Smart Irrigation?

Another thing hindering Smart Irrigation is specifiers who require irrigation systems but allow Design-Build. Design-Build allows Sprinkler Guys to bid low on these jobs and cut corners to make money. These architects rarely monitor the installation or know enough to verify that the installation is being done properly. A minimum standard for acceptable irrigation systems in this area needs to be established. A local Irrigation Association would be a good start to establishing the minimum standards. I would hate to ask for legislation mandating the minimum standards, but maybe licensing all contractors would be a start towards leveling the field.

July is Smart Irrigation Month

Smart irrigation starts with a good design. Proper head selection and placement. Head to head coverage. Proper nozzeling to get close to Matched Precipitation. Not mixing sprays and rotors. Things that “Irrigation Contractors” do that “Sprinkler Guys” don’t. I’m going to make the distinction between Irrigation Contractors (the good guys) and Sprinkler Guys (the bad guys). Improving the quality of sprinkler systems is not as easy as changing the settings on a controller or adding a component to the system; it involves demanding improvements to the design of the initial installation. If the builders who sell houses with sprinkler systems don’t demand quality in their design, their homebuyer unknowingly ends up with unnecessarily higher water bills. The builder doesn’t care, because he has sold the house and saved a few bucks using a sprinkler guy who cuts corners or doesn’t know how to put in a good system.