EPA
Draft Guidelines for Irrigation Audits
Draft Guidelines for Irrigation Audits of WaterSense® Labeled New Homes
After the irrigation system is installed, the WaterSense irrigation partner shall conduct an audit
of the system. It is recommended that the irrigation partner conduct the audit according to the
"Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training Manual (2004)." The audit
shall include, but is not limited to, the following components:1
A. Distribution Uniformity Calculation
Conduct a system audit using a catch-can test to calculate distribution uniformity. This test shall
be conducted according to the Irrigation Association's "Recommended Audit Guidelines" located
at www.irrigation.org/certification/pdf/AuditGuidelines FINAL.pdf. The results of the catch-can
test shall be recorded on the WaterSense Labeled New Home Irrigation Audit Checklist.
B. Verification of Specification Criteria by Visual Inspection
Conduct a visual inspection to verify the following specification criteria are met. The results of
the visual inspection shall be recorded by the irrigation partner on the irrigation audit checklist.
• There is no runoff or overspray from the irrigation system that leaves the property during
a minimum continuous operating duration (Criteria 4.2.1.2).
• Sprinkler heads are not used to water plantings other than maintained turf grass (Criteria
4.2.1.3).
• Microirrigation is used for planting beds and turf installed on strips of less than 8 feet
wide (Criteria 4.2.1.4).
• Irrigation controllers contain the following features (Criteria 4.2.2):
o Multiple programming capabilities - shall be capable of storing a minimum of
three different programs to allow for separate schedules.
o Multiple start times (cycling, cycle/soak, stackable start times) - shall be capable
of a minimum of three different start times to allow for multiple irrigation cycles on
the same zone for areas prone to runoff.
o Variable run times - shall be capable of varying run times, for example from one
minute to one hour.
o Variable scheduling - shall be capable of interval scheduling (minimum of 14
days) to allow for watering on even day scheduling, odd day scheduling, calendar
day scheduling, and interval scheduling.
o Percent adjust (water budget) feature - shall include a "Percent Up/Down Adjust"
feature (or "Water Budget" feature) such as a button or dial that permits the user
to increase or decrease the run times or application rates for each zone by a
prescribed percentage, by means of one adjustment, without modifying the
settings for that individual zone.
o Capability to accept external soil moisture and/or rain sensors.
o Non-volatile memory or self-charging battery circuit.
o Complete shutoff capability for total cessation of outdoor irrigation.
Note that the specific water-efficiency and performance criteria contained in this guidance are based on the first draft of the Water-
Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification. Criteria are subject to change based on the final version of the Water-Efficient
Single-Family New Home Specification.
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Draft Guidelines for Irrigation Audits
Sprinkler heads have a 4-inch or greater pop-up height and matched precipitation
nozzles (Criteria 4.2.3).
Microirrigation systems include, at a minimum: pressure regulators, filters, and flush end
assemblies (Criteria 4.2.4).
Verify that two seasonal watering schedules have been created and are posted by the
irrigation controller (Criteria 4.2.5):
o A seasonal schedule for the plant establishment period.
o A seasonal schedule for the established landscape that reflects varying irrigation
needs throughout the year.
Irrigation schedules shall comply with local water restrictions. If the water budget
approach was applied to meet Criteria 4.1.1, the schedule shall result in an applied
water use consistent with the budget.
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r"i.le-'Sense
WaterSense Labeled New Home Irrigation Audit Checklist
Au(
Site Information
Builder Name:
Lot Number/Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Audit Information
Irrigation Partner Name:
Company Name:
Date:
Time Started:
Time Ended:
Signature
By affixing my signature below, the undersigned does hereby declare that the WaterSense
irrigation system criteria for new homes, as specified in the Water-Efficient Single-Family New
Home Specification, have been met and, if requested, will provide the necessary supporting
documents.
Irrigation Partner Name:
Company:
Signature:
Date:
Failed Inspection Information
Deficiencies Identified:
Corrective Action Taken:
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WaterSense Labeled New Home Irrigation Audit Checklist
A. Catch-Can Test:
Irrigation System Distribution Uniformity (calculated from irrigation audit):
B. Verification of Specification Criteria by Visual Inspection:
Item
Criteria'1
Yes
No
Ml"
Outdoor Water-Efficiency Criteria - Irrigation System Design
Design
and
installation
Irrigation
controller
Sprinkler
heads
Micro
irrigation
system
Schedule
4.2.1.2
4.2.1.3
4.2.1.4
4.1.2
4.2.3
4.2.4
4.2.5
System prevents runoff and overspray from leaving the property
(checked during the audit)
Sprinkler heads only installed on turf areas
Microirrigation used on planting beds and strips of turf less than 8
feet wide
Contains the following features:
o Multiple programming capabilities - shall be capable of storing
a minimum of three different programs to allow for separate
schedules.
o Multiple start times (cycling, cycle/soak, stackable start times) -
shall be capable of a minimum of three different start times to
allow for multiple irrigation cycles on the same zone for areas
prone to run off.
o Variable run times - shall be capable of varying run times, for
example from one minute to one hour.
o Variable scheduling - shall be capable of interval scheduling
(minimum of 14 days) to allow for watering on even day
scheduling, odd day scheduling, calendar day scheduling, and
interval scheduling.
o Percent adjust (water budget) feature - shall include a "Percent
Up/Down Adjust" feature (or "Water Budget" feature) such as a
button or dial that permits the user to increase or decrease the
run-times or application rates for each zone by a prescribed
percentage, by means of one adjustment without modifying the
settings for that individual zone.
o Capability to accept external soil moisture and/or rain sensors.
o Non-volatile memory or self-charging battery circuit.
o Complete shutoff capability for total cessation of outdoor
irrigation.
Have a 4-inch or greater pop-up height and matched precipitation
Includes a pressure regulator, filters, and flush end assemblies
Two seasonal water schedules (one for initial grow-in phase and
one for established landscape) are posted at the controller
Note that the specific water-efficiency and performance criteria contained in this checklist are based on the first draft
of the Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification. Criteria are subject to change based on the final
version of the Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification.
3 Not installed
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