[Image Source: RD1800 Product from RainBird]
Having a lush, beautiful lawn is a point of pride for many Californians. Yet, keeping that lawn looking its best with the state’s history of droughts and water usage laws can be challenging. New CEC rules call for all HOA Communities and Commercial Properties to start using pressure compensating sprinkler heads to save water. Having non-compliant sprinklers can lead to hefty fines. Following the new laws is easier than you might think. Keep reading to learn about the new sprinkler requirements in California enacted by the California Energy Commission.
How Do Pressure Regulating Sprinkler Heads Work?
Your regular sprinkler heads may be using too much water to keep your lawn looking its best. High water flow causes your sprinkler heads to release more water in smaller drops. Regular sprinkler heads often lead to a fine mist because the droplets are so small. Smaller water droplets can evaporate before they reach your lawn.
Pressure compensating sprinkler heads are an approved solution under California’s new regulations. These sprinkler heads reduce water flow and regulate high or inconsistent water pressure. A small spring in the sprinkler expands and contracts to regulate water pressure. Regulating water pressure can lead to larger water droplets and less wasted water.
How Do These Special Sprinkler Heads Reduce Water Use and Lower Water Costs?
These sprinkler heads are made to optimize your water pressure through the spray heads. They release bigger droplets and provide even water coverage across your lawn. More uniform water distribution means more water actually reaches your lawn.
Most important, pressure-regulating sprinkler heads standardize water pressure to each head. Better water flow covers your whole lawn in less time. This means you need less water to achieve the same beautiful result.
Reduced run times and normalized water pressure can save up to a gallon of water per head every minute!
Do All Pressure Compensating Models Meet the New Sprinkler Head Regulations in California?
Not all pressure compensating sprinkler head models meet California’s new laws. Approved models must be WaterSense certified to meet the latest legislation. The WaterSense sprinklers are made to save water and follow the EPA’s laws. Before you buy or replace new sprinkler heads, check that they have the WaterSense Meets EPA Criteria logo.
What Are the Penalties for Having Non-Compliant Irrigation Sprinklers?
Having the wrong sprinkler heads can cost you. The CEC Resolution 19-0814-7 mandates that all new spray sprinklers must include a pressure-regulating device effective October 1, 2020. The new regulations state that violations could receive fines of up to $2,500 per sprinkler. It certainly doesn’t pay to waste water. In some cases, the same sprinkler could end up getting multiple violations over time.
When upgrading or repairing irrigation zones, replace any non-compliant sprinkler heads with WaterSense pressure compensated spray heads as soon as possible. Updating your irrigation system can help you avoid penalties and save on your water bills.
What Kind of Pressure Compensating Sprinkler Hardware Does Serpico Landscaping Use?
We work with all major WaterSense certified brands like Rain Bird, Hunter and Toro. We’re happy to help you figure out which type of sprinklers you have and what updates your system may need. Before changing or upgrading your sprinkler system, give us a call. We can help you find the right sprinkler hardware for your irrigation system. At Serpico Landscaping, we’re committed to helping your lawns look their best. We make complying with the new sprinkler head regulations in California easy! Schedule your free property inspection and learn about our waterscaping management plans.
