Ideas
5. Use One Type of Sprinkler Per Zone
In each of your irrigation zones, the plants should have the same water use
level and the sprinklers should have the same application and efficiency rates.
Want to be even more efficient? Then maximize your use of drip irrigation.
Spray Heads
Low Efficiency
1"-2" per hour precipitation rate
Conventional spray heads and impact
rotors apply water faster than most soils
can absorb it, and they produce smaller
water droplets that are susceptible to wind.
42
Average number of rainy days in
San Diego each year
Source: NOAA / National Weather Service
Video
Rotary Nozzles
96
Rotary Nozzles
Moderate Efficiency
0.4"-0.5" per hour precipitation rate
Rotary nozzles are a better choice than
spray heads for watering turf because they
have a lower application rate – they water
slowly. Your watering times will more than
double (compare the precipitation rates),
but these sprinklers do not produce mist
and they apply water at a rate at which turf
can absorb it, reducing runoff.
Replacing spray heads with rotary nozzles
is not difficult because they fit on any
standard spray head body. Unscrew the
spray head and screw on the rotary nozzle.
The spray head body does need to have
male threads. If it doesn't, replace the
body, too. Then follow the manufacturer's
instructions to adjust the radius of the
rotary nozzle. This can be as easy as turning
the screw on top of the nozzle.
