Four Steps for the Future

Here are four easy steps to conserving Moscow's water.  First, finding how much water your sprinkler puts out (flow rate).  Second, determining how far your sprinkler sprinkles (area). Third, a simple calculation, (calculator provided) using the flow rate and area to determine application rate.  Finally, looking at how much water your lawn has used (Evapotranspiration) and determining how long to let your sprinkler set in one place before moving it.   If you complete these simple four steps you will be on your way to doing your part to ensure water availability for generations to come.

The following steps can be used for hose-end sprinklers but, underground systems require a different approach.

Important:
Repeat users only have to use steps 3 and 4.  Just enter in your application rate directly into step 3 and go on to step 4.

Step #1

Calculate the flow rate of your sprinkler:
 

How Do I find the flow rate of my sprinkler?

Flow Rate Calculator
Enter the size of your container Gal
Enter the time it takes to fill the container Sec
Now click on this box to determine the flowrate Gallons per minute

Step #2

Calculate the Area your sprinkler covers:

Area Calculator

How do I find the area of my sprinkler?

Find the area of aFt2

Step #3

Calculate the Application Rate of your sprinkler:

Application Rate Calculator
Click on this box to find out your application rateinches per hour

The formula for the application rate is (Flowrate/Area)*96.26

Step #4

Calculate how long to let your sprinkler water before moving:

How do I find my cumulative water consumption?

Set Time Calculator
Enter your total water consumption from the Daily water consumption table
Now click on the box to determine your set time Minutes
When your cumulative water consumption approaches 0.6 inches, it's time to water your lawn.

 
 

Remember: Application efficiency tends to be maximized during the morning hours when less moisture is lost due to heat and wind. When watering during the hottest or windiest part of the day, this will only cause your water to evaporate before it enters the ground.

Should I apply shallow frequent irrigations or deeper infrequent  irrigations?

What is ET?

Why is 0.6 inches a magic number?

Water Timers can be used to more accurately control the time your sprinkler waters.
 
 
 

The previous four steps will give you an estimate that you can work with.  However, most sprinklers are not uniform in their distribution over the whole area that they cover.  Therefore for a more accurate process should be undertaken to understand the water distribution of your sprinkler.

Optional step for even more water savings