Water is our planet’s most precious resource. And with only 1% easily available for human use, installing pressure-regulated irrigation systems is an efficient method to conserve water in the communities where we live, work, and play. That’s the idea behind the recent wave of stricter water use legislation nationwide.
To be offered for sale in California, spray bodies manufactured on or after October 1, 2020, must be pressure-regulated to encourage reduced water use.1 This requirement applies to spray bodies sold for installation in both new systems and retrofits. Vermont, Washington, Colorado, and Hawaii have introduced similar regulations with more states to follow.2
But why have states begun targeting the irrigation industry?
When irrigation systems exceed ideal pressures, it wastes huge amounts of water. It also shortens irrigation system life.
Optimizing pressure extends the system’s lifespan by preventing damage to pipes, fittings, and emission devices. In addition, reducing excessive flow rates maximizes system performance and efficiency. This lessens misting from overhead devices and increases uniformity across zones for more efficient water use.
The good news? Hunter Industries has a proven lineup of pressure-regulated irrigation products to help you comply with new irrigation requirements for spray bodies. Hunter also offers a range of other solutions to optimize pressure regulation in any irrigation setup, from rotors to valves to micro irrigation.
Whether you live in a state that requires pressure regulation for sprays, or you simply want to ensure maximum water savings for rotor setups or drip irrigation, Hunter has your back with the most advanced pressure regulation technology in the industry.
Controlling Pressure for Peak Performance
Pressure regulation boosts system efficiency and helps keep irrigation equipment in top shape. Choosing a specific pressure regulation solution depends on the needs of each site. With different types of pressure-regulated Hunter products available, you can choose the method that works best for you.
Pressure-Regulated Sprays and Rotors
For overhead irrigation, you can regulate at the head level. Controlling pressure at the sprinkler heads ensures all nozzles operate at the same, ideal pressure for balanced performance. The result is higher uniformity, minimal misting, and lower flow rates.
Hunter’s pressure-regulated Pro-Spray® PRS lineup complies with state restrictions for spray body pressure regulation. Pro-Spray PRS sprinklers are the first in the industry to earn WaterSense Certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That means it meets the EPA’s stringent criteria for water efficiency and performance. When you use our industry-best Pro-Spray models, you’ll save energy while using 30% less water.3
Not sure which spray body to use? The Pro-Spray PRS30 with the brown cap delivers peak performance of traditional sprays at 30 PSI. For 40 PSI applications, opt for the gray-capped 40 PSI Pro-Spray PRS40 with a high-efficiency MP Rotator® nozzle.
If you’re using rotors instead of spray bodies, pressure regulation can still help maximize water savings and prolong system life. For larger areas of coverage, look to pressure-regulated PGP® Ultra and I-20 PRB rotors. These rotors take incoming pressures of 50–100 PSI and reduce them to 45 PSI. As a result, PGP Ultra and I-20 rotors operate at peak efficiency without extra wear on the internal components. Since the pressure regulator resides inside the rotor body, it remains in place and functional even if servicing requires removal and replacement of the original riser.
Valve Pressure Regulators
Want to achieve optimal pressure for the entire zone? Try regulating pressure at the valve with an Accu Sync® pressure regulator. Designed to work with all Hunter control valves, the adjustable model lets you set the zone pressure anywhere between 20 and 100 PSI.
If you prefer, you can instead choose one of our fixed regulators, which allow you to operate at a set pressure. Choose from 30 PSI or 40 PSI models.
For systems with higher pressures, use two-step pressure regulation to protect irrigation equipment and optimize performance. Step the pressure down at the mainline or at the valve with Accu Sync to protect the downstream equipment. Then step down the pressure again at the heads for balanced, optimal performance across all the sprinkler nozzles.
Drip Control Zone Kits
If you have irrigation that delivers water with pinpoint accuracy, Drip Control Zone Kits are excellent pressure-regulated solutions. Designed specifically for micro irrigation applications, each convenient, all-in-one kit includes a pre-assembled valve, filter, and pressure regulator for quick and easy installation.
Ideal for various applications like gardens, vineyards, or conservation areas, these low-flow systems apply water evenly at a slower rate. This gives water more time to soak in for maximum absorption and minimal soil erosion.
Water policy leaders agree that drip irrigation provides tremendous water savings. For example, the EPA recommends using micro irrigation in landscape applications to achieve water savings up to 50%.4 The Southern Nevada Water Authority, a regional regulatory agency in the arid Southwest, advises drip irrigation as part of their Water Smart Landscapes initiative‚ which has helped save billions of gallons of water since the program was established in 1999.5
Uniting Performance and Compliance
As more states pass pressure regulation laws for spray bodies, switching now to compliant systems will save you time, money, and energy. To maximize water savings beyond spray bodies, be sure to add pressure regulation to valves and micro irrigation systems as well. With water-saving Hunter irrigation products, you’ll be able to protect our most precious resource, maximize the efficiency and longevity of your irrigation system, and avoid costly upgrades later on.
“We are all responsible for using water efficiently while supporting the development of green infrastructure,” said Kelsey Jacquard, Senior Product Manager at Hunter Industries. “Our efficient pressure-regulated irrigation products make it easy for you to save water and energy right away.”
Need help meeting the new requirements for water conservation? Learn more about our proven lineup of pressure regulators at hunterindustries.com. Or contact your local Hunter representative directly for tips on becoming pressure compliant.
Sources
1. Pulcheon, Angela (Jan. 9, 2020). “Irrigation Regulations: What You Need to Know for 2020.” Ewing blog. Retrieved from https://news.ewingirrigation.com/blog/irrigation-regulations-what-you-need-to-know-for-2020/.
2. IA Times staff (Sep. 2019). “New laws require pressure-regulating devices.” Irrigation Times. Retrieved from https://www.irrigation.org/IA/Tagged_List/IA_Times/2019/September/New_laws_require_pressure-regulating_devices.aspx#:~:text=Other%20states%20that%20have%20passed,Massachusetts%2C%20Colorado%20and%20Rhode%20Island.
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “About WaterSense.” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/watersense/about-watersense.
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Nov. 2017). “Water Efficiency Management Guide: Landscaping and Irrigation.” Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-12/documents/ws-commercialbuildings-waterscore-irrigation-landscape-guide.pdf.
5. Southern Nevada Water Authority (2020). “Water Smart Landscapes Rebate.” Retrieved from https://www.snwa.com/rebates/wsl/index.html.