Take Control of Your Controller – Step 4

Using multiple start times to cycle and soak is a smart way to improve efficiency and reduce runoff. Curious how long to water? Let IRWD suggest a watering schedule for you.

Program A – Grass in summer – four days, three cycles of three minutes. Select the four days that you wish to water. Select three start times, preferably in the morning with an hour of soaking in between. Schedule three minutes for each zone.

Program A Example – Watering days: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Start times: 5 a.m.; 6 a.m.; 7 a.m.
Watering duration: three minutes

Program B – Shrubs or trees in summer – two days, three cycles of four minutes. Select two days that you wish to water. Select three start times, preferably in the morning with an hour of soaking in between. Schedule four minutes for each zone.

Program B Example – Watering days: Monday and Friday
Start times: 5 a.m.; 6 a.m.; 7 a.m.
Watering Duration: Four minutes

“Cycle and soaking” with the irrigation controller results in deeper watering and healthier root growth while reducing runoff. Next time, in Sept 5, you will learn how to use the seasonal adjust or watering index feature to quickly make seasonal watering adjustments.

More water efficiency information is available on our website.

Contact: Shannon Reed, Public Affairs Manager
reeds@irwd.com, (949) 453-5500