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Published by the City of Santa Monicas Office of Sustainability
and the Environment
Water Efficiency Section
200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite K
Santa Monica CA 90401
Guidelines for the
Design & Construction of Water-Efficient Irrigation
Systems
in the City of Santa Monica
The following information is provided by the Office of
Sustainability and the Environment of the City of Santa Monica to
ensure the installation of effective, water-efficient and
trouble-free landscape irrigation systems in the City. These
requirements based on the Irrigation Associations Turf &
Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices, 2005 edition and
tailored to the ordinances, policies and climate of the City of
Santa Monica. Revised 10/19/09
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 2 Guidelines for the
Design & Construction of Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in
the City of Santa Monica These requirements are published by the
City of Santa Monicas Office of Sustainability and the Environment.
They are based on the Irrigation Associations Turf & Landscape
Irrigation Best Management Practices, 2005 edition and tailored to
the ordinances, policies and climate of the City of Santa Monica.
Quality Assurance To assure that a high-quality irrigation system
is designed and installed: 1. The system should be designed by a
person familiar with and capable of applying the Design
Requirements below; such as a Certified Irrigation Designer,
Landscape Architect or a Landscape Designer formally trained in
irrigation design. 2. A qualified contractor should be selected to
install the irrigation system based on the Installation
Requirements below. The contractor should test the completed system
to verify that the system operates according to the design
criteria. 3. The irrigation designer or landscape architect or
landscape designer should perform one or more site observations
during system installation to check for adherence to the design.
The observation should inspect the installation of the backflow
prevention assembly, main line, laterals, valves, sprinkler heads,
drip irrigation equipment, control wire, controllers, and sensors
and should assure that the intent of the irrigation designer has
been preserved.
Design Requirements To ensure that the irrigation system is
designed to conserve water resources by efficiently and uniformly
distributing the water, the irrigation system designer should: 1.
Obtain direct knowledge of site conditions and not rely solely on
plot plans to generate a design. 2. Meet all applicable state and
local codes including plumbing and electrical codes. 3. Specify
manufacturer, model, type, and size of all components to eliminate
ambiguity at construction and to facilitate management of the
system. The selection of pipe, electrical wire and other materials
should be based on design parameters, environmental conditions and
code requirements. 4. Design the irrigation system to minimize
installation and maintenance difficulties. The selection and
placement of irrigation components should anticipate the growth of
plants through a minimum three-year establishment period for shrubs
and ten years for trees.
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 3 5. Provide a
complete irrigation design package to the owner of the system. 6.
Calculate the maximum safe flow rate using the following three
formulas, then use the lowest resulting safe flow rate as the
design flow rate:
a. The maximum allowable pressure loss through the meter should
be less than 10% of the static pressure at the meter. b. The
maximum flow rate through the meter should not exceed 75% of the
maximum safe flow rate through the meter. c. The velocity of water
through the service line supplying the meter should not exceed 7.5
feet per second (fps).
7. Plan a system with an operational watering window of no more
than 10 hours per day. Match the system requirements to the site
and consider site uses that may dictate different irrigation
durations and frequencies, a school campus for example. 8. Specify
Cross-Connection Control devices as required by Section 7.12.370 of
the Santa Monica Municipal Code. 9. Specify metering devices that
measure the total landscape water use separate from other use for
all projects where it is practical and economically feasible to do
so. 10. Allow for a reduction in static pressure of up 10 pounds
per square inch (psi) to accommodate possible expansion in the
supply network. 11. Specify pressure regulation wherever necessary
to insure that all irrigation devices operate within the
manufacturers recommended pressure range. 12. Specify main and
lateral pipe sizes that will result in the velocity of water moving
through these pipes at a rate not exceeding five fps. Use Schedule
40 or Class 315 pipe for mains and under roadways. Class 125 pipe
is not permitted. 13. For zones with drip irrigation, conform to
guideline pages 6-18 of this document (formerly known as the Guide
to Successful Drip Irrigation for Landscape Professionals). 14.
Design the system and select components to achieve a minimum
operational lower quarter distribution uniformity (DULQ) or
emission uniformity (EU) as follows: Type of Zone Type of
Uniformity Minimum Uniformity Spray DULQ 55% Rotor DULQ 70% Drip
Emission Uniformity 80% 15. Choose irrigation devices and design
the irrigation system to positively prevent runoff or overspray
onto impermeable hardscape under all conditions regardless of wind
or possible equipment misalignment. 16. Design sprinkler head
spacing with a minimum of head-to-head coverage (minimum 50% of
diameter). Wind derating, if used, should be based on wind criteria
for the time period that the system is normally operated.
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 4 17. Design to
accommodate areas with dissimilar water or scheduling requirements
(hydrozones). For example; separate zones may be required for
trees, shrubs, flowers, shady or sunny areas, drip irrigation
and/or sprinklers. 18. Specify watering devices with a
manufacturers published precipitation rate less than 0.75 inches /
hour. This applies to all devices: bubbler, drip, spray, microspray
and rotor. 19. Choose and locate watering devices based on a
thorough evaluation of physical, environmental, and hydraulic site
conditions, including slope and wind. The design must not permit
overspray or overflow onto impermeable hardscape under any
condition. 20. Specify drip irrigation for all zones planted in
one-gallon or larger size. Exception: Tree Bubblers may be used for
24" box or larger to establish trees. Specify Root Watering Series
device for each bubbler. 21. Specify weather-based irrigation
controllers (WBIC) with SWAT test results published by the
Irrigation Association.
(http://www.irrigation.org/SWAT/Industry/ia-tested.asp). 22.
Specify check valves wherever necessary to prevent low-head
drainage. 23. Specify flow measurement equipment where practical
and economically feasible. 24. Specify systems to use graywater
and/or captured rainwater for irrigation where practical and
economically feasible. 25. Landscaping and irrigation in parkways
is governed by the Administrative Services Division of the Public
Works Management Department. Design landscape and irrigation
systems in parkways according to the current edition of the Parkway
Landscape Policy published by PWMD. Installation Requirements To
ensure that the irrigation system is installed to conserve water
resources by efficiently and uniformly distributing the water, the
irrigation system installer should: 1. Contact all appropriate
utility companies prior to beginning installation, to locate
underground utilities including gas lines, electrical, telephone,
cable, and so forth. State laws require anyone who digs to notify
utility companies before starting. The installation should not be
started until all underground utilities are located and marked. 2.
Prior to beginning installation, verify that the point of
connection, flow rate, and static and dynamic pressures meet design
criteria. 3. Install Cross-Connection Control devices as required
by Section 7.12.370 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code. 4. Install
the irrigation system according to the design specifications and
manufacturer's published performance standards.
http://www.irrigation.org/SWAT/Industry/ia-tested.asp
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 5 5. Review planting
plans prior to installation to minimize conflicts between larger
plants and irrigation equipment. Also review construction plans for
conflicts between hardscape and sprinkler head placement. 6. Inform
the property owner and irrigation system designer of unusual or
abnormal soil conditions which may impact the design and management
of the irrigation system. 7. Furnish to the owner of the system an
as-built record set of drawings. Within the record set of drawings,
describe the system layout and components including all changes
from the original design. 8. Test the irrigation system to verify
that it meets the design criteria. 9. After installation perform an
irrigation audit using a procedure approved by the Irrigation
Association or the Irrigation Training and Research Center of
California Polytechnic State University. Provide the property owner
with system specifications and a performance summary report by
station/zone that includes the plant type, soil type, average root
zone depth, precipitation rate, distribution or emission uniformity
(DULQ/EU), area square footage, target gallons per minute flow
rate, recommended operating pressure range, and maximum recommended
cycle run time without runoff. Retain a reference of each
station/zones DULQ /EU, precipitation rate, operating pressure, and
flow rate at the controller. 10. Program the weather-based
irrigation controller (WBIC) as required. 11. Explain to the
property owner or his/her agent the location and operation of all
components of the system. 12. Provide the property owner or his/her
agent with recommendations for operation of the system for maximum
water conservation and the importance of maintaining system
components according to the original design. 13. Provide the
property owner or his/her agent with keys, tools, warranties and
operating instructions for all equipment.
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 6
Why Drip Works: ~ No Overspray ~ No Runoff ~ No Blocked Spray ~
Fewer Weeds ~ Water Any time ~ Easier Adjustment
~ 85% - 95% Efficiency
Drip Irrigation Spray Irrigation Plant-Specific Coverage Area
Coverage
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 7
Wetting Patterns for Drippers in Various Soil Types
(Idealized)
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 8
Actual cut-away of loam soil showing wetting pattern of
drippers
Overlay illustrating how wetting pattern produces
a continuous wetted area within the rootzone
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 9 Overview The
following recommendations are based on extensive experience in
water-efficient landscape irrigation aimed at effective,
trouble-free drip systems that function well in urban
installations. Keep in mind that installation contractors want to
install systems that will not result in call-backs and maintenance
contractors want rugged systems that lend themselves to the
practices their workers have already learned. Most property owners
want the same thing. This information was prepared with those ideas
in mind.
Special Note on Parkways Parkways are the strip of landscaping
between the sidewalk and the street. Landscaping in parkways in the
City of Santa Monica is regulated by the Citys Parkway Landscaping
Policy (PLP) published by the Public Works Management Departments
Administrative Services Division. Consult the PLP before modifying
or installing any type of irrigation in parkways. Call PWM/AS at
310/458-8737 for a copy of the PLP.
Equipment Whenever possible, equipment available from local
suppliers of professional irrigation equipment has been identified
below. However, due to limited experience and training at the
retail level, you are probably going to have to order some of this
equipment. Allow time in your job schedule to do so. Drip
irrigation supplies available at local hardware chain stores are,
for the most part, specifically made for the homeowner market to
sell at the lowest possible price. They may function less reliably
than professional equipment. Backflow Prevention See Detail 7
Unless anti-siphon valves are to be used, specify an
appropriately-sized reduced-pressure (RP) or pressure
vacuum-breaker (PVB) device that complies with SMMC 7.12.370. Call
310/458-8535 for more information. Keep in mind that flow rates in
drip irrigation are much lower than in spray systems. You may be
able to use a smaller backflow device. Valve Assemblies See Detail
5 & 6 Valve assemblies for low-volume irrigation zones consist
of three items: a remote control valve, a pressure regulator and a
filter. [If desired, a single master filter and/or master pressure
regulator may be used for the entire system, located after the
backflow device and/or master valve. In this case, if the system
does not include a master valve, heavy-duty filters and pressure
regulators that can tolerate constant pressurization must be
used.]
Remote Control Valve A key factor for reliable low-volume
systems is to choose a valve with a minimum flow rate that is lower
than the zone flow rate. For the very low flows encountered in
residential applications in Santa Monica, only a few valves will
meet the requirement described above. Recommended brands /
models:
In-line valves: Buckner VBDW Series Rain Bird DV, PEB or PESB
Series Superior 470 DI Weathermatic 12000 Series Toro TPV/ F
Series
Anti-siphon valves:
Rain Bird ASVF Series Superior 850 DI
Toro EZF-29-03/04 Irritrol 2700 Series
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 10
Pressure Regulator As with valves, pressure regulators must have
a minimum flow rate that is lower than the zone flow rate. For drip
systems you can use a preset or adjustable pressure regulator.
Recommended brands / models:
Preset: Hendrickson PR5500 Series Senninger LF Series Toro
PMR-25-LF
Adjustable:
Bermad PRV Series Filter Use a 150 200 mesh, wye or tee filter
with a stainless steel screen. Recommended brands / models:
Agricultural Products 1Y, 3/4Y or 3/4T; Toro T-ALFS75150-S/L
Rain Bird QKCHK or RBY Series
Filter/Pressure Regulator Rain Bird PRF075BFF Note: This device
combines a 30 psi pressure regulator with a " wye filter. (This is
a good choice for retrofitting existing anti-siphon valves.)
Drip Control Zone Kits (In-line or Anti-Siphon Valve + Filter /
Pressure Regulator)
Rain Bird XCZ / XACZ Series Toro DZK-EZF-075-LF Irritrol
DZK-700-1-LF (in-line)
Piping System
Pipe For lateral lines feeding Riser Units and for Header and
Collector manifolds use rigid PVC pipe of the same type used for
sprinkler systems. Pipe larger than is seldom required for
residential drip systems. Use Low VOC cement for joining the pipe.
Recommended pipe type: Class 315 or Schedule 40. Do not use Class
125 pipe. (see page 24-25) Riser Units & Header/Collector
Manifolds - See Details 1A & 3A These components are the
transition points from below to above grade tubing. Drip Tubing For
simple, trouble-free installations use only branded 16mm, 17mm or
18mm Polyethylene (PE) tubing for landscape drip applications.
Recommended brand / model: Agrifim A620 or A700 or A700BR Rain
Bird XT700, LD 1600 Toro Blue Stripe
NOTE: DO NOT USE or 1/8 (4-8mm) ("spaghetti") tubing or any drip
irrigation device which utilizes this tubing, such as multi-outlet
emitters. Use tubing for container plantings only. Use of this type
of equipment in projects funded by the City of Santa Monica
Landscape Water Efficiency Grant Program will result in loss of
funding.
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 11
Fittings Use compression-type fittings that fit over the outside
of the tubing. Use fittings recommended by the manufacturer of your
tubing or use Rain Bird Easy Fit fittings. For best results, do not
use twist-lock type fittings.
Drip Emitters (Drippers) Drip emitters are devices that regulate
the water flow to the plants at a specific rate, usually 0.5 or 1.0
gallons per hour (GPH). There are hundreds of types of drippers but
only a few that work reliably, year-after-year in the landscape.
The most commonly available, trouble-free drip emitters are based
on a principle called turbulent flow. If plants are very widely
spaced you can use PVC pipe or plain drip tubing (described above)
and install drip emitters at each plant. However, for most
landscape applications, with closely-spaced plants, it is easier to
use emitter line, (also referred to as dripperline or dripline).
Emitter line consists of 16mm or 18mm PE tubing with drip emitters
pre-formed into the tubing at a pre-determined spacing. Most types
of emitter line utilize some form of turbulent flow emitter. For
most landscape drip systems in Santa Monica emitter line with 0.5
0.6 gallon (2 liter) drippers at 12 spacing will work best.
Recommended brand / model: Individual drip emitters for
insertion into drip tubing: Agrifim Iso-Flo, Aqua-Flo or PC Plus
Toro NGE Series Bowsmith Non-Stop Series Emitters Individual drip
emitters for use on PVC risers: Salco Pro-Spec PST Series Emitter
Line for on-grade installation: Agrifim Dura-Flo Rain Bird
Landscape Dripline XFD, LD Series Toro PCB / PCS Series (Do not use
Toro DL2000 tubing for installations in the City of Santa Monica.)
Netifim Techline or Techline CV Emitter Line for below-grade
installation: Netifim Techline or Techline CV
As indicated above, multi-outlet emitters are not permitted or
funded by the City of Santa Monica Landscape Grant Program.
Accessories
Mulch Use shredded bark or gravel mulch. Do not use
pebble-shaped organic mulch. Consult EPWM/AS before using gravel in
parkways. (See Parkway note on page 1.) Recommended brand / model
of shredded bark mulch:
Kelloggs Xerimulch or, for large installations, B.D. White Fir
Walk-On Bark. Xerimulch is available through landscape supply
dealers. B.D. White Company is located in Torrance CA;
310/370-5511
Wire Stakes
Use U-shaped (not shepherds crook), galvanized steel wire
stakes. Recommended type: 6 x 1 x 6, 9-gauge, galvanized steel soil
staples; available from Aqua-Flo Supply; 310/915-5208.
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 12
Special Equipment for Conversion of Spray Irrigation to Drip
Rain Bird makes specialized devices designed specifically for the
conversion of existing spray systems to drip irrigation. Note: If
the minimum flow rate of the zone valve, originally designed for
sprinklers, is not compatible with the drip system it must be
replaced. See Valve Assemblies above.
Retro 1800 - See Detail 8 This device looks like a Rain Bird
sprayhead, but is actually an adapter that contains a pressure
regulator and filter. When installed in place of an existing
sprayhead, it becomes a connection point for drip tubing. When
replacing Rain Bird brand sprayheads, only the interior parts need
to be replaced. Note: The zone valve, originally designed to work
with sprinklers, may have to be converted to a low-flow valve. See
Valve Assemblies above. PRS-050-30 This device provides pressure
regulation for connection of drip tubing to fixed risers. When
installed in place of an existing spray nozzle on a fixed riser, it
becomes a connection point for drip tubing. The PRS-050-30 does not
include a filter as the RETRO 1800 above does. Note: The zone
valve, originally designed to work with sprinklers, may have to be
converted to a low-flow valve. See Valve Assemblies above. XC-1800
/ XC-T-570 These are caps used to close off the unused sprayheads
in the converted zone. Use XC-1800 for Rain Bird 1800s and XC-T-570
for Toro 570s. (Note: XC-T-570 caps have been discontinued but are
available from Ewing Irrigation, 310/479-9533, Ask for Jim
Harmer.)
Installation Procedures Cross-Connection Control Devices Install
in compliance with SMMC 7.12.370. Call 310/458-8535 for more
information. Piping Install pipe system according to detail
drawings. Use Detail 1 for randomly-placed plants or Detail 2 or 3
for linear, on-center plantings. Drip Tubing Unless installing in
turf, burial of the tubing is not recommended. Install the tubing
on grade according to detail drawings for the layout you have
chosen. Because plant size and exact location within the zone may
be changed during installation, the final location of the tubing in
relationship to each plant must be determined by the installer.
Place tubing in such a manner as to evenly wet at least 60% of the
root ball of each plant. For small plants one emitter may be
sufficient. For larger plants, multiple rows of tubing will be
required. Use galvanized hairpin-type stakes at approximate three
foot intervals to hold the tubing securely in place. For subsurface
installation follow the manufacturer's instructions. Flushing Flush
all mains, laterals, manifolds and Tattletail / Flush Assemblies
(if used) before connecting the tubing to the Riser Units or Header
Manifolds. After installation of drip tubing, flush all sections
again before closing off the tubing. Mulch Operate the system for a
few weeks uncovered to allow for adjustment. When adjustment is
complete, install 2-3 of mulch. Questions? Call the City of Santa
Monicas Office of Sustainability and the Environment at
310/458-8972 or check out the website www.
sustainablesm.org/landscape
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 13
Detail 1
Detail 1A
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 14
Detail 1B
Detail 2
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 15
Detail 2A
Detail 3
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 16
Detail 3A
Detail 4
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 17 Detail 5
Detail 6
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 18 Detail 7
Detail 8
Or Sch 80 PVC
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 19
Acceptable Watering Devices for Compliance with SMMC 8.108
Subpart B -The following watering devices, when installed according
to the manufacturer's recommendations, are capable of applying
water at a precipitation rate of 0.75 inches per hour or less. -As
of 10/14/09, the following watering devices are compliant with SMMC
8.108 Subpart B when installed according to the manufacturer's
recommendations.
* If the word "Series" is used in the description, all product
numbers with the given prefix are acceptable. If not, only the
specific model number given may be used.
Sprinklers Hunter I Series rotors MP Rotator Series sprayhead
nozzles (may include MPR40 head) PG Series rotors K-Rain 13XXX
Series rotors 15XXX Series rotors RN Series sprayhead nozzles Rain
Bird 3500 Series rotors R Series sprayhead nozzles Orbit Eco-Stream
1000 Rotator Drip Agrifim SF-BL-62XX Series dripline SF-BL-6418
dripline* SF-BL-6424 dripline SF-BL-72XX Series dripline SF-BL-7418
dripline* SF-BL-7424 dripline SFPC-BR-62XX Series dripline
SFPC-BR-6418 dripline* SFPC-BR-6424 dripline SFPC-BR-72XX Series
dripline SFPC-BR-7418 dripline* SFPC-BR-7424 dripline PCP & UF
Series emitters Bowsmith Non-Stop Series emitters DIG Excel Series
A5-xxxP/P-CV dripline Excel A1-x18P/P-CV dripline* except
A1-x12P/P-CV for grids
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 20 Hunter PLD04
Series dripline PLD06 Series dripline PLD10-18XX dripline*
PLD10-24XX dripline Netafim TLCV26 Series dripline TLCV4 Series
dripline TLCV6 Series dripline TLCV9-18XX dripline* TLCV9-24XX
dripline TLDL4 Series dripline TLDL6 Series dripline TLDL9-18XX
dripline* TLDL9-24XX dripline PC & PCDj Series emitters WPCT
Series emitters except WPCT60 Rain Bird LD-06 Series dripline LD-09
Series dripline* except LD-09-12 for grids XFD-06 Series dripline
XFD-09 Series dripline* except XFD-09-12 for grids XB & XBT
Series emitters Raindrip #049010P dripline* PC Series emitters Toro
T-PCB1853-12xx dripline T-PCB1810-12xx dripline* T-PCB1853-18xx
dripline T-PCB1810-18xx dripline #53618 dripline* NGE Series
emitters Weathermatic/Salco SLV-SIL16-6 Series dripline SLV-SIL16-9
Series dripline* except SLV-SIL16-9-12 for grids PS & PST
Series emitters PCC & PCCT Series emitters
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 21
Calculation of Precipitation Rate (PR) of Drip Emitters and
Bubblers for compliance with SMMC 108.08 Drip - Grid Layout -
Tubing placed in a grid pattern
Formula: PR = (231.1 x Emitter Flow Rate) (Emitter Spacing x Row
Spacing)
Examples: Rectangular Parkway with rows of Netafim Techline 1.0
x 18 tubing spaced 15" apart. PR = (231.1 x 1.0) (18" x 15") =
231.1 270 = 0.86 0.86 > 0.75; does not comply.
Backyard with rows of Rain Bird XF 0.5 x 12 tubing spaced 15"
apart. (231.1 x 0.5) (12 x 15) = 115.6 180 = 0.64 0.64 < 0.75;
complies.
Chart for grid pattern: Emitter Spacing Row Spacing
12" 13" 14" 15" 16" 17" 18" 19" 20" 22" 24"
0.5 GPH Emitter
12" .80 .74 .69 .64 .60 .57 .53 .51 .48 .44 .40
18" .53 .49 .46 .43 .40 .38 .36 .34 .32 .29 .27
24" .40 .37 .34 .32 .30 .28 .26 .25 .24 .22 .20
1.0 GPH Emitter
12" 1.60 1.48 1.38 1.28 1.20 1.14 1.06 1.02 .96 .88 .80
18" 1.07 .99 .92 .86 .80 .75 .71 .68 .64 .58 .53
24" .80 .74 .69 .64 .60 .57 .53 .51 .48 .44 .40
2.0 GPH Emitter
12" 3.20 2.96 2.75 2.56 2.40 2.28 2.12 2.04 1.92 1.76 1.60
18" 2.14 1.98 1.84 1.72 1.60 1.50 1.42 1.36 1.28 1.16 1.06
24" 1.60 1.48 1.38 1.28 1.20 1.14 1.06 1.02 .96 .88 .80
Exceeds limit of SMMC 108.08
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 22
Drip - Random Layout - Emitters placed in relation to each
plant
Formula: PR = (96.25 x Total Zone GPM) Total Root Area (square
feet)
Example: Rectangular Parkway with two groups of randomly-placed,
one-gallon plants; 10 plants total. The mature rootball of each
plant is estimated to be 3' in diameter. 8' of Agrifim Dura-Flo 0.5
x 12 tubing is used for each group; 16' total. Total Zone GPM =
[(16' tubing 1.0' spacing) x 0.5 GPH] 60 min/hr = 0.13 GPM Total
Root Area = x r2 x 10 plants = 3.14 x 2.25' x 10 = 70.65 square
feet PR = (96.25 x 0.13) 70.65 = 12.5 70.65 = 0.18 0.18 < 0.75;
complies.
(See irrigation details pages for examples of drip irrigation
layouts) _______________________________________________________
Bubblers Use bubblers for trees only. For above-grade installation
it is preferable to substitute " ips drip emitters such as Agrifim
UFC10 or Salco PST-CV-05 for the bubblers. When bubblers are
required, specify packaged tree bubbler units such as Rain Bird RWS
Series or Hunter RZWS Series.
Formula: PR = (96.25 x Total Zone GPM) Total Root Area (square
feet)
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 23
Example: Rectangular Parkway to be planted with two 24" box
Koelreuteria paniculata. The mature rootball of each tree is
estimated to be 15' in diameter. Two Rain Bird RWS-B-1402 with 0.5
GPM bubblers are to be used for each tree. Total Zone GPM = 2 trees
x 2 watering units each x 0.5 GPM = 2.0 GPM Total Root Area = r2 x
2 trees = 3.14 x 56.25 (which is the radius 7.5 or half of the
diameter of the mature rootball, squared) x 2 = 353.25 square feet
PR = (96.3 x 2.0) 353.25 = 192.6 353.25 = 0.55in/hr 0.55 in/hr <
0.75 in/hr therefore this PR rate complies the Green Building
Ordinance. Definitions: Total Root Area - The total square-footage
of soil above the mature root systems of all irrigated plants in
the zone. Total Zone GPM The total amount of water applied by all
the emitters in the zone in gallons per minute.
Root Watering Series Product Example
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 24
2.1 All materials must be new and of the size, type and/or brand
called for on the
drawings or in the specifications. All materials required but
not specified in the plan
(such as, but not limited to, PVC cement) must be supplied by
the contractor.
2.5. PVC PIPE
2.5.1. Below-Grade Rigid PVC Pipe
2.5.1.1. All below-grade rigid PVC pipe must be recognized
commercial grade and marked
with appropriate size, class/schedule, SDR and lot numbers as
required by specifications.
2.5.1.2. Below-grade Main Lines must be Class 315 solvent
weld-type PVC pipe, 3" in size
unless otherwise indicated on the plan.
2.5.1.3. Laterals may be Schedule 40 or Class 315 solvent weld
type PVC pipe however it is
recommended that Schedule 40 pipe be used throughout the
project. All lateral piping is 1/2"
in size unless otherwise indicated on the plan.
2.5.1.4. IPS Flexible PVC Pipe may be substituted for rigid PVC
pipe below grade (in lateral
lines only) to avoid underground obstructions encountered during
trenching or tunneling. Do
not confuse IPS Flexible PVC Pipe with the Flexible PVC/Vinyl
Tubing described in 2.7
which is not suitable for this purpose.
2.5.3 PVC Fittings & Cement
2.5.3.4. PVC fittings must be of the same chemical compound as
pipe on which they are
installed.
2.5.3.5. PVC cement must be of an appropriate chemical compound
for the pipe on which it is
used. An appropriate primer must be used. Suggested brand /
model for all pipe described
above: Cement - Weld-On #705; Primer - Weld-On #P70.
3.2 TRENCHING, TUNNELING & CORING
3.2.1. Trench / tunnel depth must be sufficient to obtain a
minimum depth of cover over the installed pipe and control wire
which conforms to the following dimensions. Where pipe and / or
conduit are placed below paving or hardscape the dimensions are
considered to be below the
subgrade:
Pressure Lines 2 inches in landscaping 12"
Pressure Lines >2 inches in landscaping 18"
Pressure Lines under non-vehicular paving 18"
Pressure Lines under vehicular paving 24"
Non-pressure Lines 2 inches in landscaping 8"
Non-pressure Lines >2 inches in landscaping 12"
Non-pressure Lines under non-vehicular paving 12"
Non-pressure Lines under vehicular paving 18"
Conduit in landscaping 12"
Conduit under non-vehicular paving 18"
Conduit under vehicular paving 24"
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Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient
Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica 25
3.2.2. It is the responsibility of the contractor to make
adjustments in trench/tunnel locations so as to avoid conflict with
existing utilities and/or major plant roots.
3.2.3. Bottom of trenches must be maintained flat so as to
provide continuous support of pipe for its full run.
3.2.4. Trenches for pipe and conduit under vehicular paving must
be excavated below the level of the pipe and then brought up to
depth with compacted backfill. See "BACKFILLING" below.
3.2.5. Trenching in the vicinity of existing plants must be done
by hand. Use all possible care to protect plant roots. Cutting of
plant roots larger than one inch in diameter must be approved by
the
landscape designer or the owner.
3.2.6. The primary method for laying pipe under existing paving
must be hand excavation or hydraulic boring. Cutting of paving must
be approved by the owner on a case by case basis. If
pavement cutting is necessary it must be replaced by like
material. The contractor must inform the
owner of the complete additional cost of cutting and replacing
the pavement at the time of request
for approval.
3.2.7. Coring through walls must be coordinated with the masonry
and/or general contractor (if any) to ensure structural integrity.
Coring through retaining walls must be additionally coordinated
with the person responsible for grading and drainage.
3.3 PIPING
3.3.1. Pipe laid in the same trench must be laid side-by-side
and not overlapped. Provide 3" vertical and horizontal clearance
between irrigation lines and 6" clearance between lines of
other
work. Do not install parallel lines directly over any other
line.
3.3.2. It is recommended that all cuts in PVC pipe must be made
with PVC shears rather than saws to preclude clogging of emitters
by sawdust particles. Experience indicates that particles
temporarily retained at glue joints do not flush out but are
subsequently released by water
turbulence.