An irrigation audit helps you save water and money by checking efficiency, leaks, and water use

Why a quick check-up on your irrigation system pays off, even in the desert

Water is a precious commodity in Nevada, and landscapes don’t survive on good looks alone. The right amount of water, delivered at the right time, keeps plants healthy without wasting a drop. That’s where an irrigation audit comes in. Think of it as a health check for your sprinkler system—a chance to see if the system is doing its job efficiently, identify leaks, and ensure plants get what they need without draining the wallet.

What is an irrigation audit, really?

Here’s the thing: an irrigation audit is a comprehensive review of how well your irrigation system distributes water. It focuses on three big pillars:

• System efficiency: Is water getting to the right places in the landscape without watering the sidewalk, driveway, or street?

• Leak detection: Are there hidden punctures, broken lines, or worn-out fittings that waste water?

• Optimal water use: Are run times, cycle duration, and schedules aligned with plant needs and the local climate?

If you’re picturing a lab-type inspection, don’t worry—this isn’t about dry numbers and jargon. It’s about practical, real-world performance. You’ll see gauges, catch cans, and a careful eye for what’s happening in the yard, and you’ll hear plain language about what to fix first.

Why it matters in Nevada

Let’s be honest: weeds aren’t the only thing growing fast around here. Our summers are hot, and soils range from sandy to mineral-rich. Evaporation happens fast, and water bills can creep up if you’re not careful. An irrigation audit helps in several tangible ways:

• Saves water, saves money: A more efficient system uses less water to keep plants alive and vibrant. Over time, that reduces monthly costs and protects the landscape budget.

• Keeps plant health steady: Uniform water distribution means roots grow evenly and plants don’t suffer after a hot afternoon or a breezy night. No more thirsty patches or soggy spots.

• Prevents waste and pollution: Leaks and overwatering aren’t just wasteful; they can lead to runoff that harms the curb appeal and the environment.

• Aligns with local rules: Many Nevada water providers encourage or require efficient irrigation. An audit shows you’re meeting or exceeding those expectations, reducing risk of penalties or fines.

A practical look at how audits work

An irrigation audit isn’t a single moment in the sun; it’s a process with a few focused steps. Here’s a straightforward way to picture it:

1. Start with a tour of the system

• Inspect the controller, valves, backflow preventer, and wiring.

• Check for obvious issues: split or broken pipes, clogged filters, and damaged sprinkler heads.

• Note weather-based controllers or any sensors that influence timing.

2. Map out how water travels

• Look at each zone and zone timing. Are run times long enough to meet plant needs, but not so long that water is wasted?

• Identify zones that seem thirsty or over-watered.

3. Test distribution with catch cans

• Place small containers across a zone to measure how uniformly water is applied.

• Run a full cycle and then collect and compare the amounts in each can.

• If some areas get more than others, you’ve got a coverage problem to fix.

4. Check for leaks and pressure issues

• Listen for hissing sounds, examine joints, and test for damp spots.

• Measure pressure and flow to ensure the system is operating within design ranges.

• Look for misaligned spray heads or misdirected spray that creates overspray onto pavement.

5. Review scheduling and climate responsiveness

• Verify that start times, run times, and frequency match the local climate and plant needs.

• Check whether rain or soil moisture sensors are in place and functioning, and whether seasonal adjustments are being made.

6. Wrap it up with a clear action list

• Prioritize fixes that deliver the biggest water savings with the least disruption to plant health.

• Provide rough guidance on cost and timeline, so you can plan.

Common issues an audit often uncovers

Even the best setups have rough days. Here are some frequent culprits you’ll likely flag:

• Leaks and waste: Cracked pipes, failing fittings, or bad backflow prevention can quietly chew up water.

• Over- or under-watering: If run times aren’t matched to zone needs, some areas stay dry while others become swampy.

• Misaligned heads: A spray head pointed at a flower bed or sidewalk is wasteful and can cause plant stress or erosion.

• Inconsistent coverage: A zone with too much water in one corner and too little in another means uneven plant growth.

• Poor nozzle selection: Wrong spray patterns or nozzle sizes can throw off the irrigation footprint.

• Weather and soil mismatch: Not adjusting for seasonal changes or local soil type can derail even a great system.

What to do about the findings

An audit isn’t just a report; it’s a game plan. Here are the kinds of improvements you might implement:

• Repair leaks and replace worn components: Small fixes now save huge amounts of water later.

• Reset run times and frequency: Short, frequent cycles can reduce runoff and promote deeper root growth.

• Reposition or replace spray heads: Ensure every plant bed, turf, and shrub area is receiving the right amount of water.

• Update scheduling tools: If you’re not using a weather-based or ET-informed controller, consider upgrading to one that responds to real conditions.

• Add or fix sensors: Rain sensors, weather sensors, and soil moisture devices help the system slow down when nature’s giving a hand.

• Improve soil and mulch: A layer of mulch and some soil amendments reduce evaporation and improve water efficiency.

• Consider zone redesigns: If certain areas consistently over- or under-water, you may need new zoning to match plant diversity.

Tools of the trade you’ll hear about

• Catch cans: Simple, effective, and cheap for checking distribution uniformity.

• Flow meter and pressure gauge: They tell you how much water is moving and whether pressure is within spec.

• Weather-based controllers: They adjust run times based on weather forecasts and historic climate data.

• Rain/freeze sensors: They pause irrigation when it’s not needed.

• Nozzles and spray heads: Different patterns and flow rates let you tailor coverage.

• Soil moisture sensors: They give a pulse on how deeply water penetrates the root zone.

• Backflow preventer testers: Important for safety and code compliance.

Why a Nevada-friendly approach matters

In the Nevada landscape, timing can be everything. Early morning irrigation reduces evaporation, and watering during cooler hours minimizes waste. Savvy crews often pair audits with a seasonally adjusted schedule that respects drought constraints and local water budgets. It’s not just about saving water; it’s about stewarding a resource that’s under constant pressure. And in a desert climate, even small gains in efficiency add up fast, especially when you factor in maintenance costs and routine wear on equipment.

A few practical digressions you’ll appreciate

• You’ll see some clients who want the “greenest lawn ever.” Balance matters. A lush lawn in an arid climate isn’t always the right call; you can still achieve beauty with drought-tolerant plants and smart irrigation.

• Homeowners often resist fixes at first. Present the numbers clearly: what a leak costs monthly, what a corrected schedule saves over a season. People get it when the math lines up with visible results.

• If you’re working with larger commercial properties, audits can become a standard service that adds value while keeping properties compliant and attractive.

Putting it into action on your next project

If you’re overseeing landscapes in Nevada, here’s a quick way to get started without turning it into a big ordeal:

• Do a quick visual sweep: walk the property, note any obvious leaks, dead zones, or heads blocked by plants.

• Gather the basics: list zones, types of heads, current run times, and the controller model.

• Schedule a formal audit with a qualified technician, ideally someone who knows your local climate and water rules.

• Use the audit findings as a buying guide for replacements or upgrades, starting with the fixes that deliver the fastest payback.

A closing thought

An irrigation audit is a practical, no-nonsense tool for improving landscape health, saving water, and trimming costs. It’s not a flashy gadget show; it’s about getting water where it belongs—on the roots, not on the pavement. When you apply what you learn, you’ll see the results in greener lawns, happier plants, and a lower water bill. And in a state where every drop counts, that’s a win worth chasing.

If you’re responsible for landscapes in Nevada, consider making audits a regular part of your maintenance calendar. It’s a straightforward upgrade that can pay dividends season after season, keeping your projects thriving while respecting the desert’s precious resources.