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Colorado Water Workshop – 7.21.10. Opportunities to Save Water. through Efficient Design, Appropriate Technology, and Effective Management. Saving Water through EFFICIENT DESIGN. Coordination / Research. Understanding client needs/project goals
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Colorado Water Workshop – 7.21.10 Opportunities to Save Water through Efficient Design, Appropriate Technology, and Effective Management
Coordination / Research • Understanding client needs/project goals • Understanding maintenance intent and management sophistication • Understanding site conditions and constraints • Pursuing alternative water sources
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 Using it effectively… • Single-leg profile for sprinkler selection
Manufacturer Performance Data Using it effectively… • CIT SPACE algorithm to develop densogram for sprinkler selection 60’ SC=1.2 DU=85% 70’ SC=1.4 DU=79% 80’ SC=1.4 DU=74%
Water Auditing • Evaluation of actual system uniformity • Ongoing CONSISTENT maintenance and corrective action • Develop specific programming parameters based on actual DU and SC
Programming Guideline Developed from system audit.
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