Too Many Heads / Sprinklers!

Looks like there are a lot of heads!  Maybe too many?

Looks like there is a lot going on, any way we can clean it up?

These are the most common responses received, the first time an irrigation plan is reviewed.  Irrigation plans are much more functional than visually appealing. 

Distribution uniformity describes how even the water is being applied throughout an irrigation zone.  If we place measuring cups in different locations, we want close to the same measurements of water.  

One aspect of irrigation design, that affects distribution uniformity, is head spacing.  A designer uses personal experience, manufacturerer's data, and site condtions to decide on the best head spacing.  Approriately spaced heads results in a higher distribution uniformity.  Heads spaced too far apart results in a lower distribution uniformity.

A low distibution uniformity rate results in a mix of over and under watered areas.  A high distibution uniformity rate results in minimizing water use and maximizing plant health.  Yes it is true that water in our area is viewed as being cheap, but replacing plants is not.