It has been several years since pressure regulation was a buzz word in Colorado, ever since the 2019 passage of Colorado House Bill 19-1231. It mandates manufacturers of popup spray heads to install pressure regulators inside the stem of every spray head sold in the state.
The implementation of this new regulation has undoubtedly saved both irrigation water consumers and purveyors copious amounts of water since the reduced nozzle pressures of these heads help throw a larger water droplet that is easier to control and less susceptible to wind drift.
These pressure regulated spray heads have their limitations, however, as their effectiveness is diminished as pressures increase. In reality, they have a limited effect when dynamic pressures of irrigation systems exceed 50 or 60 PSI. Larger rotating heads, or rotors, are also susceptible to losing their effectiveness under excessive water pressure, although less so.
In 2015 the City of Fort Collins Utilities implemented a Pilot Program promoting the use of in-line pressure regulating valves (PRV’s) on residential sprinkler systems where excessive pressures exist. These are typically installed near the point of connection or in proximity to the irrigation system’s backflow device, thereby reducing water pressure on the entire sprinkler system. They are recommended to be installed on irrigation systems exhibiting pressures greater than 80 PSI.
The results were dramatic, and as we expected, very favorable. The water savings were substantial with a 20-30% reduction in landscape water use being the norm. This was partly due to the result of throwing a larger water droplet at the decreased pressures, thereby reducing wind drift and over-spray and resulting in the irrigation water landing where it was intended to.
Another advantage of adding a pressure regulator to a sprinkler system is the significant reduction of the speed at which the water passes through the system while operating. This helps reduce the noise of the turbulent flow of water as it passes through the indoor plumbing on its way to the irrigation system. In addition, installing a PRV may likely decrease the noise from water hammer as the irrigation valves turn on and off during a system run cycle.
Finally, and not as obvious but widely accepted as being fact, is the increased longevity of the water-carrying sprinkler components once an upstream pressure regulator is installed. This may not be as tangible a benefit of pressure regulation, but certainly one that should be considered when deciding whether or not to have a PRV installed.
NOTE: The City offers substantial rebates for PRV’s installed in certain high pressure situations and with prior approval. Let us help you determine if your sprinkler system might benefit from the upgrade of having one installed on your system!