PRESSURE REGULATION SAVES WATER & MONEY

Historically, most irrigation systems have non-pressure regulated sprinklers that often times operate over pressurized. Over-pressurization can lead to water losses and contribute to uneven watering.

Pressure-regulating spray heads are a developing technology designed to regulate pressure to optimal performance. They include built-in regulators that maintain a more constant pressure for optimal nozzle performance.

Why is Pressure Regulation Important? 

Two reasons: Pressure regulators save water and are now required by law.

Water Savings: Compared with non-regulated heads, pressure-regulated sprinklers will use about 20-25 percent less water. And if the nozzle breaks, pressure regulators are estimated to save 70 percent of the water that might have been spilled if using an older sprinkler system.

Many states including Washington and Oregon require pressure regulation. Since March 1, 2022 Oregon banned the sale of non-PRS Spray sprinkler heads. While government regulations can sometimes be frustrating, this legislation makes sense. 

SAM-PRS Spray Heads

Since last year, all replacement heads installed will be those with Pressure Regulation (PRS) and Check Valves (SAM). Using PRS is now the law. However, changing just those that break or fail does not make much impact on water savings.

As a part of our water conservation initiatives, we recommend replacing all spray heads with SAM-PRS Heads. This will likely be broken up over several years, so it's a good idea to budget for this gradual replacement each year. Therefore, our budget proposals will show this over the next several years.

Built-in PRS maintains constant outlet pressure at 30psi, ensuring maximum nozzle performance, even with varying inlet pressures. These save 20-30% water compared to standard heads.

They restrict water loss by up to 70% if the nozzle is removed or damaged.

Built-in Seal-A-Matic (SAM) check valves eliminate low-head drainage from spray heads located at the base of slopes or hillsides.

MP Rotator Nozzles

MP Rotators are a revolutionary alternative to traditional sprinkler heads and pop-up sprinkler heads that spray the landscape. MP Rotator nozzles feature unique, multi-trajectory rotating streams that deliver water at a steady rate.

This slower application rate allows water to gently soak in at rates that soils can absorb.

As a part of our water conservation programs, we will be recommending replacing some spray heads with MP Rotator for even more water savings of up to 40%.

Water Conservation Makes Financial Sense

WATER RATES ARE THE FASTEST-GROWING UTILITY COST IN THE SEATTLE METRO AREA! 

The average price for water in the Portland Metro Area

has increased from 64-373% over the past 5 years.

Water Conservation has great ROI.

More about Water Conservation on our website:

https://www.pacscape.com/sustainability/water-conservation/