Optional Water Efficiency Measure: May contribute to the 30 percent water efficiency requirement,
depending on the chosen WaterSense Approved Certification Method (WACM),
£
UNDERSTAND
The term "microirrigation" describes a type of irrigation that applies water to the root zone of plants at a
lower flow rate. Some examples of microirrigation devices include drip line emitters, point-source
emitters, multiple outlet emitters, and microsprays.
Microirrigation systems use 20 to 50 percent less water than conventional sprinkler systems.
Microirrigation requires additional components to ensure the system operates efficiently. At a
minimum, microirrigation systems should be equipped with the following components:
o Pressure regulators to maintain the lower pressure required for microirrigation;
o Filters to keep emission devices free from debris; and
o Flush end assemblies to flush the laterals after the end of an irrigation cycle.
BUILD
•	WORK with a certified irrigation professional to ensure
that a microirrigation system is designed and installed
properly. Certified irrigation professionals are
experienced in the design and installation of
microirrigation, as it takes expertise to ensure an
efficient system. Find out more about professionals
certified by a WaterSense labeled program at
www.epa.gov/watersense/irrigation-pro.
•	INSTALL microirrigation on separate zones from the
rest of the irrigation system if standard spray sprinklers
are used in other parts of the landscape.
•	INCLUDE pressure-compensating drip if using drip
irrigation. These products help deliver a constant flow
rate over a range of pressures and are intended for
landscapes with wide fluctuations in elevation,
topography, and pressures.
•	ENSURE that the microirrigation system is properly
equipped with the additional system components (i.e.,
pressure regulators, filters, and flush end assemblies).
VERIFY
WaterSense Resources
WaterSense has developed two guides to
help irrigation professionals and
homeowners understand the benefits of
microirrigation.
•	Adding Microirrigation to Your Services: A
Mini-Guide for Irrigation Professionals
explains how designing, installing, or
retrofitting an existing system with
microirrigation can help customers save
water and enhance plant health.
•	Saving Water With Microirrigation: A
Homeowner Guide describes the types
of landscapes where microirrigation
works best and suggests how to work
with an irrigation professional to design
and install a system.
To find these guides and learn more visit
WaterSense's Microirrigation web page at
www.epa.gov/watersense/microirrigation.
• CONFIRM that the station or zone pressure is within ±10 percent of manufacturer-recommended
operating pressure for the emission device or product being used. Verifiers can test this on a
representative zone of the microirrigation system.
*NOTE: Consult with the Home Certification Organization for specific verification protocols.
This technical fact sheet is part of EPA's Technical Reference Manual for
WaterSense Labeled Homes. For the full document and other tools and	EPA-832-F-23-016
resources for homes, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/tools-and-resources.	July 2023

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