What Is an Irrigation System Audit?
by John Vitulli | Smart Irrigation & Efficiency
If you’ve ever wondered whether your irrigation system is performing at its best – or if it’s quietly wasting water and money – an irrigation system audit provides the answers.
A professional audit goes far beyond a quick tune-up or visual inspection. It’s a structured process designed to measure, test, and verify how efficiently your system delivers water – and where it’s losing it.
At Waterwise, our audits blend technical precision with real-world insight to help homeowners and property managers make informed decisions about water use, performance, and repairs.
What an Audit Includes
A comprehensive audit examines every part of your system, from the water source to the last sprinkler head. Here’s what to expect:
1. Preliminary Assessment
We start with a site walk-through to review your controller settings, identify problem zones, and note visible issues such as misaligned heads, overspray, or pooling water.
Pro-Tip:
Keep your most recent water bills handy – they help us see consumption trends and spot usage spikes that align with leak patterns.
2. System Pressure Testing
Using specialized gauges, we measure both static pressure (system at rest) and dynamic pressure (while zones run).
This identifies hidden restrictions, leaks, or sizing problems that reduce efficiency.
Pressure Pointer:
Even a small change in pressure can alter your system’s precipitation rate – too low and coverage suffers; too high and misting wastes water.
3. Valve and Zone Diagnostics
Each valve is tested for function, sealing, and responsiveness. We look for stuck solenoids, slow-closing valves, or cross-wired zones that may cause overlapping or continuous watering.
We also check for uniformity – making sure each zone delivers consistent coverage from start to finish.
4. Sprinkler Performance Review
Every sprinkler head is inspected and adjusted for:
- Alignment and height (sunken or tilted heads reduce coverage).
- Proper nozzle type and spacing.
- Consistent spray patterns with no obstructions.
- Pressure regulation and matched precipitation rates.
Efficiency Edge:
We often find mixed sprinkler types – rotors and sprays on the same zone – which have very different water needs. Separating these improves both coverage and efficiency.
5. Sensor and Controller Evaluation
We verify that your rain, wind, and soil moisture sensors are functioning properly, and check that your controller is set for seasonal efficiency.
If your system uses a smart controller, we ensure it’s receiving accurate weather data and properly communicates with your sensors.
Smart Controller Advantage:
Proper calibration of weather-based technology can reduce water use by up to 50% without sacrificing landscape health.
6. Flow Sensor Verification (if installed)
Flow sensors are one of the most powerful diagnostic tools available. They detect abnormal flow, pinpointing leaks or stuck valves in real time.
We test your flow sensor’s responsiveness, calibration, and integration with your controller to ensure accurate readings.
7. Distribution Uniformity (DU) Testing
For high-efficiency audits, we perform a catch-can test to measure how evenly water is applied across a zone.
This determines your system’s DU score – a direct indicator of watering efficiency.
The higher the DU, the more evenly your irrigation is performing.
Waterwise Insight:
A steady rise in cost – even by 10–15% — over several months often points to a small, slow leak or seeping valve.
Audit Report and Recommendations
After testing, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining:
- Areas of water waste or uneven coverage.
- Pressure and flow readings for each zone.
- Repair recommendations (with estimated savings).
- Upgrade opportunities for efficiency improvements.
This report gives you a clear, data-driven picture of how your system performs and what to do next.
Why Audits Matter
An irrigation audit is more than a checkup – it’s an investment in your property. By identifying inefficiencies early, you can:
- Lower your monthly water bill.
- Prevent costly leaks and landscape damage.
- Ensure compliance with municipal water restrictions.
- Improve system longevity and reliability.
System Saver Tip:
Regular audits – once every 2–3 years – keep your system running at peak efficiency and help prevent major failures before they happen.
Waterwise Membership Advantage
Waterwise Membership customers receive bi-annual performance audits as part of their plan.
This means your system is professionally checked, adjusted, and documented – giving you peace of mind and verified efficiency.
Membership Tip:
Members receive priority scheduling, drought-response reprogramming, and discounts on upgrade parts – ensuring your system stays efficient all year long.
Schedule Your Audit Today
Whether your water bill has spiked or you just want peace of mind, a professional irrigation audit is the smartest first step.
Schedule your irrigation system audit Today!
Start saving water – and money – today.