Water Auditing & Irrigation Efficiency Flashcards

The term 'runoff' in landscape irrigation refers to water that:

Answer: Exceeds the soil's infiltration rate and flows off the landscape surface

Runoff occurs when the irrigation application rate exceeds the soil intake rate, causing water to flow across the surface and off the site.

Cycle-and-soak programming on an irrigation controller is designed to:

Answer: Break run times into shorter cycles separated by rest periods to let water infiltrate before runoff

Cycle-and-soak splits run time into multiple short cycles with rest periods between them, allowing the soil to absorb water and preventing runoff on slopes or clay soils.

Which IA certification is specifically designed for professionals who design irrigation systems?

Answer: Certified Irrigation Designer (CID)

The CID credential is for professionals who design residential, commercial, and landscape irrigation systems, covering hydraulics, system layout, and code compliance.

Low-volume irrigation systems, including drip and micro-spray, generally achieve higher application efficiency because they:

Answer: Apply water slowly near the root zone, minimizing evaporation and overspray

Low-volume systems deliver water directly at or below the canopy near plant roots, which reduces evaporative and wind-drift losses compared to overhead sprinklers.

What does 'smart irrigation month' (July) promote in the United States?

Answer: Awareness of technology and practices that improve irrigation efficiency

July is designated Smart Irrigation Month by the Irrigation Association to raise consumer and professional awareness of water-efficient practices and technology.

Which regulatory standard requires backflow prevention devices on all irrigation systems connected to potable water supplies in the US?

Answer: Local plumbing codes (based on ASSE/AWWA standards)

Local plumbing codes, typically based on ASSE standards (e.g., ASSE 1013 for reduced pressure principle assemblies) and AWWA guidance, mandate backflow prevention on irrigation connections.