CRC_SlowTheFlowPhase1_FinalReport

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Besides training, each newly hired auditor receives all ofthe supplies necessary to conduct the irrigation audits. Major expenses include catch cups for taking water output measurements, measuring wheels for measuring landscapes, pressure gauges, cell phones for communicating with clients and the scheduler, irrigation manuals, paperwork to conduct the audit and identifying t-shirts with funder logos. A scheduler is also hired at the start of the auditing season. The CRC begins receiving requests for audits as cities publish the service through utility bills or city newsletters that circulate throughout the season. Those calls are handled and organized by the scheduler and disseminated to the appropriate auditors. During the course of the auditing period, the program widely and readily attracts media attention from both newspapers and in T.V. which continually generate new interest from citizens. During the audit period each staff person conducts up to 4 audits a day for residential systems. Commercial or large homeowner associations can take up to a week to complete. The auditor conducts performance tests of the irrigation equipment which begins with a visual inspection and includes a measurement of water output, water distribution, pressure, and a soil analysis. These tests are used do develop a site specific watering schedule, identify malfunctions in the system, and to determine recommendations for improvement that will achieve optimal use of the irrigation system. The auditor treats each appointment as a one-on-one opportunity to educate on landscape best management practices and irrigation practices that will result in on-going reduced water use. Irrigation Aludit Procedure Perform a visual inspection: A visual inspection of all sprinkler heads within functioning zones are performed during operation to 1) identify head type such as rotor, fixed, or drip; 2) list damaged, misaligned, or other malfunctioning heads; 3) note any other issue that negatively impacts efficiency or creates waste. Control systems, such as timer clocks, are also inspected. Some common recommendations are: . Align sprinkler heads in such a way that the end of the spray of one head reaches the next head. This head-to-head pattern creates "double coverage," increasing efficiency and ensuring a more consistently green turf. . Space heads evenly to apply water efficiently. For example, heads that spray an eight- foOl: radius should be spaced eight feet apart. Uneven spacing lowers the efficiency and doesn't allow for the double coverage mentioned above. . Check fixed heads for correct spray pattern. Spray patterns should match physical chaTacteristics of site, such that patterns do not spray concrete, asphalt, fences, or buildings. . Adjust heads to avoid watering concrete, asphalt, fences, and buildings to reduce waste. . Repair or replace sunken, tilted, broken, or clogged heads to improve the uniformity of 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .,