks occur throughout irrigation systems at the nozzle, valves, or piping. Some signs of leaking include water puddling, high volume spraying (ex: vertical water spray form head), or dripping at the valves.
Heads Broken, or Below Grade - An example of below grade heads are when the grass grows higher than the head and obstructs the water stream.
Runoff/Overspray - Runoff/Overspray are observed when irrigation water has left the intended spray area. It may be running off the landscape after being applied too quickly or sprayed in the wrong area by misplaced sprinklers.
Blocked Spray - Blocked Spray occurs when plants or objects are moved into the path of a spray nozzle blocking its ability to water the landscape.
Overwatering - Signs of overwatering include wilting, tips of leaves turning brown, yellow leaves, and other plant distress despite moist soil.
Coverage Issues - Signs of coverage issues are isolated areas/plants in your landscape that are turning brown or showing signs of insufficient irrigation while other areas remain healthy.
Seasonally Adjust Irrigation Schedule (Manually or through a smart controller) - A controller’s irrigation schedule can be adjusted for the season, for example reducing watering times during the winter rainy season. These adjustments are incorporated into most “smart” or “weather based” controllers. They can also be adjusted manually.
Best Practices Being Used - “Best Practices” are landscaping strategies that reduce water usage. Examples include mulching to contain water and cool the soil, irrigating at night to reduce evaporation, or planting California Friendly plants that require less water.
Stations
Irrigation Type - Rotor Sprays operate by rotating streams of water back and forth or in circles over the landscape. Point source irrigation include drip emitters that apply drops of water directly to the plant.
Pressure Regulation - Pressure regulators control the water pressure in your irrigation system. Regulators at the valve control pressure going into the different zones. These regulators are found attached to the valve controlling each zone. Sprinkler heads can also have pressure regulators which are found under the “pop-up” or “spray” portion of the sprinkler.
Check Valves - Low head drainage results in water flowing from the lowest sprinklers for a period of time after they run but all drainage stops after the pipes or empty. Check valves prevent water from draining out of the pipes through the lowest sprinklers.
Mixed Sprinkler Heads Types - "Mixed Sprinkler Heads” occur when there is more than one type of sprinkler head per zone. For example, pop up sprinkler heads and rotating nozzles.
Leaks - Leaks occur throughout irrigation systems at the nozzle, valves, or piping. Some signs of leaking include water puddling, high volume spraying (ex: vertical water spray form head), or dripping at the valves.
Runoff/Overspray - Runoff/Overspray are observed when irrigation water has left the intended spray area. It may be running off the landscape after being applied too quickly or sprayed in the wrong area by misplaced sprinklers.
Blocked Spray - Blocked Spray occurs when plants or objects are moved into the path of a spray nozzle blocking its ability to water the landscape.
Overwatering - Signs of overwatering include wilting, tips of leaves turning brown, yellow leaves, and other plant distress despite moist soil.
Coverage Issues - Signs of coverage issues are isolated areas/plants in your landscape that are turning brown or showing signs of insufficient irrigation.