
Many factors can make your irrigation less efficient, costing you water and money.
You might be surprised how much water never reaches your plants.
Wind can blow water away (drift) before it hits the ground. It's an invisible thief.
Hot, dry air can turn water into vapor (evaporation) mid-air, also stealing moisture.
These losses are often invisible, making it hard to know if you're watering effectively.
Understanding them is key to optimizing your irrigation and saving resources.
Imagine a warm, breezy day, typical for watering. How much water might you lose?
We'll use simple numbers to illustrate the potential impact.
Wind speed: 10 mph. Temperature: 85ยฐF. Humidity: 40%. Riser height: 3 feet.
These factors combine to create significant loss potential in most systems.
15%
Estimated water lost to drift and evaporation in our example scenario.
For every 100 gallons you pump, 15 gallons never reach your plants. That adds up quickly!
It means less water for your crops and higher utility bills for you.
Avoid watering during the hottest, windiest parts of the day. Early morning is often best.
Less wind and lower temperatures naturally reduce drift and evaporation losses.
Ensure your sprinklers are properly maintained and aligned for optimal output.
Adjust riser height if possible to minimize water's exposure to wind and sun.
Ready to find out how much water your sprinklers are losing? Try our free calculator now!