Guidelines for the

Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems
in the City of Santa Monica

The following information is provided by the Office of Sustainability and the Environment
of the City of Santa Monica to ensure the installation of effective, water-efficient and
trouble-free landscape irrigation systems in the City. These requirements based on the
Irrigation Associations Turf & Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices, 2005
edition and tailored to the ordinances, policies and climate of the City of Santa Monica.
Revised 10/19/09
Published by the City of Santa Monicas
Office of Sustainability and the Environment
Water Efficiency Section
200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite K
Santa Monica CA 90401

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the
City of Santa Monica
These requirements are published by the City of Santa Monicas Office of Sustainability
and the Environment. They are based on the Irrigation Associations Turf & Landscape
Irrigation Best Management Practices, 2005 edition and tailored to the ordinances, policies
and climate of the City of Santa Monica.
Quality Assurance
To assure that a high-quality irrigation system is designed and installed:
1. The system should be designed by a person familiar with and capable of applying the
Design Requirements below; such as a Certified Irrigation Designer, Landscape Architect
or a Landscape Designer formally trained in irrigation design.
2. A qualified contractor should be selected to install the irrigation system based
on the Installation Requirements below. The contractor should test the completed system to
verify that the system operates according to the design criteria.
3. The irrigation designer or landscape architect or landscape designer should perform
one or more site observations during system installation to check for adherence to the
design. The observation should inspect the installation of the backflow prevention
assembly, main line, laterals, valves, sprinkler heads, drip irrigation equipment, control
wire, controllers, and sensors and should assure that the intent of the irrigation designer
has been preserved.
Design Requirements
To ensure that the irrigation system is designed to conserve water resources by efficiently
and uniformly distributing the water, the irrigation system designer should:
1. Obtain direct knowledge of site conditions and not rely solely on plot plans to
generate a design.
2. Meet all applicable state and local codes including plumbing and electrical codes.
3. Specify manufacturer, model, type, and size of all components to eliminate ambiguity
at construction and to facilitate management of the system. The selection of pipe,
electrical wire and other materials should be based on design parameters, environmental
conditions and code requirements.
4. Design the irrigation system to minimize installation and maintenance difficulties.
The selection and placement of irrigation components should anticipate the growth of
plants through a minimum three-year establishment period for shrubs and ten years for
trees.

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

5. Provide a complete irrigation design package to the owner of the system.

6. Calculate the maximum safe flow rate using the following three formulas, then use the
lowest resulting safe flow rate as the design flow rate:
a. The maximum allowable pressure loss through the meter should be less than
10% of the static pressure at the meter.
b. The maximum flow rate through the meter should not exceed 75% of the
maximum safe flow rate through the meter.
c. The velocity of water through the service line supplying the meter should not
exceed 7.5 feet per second (fps).
7. Plan a system with an operational watering window of no more than 10 hours per day.
Match the system requirements to the site and consider site uses that may dictate different
irrigation durations and frequencies, a school campus for example.
8. Specify Cross-Connection Control devices as required by Section 7.12.370 of the Santa
Monica Municipal Code.
9. Specify metering devices that measure the total landscape water use separate from
other use for all projects where it is practical and economically feasible to do so.
10. Allow for a reduction in static pressure of up 10 pounds per square inch (psi) to
accommodate possible expansion in the supply network.
11. Specify pressure regulation wherever necessary to insure that all irrigation devices
operate within the manufacturers recommended pressure range.
12. Specify main and lateral pipe sizes that will result in the velocity of water moving
through these pipes at a rate not exceeding five fps. Use Schedule 40 or Class 315 pipe
for mains and under roadways. Class 125 pipe is not permitted.
13. For zones with drip irrigation, conform to guideline pages 6-18 of this document
(formerly known as the Guide to Successful Drip Irrigation for Landscape Professionals).
14. Design the system and select components to achieve a minimum operational lower
quarter distribution uniformity (DULQ) or emission uniformity (EU) as follows:
Type of Zone
Spray
Rotor
Drip

Type of Uniformity
DULQ
DULQ
Emission Uniformity

Minimum Uniformity
55%
70%
80%

15. Choose irrigation devices and design the irrigation system to positively prevent runoff
or overspray onto impermeable hardscape under all conditions regardless of wind or
possible equipment misalignment.
16. Design sprinkler head spacing with a minimum of head-to-head coverage
(minimum 50% of diameter). Wind derating, if used, should be based on wind criteria for
the time period that the system is normally operated.

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

17. Design to accommodate areas with dissimilar water or scheduling requirements

(hydrozones). For example; separate zones may be required for trees, shrubs, flowers,
shady or sunny areas, drip irrigation and/or sprinklers.
18. Specify watering devices with a manufacturers published precipitation rate less than
0.75 inches / hour. This applies to all devices: bubbler, drip, spray, microspray and rotor.
19. Choose and locate watering devices based on a thorough evaluation of physical,
environmental, and hydraulic site conditions, including slope and wind. The design must not
permit overspray or overflow onto impermeable hardscape under any condition.
20. Specify drip irrigation for all zones planted in one-gallon or larger size. Exception:
Tree Bubblers may be used for 24" box or larger to establish trees. Specify Root
Watering Series device for each bubbler.
21. Specify weather-based irrigation controllers (WBIC) with SWAT test results published
by the Irrigation Association. (http://www.irrigation.org/SWAT/Industry/ia-tested.asp).
22. Specify check valves wherever necessary to prevent low-head drainage.
23. Specify flow measurement equipment where practical and economically feasible.
24. Specify systems to use graywater and/or captured rainwater for irrigation where
practical and economically feasible.
25. Landscaping and irrigation in parkways is governed by the Administrative Services
Division of the Public Works Management Department. Design landscape and irrigation
systems in parkways according to the current edition of the Parkway Landscape Policy
published by PWMD.
Installation Requirements
To ensure that the irrigation system is installed to conserve water resources by efficiently
and uniformly distributing the water, the irrigation system installer should:
1. Contact all appropriate utility companies prior to beginning installation, to locate
underground utilities including gas lines, electrical, telephone, cable, and so forth.
State laws require anyone who digs to notify utility companies before starting. The
installation should not be started until all underground utilities are located and marked.
2. Prior to beginning installation, verify that the point of connection, flow rate, and static
and dynamic pressures meet design criteria.
3. Install Cross-Connection Control devices as required by Section 7.12.370 of the Santa
Monica Municipal Code.
4. Install the irrigation system according to the design specifications and manufacturer's
published performance standards.

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

5. Review planting plans prior to installation to minimize conflicts between larger plants
and irrigation equipment. Also review construction plans for conflicts between hardscape
and sprinkler head placement.
6. Inform the property owner and irrigation system designer of unusual or abnormal soil
conditions which may impact the design and management of the irrigation system.
7. Furnish to the owner of the system an as-built record set of drawings. Within the
record set of drawings, describe the system layout and components including all
changes from the original design.
8. Test the irrigation system to verify that it meets the design criteria.
9. After installation perform an irrigation audit using a procedure approved by the
Irrigation Association or the Irrigation Training and Research Center of California
Polytechnic State University. Provide the property owner with system specifications and a
performance summary report by station/zone that includes the plant type, soil type,
average root zone depth, precipitation rate, distribution or emission uniformity (DULQ/EU),
area square footage, target gallons per minute flow rate, recommended operating
pressure range, and maximum recommended cycle run time without runoff. Retain a
reference of each station/zones DULQ /EU, precipitation rate, operating pressure, and
flow rate at the controller.
10. Program the weather-based irrigation controller (WBIC) as required.
11. Explain to the property owner or his/her agent the location and operation of all
components of the system.
12. Provide the property owner or his/her agent with recommendations for operation of
the system for maximum water conservation and the importance of maintaining system
components according to the original design.
13. Provide the property owner or his/her agent with keys, tools, warranties and
operating instructions for all equipment.

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

Why Drip Works:

~ No Overspray
~ No Runoff
~ No Blocked Spray
~ Fewer Weeds
~ Water Any time
~ Easier Adjustment
~ 85% - 95% Efficiency

Drip Irrigation

Spray Irrigation

Plant-Specific Coverage

Area Coverage

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

Wetting Patterns for Drippers in Various Soil Types

(Idealized)

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

Actual cut-away of loam soil showing wetting pattern of drippers

Overlay illustrating how wetting pattern produces

a continuous wetted area within the rootzone

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

Overview
The following recommendations are based on extensive experience in water-efficient landscape
irrigation aimed at effective, trouble-free drip systems that function well in urban installations.
Keep in mind that installation contractors want to install systems that will not result in call-backs
and maintenance contractors want rugged systems that lend themselves to the practices their
workers have already learned. Most property owners want the same thing. This information was
prepared with those ideas in mind.
Special Note on Parkways
Parkways are the strip of landscaping between the sidewalk and the street. Landscaping in
parkways in the City of Santa Monica is regulated by the Citys Parkway Landscaping Policy (PLP)
published by the Public Works Management Departments Administrative Services Division. Consult
the PLP before modifying or installing any type of irrigation in parkways. Call PWM/AS at
310/458-8737 for a copy of the PLP.
Equipment
Whenever possible, equipment available from local suppliers of professional irrigation equipment
has been identified below. However, due to limited experience and training at the retail level, you
are probably going to have to order some of this equipment. Allow time in your job schedule to do
so. Drip irrigation supplies available at local hardware chain stores are, for the most part,
specifically made for the homeowner market to sell at the lowest possible price. They may function
less reliably than professional equipment.
Backflow Prevention See Detail 7
Unless anti-siphon valves are to be used, specify an appropriately-sized reduced-pressure (RP) or
pressure vacuum-breaker (PVB) device that complies with SMMC 7.12.370. Call 310/458-8535
for more information. Keep in mind that flow rates in drip irrigation are much lower than in spray
systems. You may be able to use a smaller backflow device.
Valve Assemblies See Detail 5 & 6
Valve assemblies for low-volume irrigation zones consist of three items: a remote control valve, a
pressure regulator and a filter. [If desired, a single master filter and/or master pressure regulator
may be used for the entire system, located after the backflow device and/or master valve. In this
case, if the system does not include a master valve, heavy-duty filters and pressure regulators that can
tolerate constant pressurization must be used.]
Remote Control Valve
A key factor for reliable low-volume systems is to choose a valve with a minimum flow
rate that is lower than the zone flow rate. For the very low flows encountered in
residential applications in Santa Monica, only a few valves will meet the requirement
described above.
Recommended brands / models:
In-line valves:
Buckner VBDW Series
Rain Bird DV, PEB or PESB Series
Superior 470 DI
Weathermatic 12000 Series
Toro TPV/ F Series
Anti-siphon valves:
Rain Bird ASVF Series
Superior 850 DI
Toro EZF-29-03/04
Irritrol 2700 Series

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

10

Pressure Regulator
As with valves, pressure regulators must have a minimum flow rate that is lower than the
zone flow rate. For drip systems you can use a preset or adjustable pressure regulator.
Recommended brands / models:
Preset:
Hendrickson PR5500 Series
Senninger LF Series
Toro PMR-25-LF
Adjustable:
Bermad PRV Series
Filter
Use a 150 200 mesh, wye or tee filter with a stainless steel screen.
Recommended brands / models:
Agricultural Products 1Y, 3/4Y or 3/4T;
Toro T-ALFS75150-S/L
Rain Bird QKCHK or RBY Series
Filter/Pressure Regulator
Rain Bird PRF075BFF
Note: This device combines a 30 psi pressure regulator with a " wye filter. (This
is a good choice for retrofitting existing anti-siphon valves.)
Drip Control Zone Kits (In-line or Anti-Siphon Valve + Filter / Pressure Regulator)
Rain Bird XCZ / XACZ Series
Toro DZK-EZF-075-LF
Irritrol DZK-700-1-LF (in-line)
Piping System
Pipe
For lateral lines feeding Riser Units and for Header and Collector manifolds use rigid PVC
pipe of the same type used for sprinkler systems. Pipe larger than is seldom required
for residential drip systems. Use Low VOC cement for joining the pipe. Recommended
pipe type: Class 315 or Schedule 40. Do not use Class 125 pipe. (see page 24-25)
Riser Units & Header/Collector Manifolds - See Details 1A & 3A
These components are the transition points from below to above grade tubing.
Drip Tubing
For simple, trouble-free installations use only branded 16mm, 17mm or 18mm
Polyethylene (PE) tubing for landscape drip applications.
Recommended brand / model:
Agrifim A620 or A700 or A700BR
Rain Bird XT700, LD 1600
Toro Blue Stripe
NOTE: DO NOT USE or 1/8 (4-8mm) ("spaghetti") tubing or any drip
irrigation device which utilizes this tubing, such as multi-outlet emitters.
Use tubing for container plantings only. Use of this type of equipment in
projects funded by the City of Santa Monica Landscape Water Efficiency
Grant Program will result in loss of funding.

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

11

Fittings
Use compression-type fittings that fit over the outside of the tubing. Use fittings
recommended by the manufacturer of your tubing or use Rain Bird Easy Fit fittings. For
best results, do not use twist-lock type fittings.
Drip Emitters (Drippers)
Drip emitters are devices that regulate the water flow to the plants at a specific rate, usually 0.5
or 1.0 gallons per hour (GPH). There are hundreds of types of drippers but only a few that work
reliably, year-after-year in the landscape. The most commonly available, trouble-free drip
emitters are based on a principle called turbulent flow.
If plants are very widely spaced you can use PVC pipe or plain drip tubing (described above)
and install drip emitters at each plant. However, for most landscape applications, with closelyspaced plants, it is easier to use emitter line, (also referred to as dripperline or dripline). Emitter line
consists of 16mm or 18mm PE tubing with drip emitters pre-formed into the tubing at a predetermined spacing. Most types of emitter line utilize some form of turbulent flow emitter. For most
landscape drip systems in Santa Monica emitter line with 0.5 0.6 gallon (2 liter) drippers at 12
spacing will work best.
Recommended brand / model:
Individual drip emitters for insertion into drip tubing:
Agrifim Iso-Flo, Aqua-Flo or PC Plus
Toro NGE Series
Bowsmith Non-Stop Series Emitters
Individual drip emitters for use on PVC risers:
Salco Pro-Spec PST Series
Emitter Line for on-grade installation:
Agrifim Dura-Flo
Rain Bird Landscape Dripline XFD, LD Series
Toro PCB / PCS Series
(Do not use Toro DL2000 tubing for installations
in the City of Santa Monica.)
Netifim Techline or Techline CV
Emitter Line for below-grade installation:
Netifim Techline or Techline CV
As indicated above, multi-outlet emitters are not permitted or
funded by the City of Santa Monica Landscape Grant Program.
Accessories
Mulch
Use shredded bark or gravel mulch. Do not use pebble-shaped organic mulch. Consult
EPWM/AS before using gravel in parkways. (See Parkway note on page 1.)
Recommended brand / model of shredded bark mulch:
Kelloggs Xerimulch or, for large installations, B.D. White Fir Walk-On Bark.
Xerimulch is available through landscape supply dealers. B.D. White Company is
located in Torrance CA; 310/370-5511
Wire Stakes
Use U-shaped (not shepherds crook), galvanized steel wire stakes.
Recommended type: 6 x 1 x 6, 9-gauge, galvanized steel soil staples; available from
Aqua-Flo Supply; 310/915-5208.

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

12

Special Equipment for Conversion of Spray Irrigation to Drip

Rain Bird makes specialized devices designed specifically for the conversion of existing spray
systems to drip irrigation. Note: If the minimum flow rate of the zone valve, originally designed for
sprinklers, is not compatible with the drip system it must be replaced. See Valve Assemblies above.

Retro 1800 - See Detail 8

This device looks like a Rain Bird sprayhead, but is actually an adapter that contains a
pressure regulator and filter. When installed in place of an existing sprayhead, it
becomes a connection point for drip tubing. When replacing Rain Bird brand sprayheads,
only the interior parts need to be replaced. Note: The zone valve, originally designed to
work with sprinklers, may have to be converted to a low-flow valve. See Valve
Assemblies above.
PRS-050-30
This device provides pressure regulation for connection of drip tubing to fixed risers.
When installed in place of an existing spray nozzle on a fixed riser, it becomes a
connection point for drip tubing. The PRS-050-30 does not include a filter as the RETRO
1800 above does. Note: The zone valve, originally designed to work with sprinklers, may
have to be converted to a low-flow valve. See Valve Assemblies above.
XC-1800 / XC-T-570
These are caps used to close off the unused sprayheads in the converted zone. Use XC1800 for Rain Bird 1800s and XC-T-570 for Toro 570s. (Note: XC-T-570 caps have
been discontinued but are available from Ewing Irrigation, 310/479-9533, Ask for Jim
Harmer.)
Installation Procedures
Cross-Connection Control Devices
Install in compliance with SMMC 7.12.370. Call 310/458-8535 for more information.
Piping
Install pipe system according to detail drawings. Use Detail 1 for randomly-placed plants or Detail
2 or 3 for linear, on-center plantings.
Drip Tubing
Unless installing in turf, burial of the tubing is not recommended. Install the tubing on grade
according to detail drawings for the layout you have chosen. Because plant size and exact location
within the zone may be changed during installation, the final location of the tubing in relationship to
each plant must be determined by the installer. Place tubing in such a manner as to evenly wet at
least 60% of the root ball of each plant. For small plants one emitter may be sufficient. For larger
plants, multiple rows of tubing will be required. Use galvanized hairpin-type stakes at approximate
three foot intervals to hold the tubing securely in place. For subsurface installation follow the
manufacturer's instructions.
Flushing
Flush all mains, laterals, manifolds and Tattletail / Flush Assemblies (if used) before connecting the
tubing to the Riser Units or Header Manifolds. After installation of drip tubing, flush all sections
again before closing off the tubing.
Mulch
Operate the system for a few weeks uncovered to allow for adjustment. When adjustment is
complete, install 2-3 of mulch.
Questions? Call the City of Santa Monicas Office of Sustainability and the Environment at
310/458-8972 or check out the website www. sustainablesm.org/landscape

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica
Detail 1

Detail 1A

13

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica
Detail 1B

Detail 2

14

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica
Detail 2A

Detail 3

15

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica
Detail 3A

Detail 4

16

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica
Detail 5

Detail 6

17

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica
Detail 7

Or Sch 80 PVC

Detail 8

18

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

19

Acceptable Watering Devices for Compliance with SMMC 8.108 Subpart B

-The following watering devices, when installed according to the manufacturer's
recommendations, are capable of applying water at a precipitation rate of 0.75 inches
per hour or less.
-As of 10/14/09, the following watering devices are compliant with SMMC 8.108 Subpart
B when installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

* If the word "Series" is used in the description, all product numbers with the given prefix are
acceptable. If not, only the specific model number given may be used.

Sprinklers
Hunter
I Series rotors
MP Rotator Series sprayhead nozzles (may include MPR40 head)
PG Series rotors
K-Rain
13XXX Series rotors
15XXX Series rotors
RN Series sprayhead nozzles
Rain Bird
3500 Series rotors
R Series sprayhead nozzles
Orbit
Eco-Stream 1000 Rotator
Drip
Agrifim
SF-BL-62XX Series dripline
SF-BL-6418 dripline*
SF-BL-6424 dripline
SF-BL-72XX Series dripline
SF-BL-7418 dripline*
SF-BL-7424 dripline
SFPC-BR-62XX Series dripline
SFPC-BR-6418 dripline*
SFPC-BR-6424 dripline
SFPC-BR-72XX Series dripline
SFPC-BR-7418 dripline*
SFPC-BR-7424 dripline
PCP & UF Series emitters
Bowsmith
Non-Stop Series emitters
DIG
Excel Series A5-xxxP/P-CV dripline
Excel A1-x18P/P-CV dripline* except A1-x12P/P-CV for grids

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica
Hunter
PLD04 Series dripline
PLD06 Series dripline
PLD10-18XX dripline*
PLD10-24XX dripline
Netafim
TLCV26 Series dripline
TLCV4 Series dripline
TLCV6 Series dripline
TLCV9-18XX dripline*
TLCV9-24XX dripline
TLDL4 Series dripline
TLDL6 Series dripline
TLDL9-18XX dripline*
TLDL9-24XX dripline
PC & PCDj Series emitters
WPCT Series emitters except WPCT60
Rain Bird
LD-06 Series dripline
LD-09 Series dripline* except LD-09-12 for grids
XFD-06 Series dripline
XFD-09 Series dripline* except XFD-09-12 for grids
XB & XBT Series emitters
Raindrip
#049010P dripline*
PC Series emitters
Toro
T-PCB1853-12xx dripline
T-PCB1810-12xx dripline*
T-PCB1853-18xx dripline
T-PCB1810-18xx dripline
#53618 dripline*
NGE Series emitters
Weathermatic/Salco
SLV-SIL16-6 Series dripline
SLV-SIL16-9 Series dripline* except SLV-SIL16-9-12 for grids
PS & PST Series emitters
PCC & PCCT Series emitters

20

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

21

Calculation of Precipitation Rate (PR) of Drip Emitters and

Bubblers for compliance with SMMC 108.08
Drip - Grid Layout - Tubing placed in a grid pattern
Formula: PR = (231.1 x Emitter Flow Rate)
Spacing)

(Emitter Spacing x Row

Examples: Rectangular Parkway with rows of Netafim Techline 1.0 x

18 tubing spaced 15" apart.
PR = (231.1 x 1.0) (18" x 15") = 231.1 270 = 0.86
0.86 > 0.75; does not comply.
Backyard with rows of Rain Bird XF 0.5 x 12 tubing spaced 15" apart.
(231.1 x 0.5) (12 x 15) = 115.6 180 = 0.64 0.64 < 0.75; complies.
Chart for grid pattern:
Emitter Spacing
0.5 GPH Emitter
12"
18"
24"
1.0 GPH Emitter
12"
18"
24"
2.0 GPH Emitter
12"
18"
24"

Row Spacing
16"
17"
18"

12"

13"

14"

15"

.80
.53
.40

.74
.49
.37

.69
.46
.34

.64
.43
.32

.60
.40
.30

.57
.38
.28

1.60
1.07
.80

1.48
.99
.74

1.38
.92
.69

1.28
.86
.64

1.20
.80
.60

3.20
2.14
1.60

2.96
1.98
1.48

2.75
1.84
1.38

2.56
1.72
1.28

2.40
1.60
1.20

Exceeds limit of SMMC 108.08

19"

20"

22"

24"

.53
.36
.26

.51
.34
.25

.48
.32
.24

.44
.29
.22

.40
.27
.20

1.14
.75
.57

1.06
.71
.53

1.02
.68
.51

.96
.64
.48

.88
.58
.44

.80
.53
.40

2.28
1.50
1.14

2.12
1.42
1.06

2.04
1.36
1.02

1.92
1.28
.96

1.76
1.16
.88

1.60
1.06
.80

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

22

Drip - Random Layout - Emitters placed in relation to each plant

Formula: PR = (96.25 x Total Zone GPM)
feet)

Total Root Area (square

Example:
Rectangular Parkway with two groups of randomly-placed, one-gallon
plants; 10 plants total. The mature rootball of each plant is estimated
to be 3' in diameter.
8' of Agrifim Dura-Flo 0.5 x 12 tubing is used for each group; 16' total.
Total Zone GPM = [(16' tubing 1.0' spacing) x 0.5 GPH] 60 min/hr
= 0.13 GPM
Total Root Area = x r2 x 10 plants = 3.14 x 2.25' x 10 = 70.65
square feet
PR = (96.25 x 0.13) 70.65 = 12.5 70.65 = 0.18 0.18 < 0.75;
complies.
(See irrigation details pages for examples of drip irrigation layouts)

_______________________________________________________

Bubblers
Use bubblers for trees only. For above-grade installation it is
preferable to substitute " ips drip emitters such as Agrifim UFC10 or
Salco PST-CV-05 for the bubblers.
When bubblers are required, specify packaged tree bubbler units
such as Rain Bird RWS Series or Hunter RZWS Series.
Formula: PR = (96.25 x Total Zone GPM)
feet)

Total Root Area (square

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

23

Example: Rectangular Parkway to be planted with two 24" box

Koelreuteria paniculata. The mature rootball of each tree is estimated
to be 15' in diameter. Two Rain Bird RWS-B-1402 with 0.5 GPM
bubblers are to be used for each tree.
Total Zone GPM = 2 trees x 2 watering units each x 0.5 GPM = 2.0
GPM
Total Root Area = r2 x 2 trees = 3.14 x 56.25 (which is the radius
7.5 or half of the diameter of the mature rootball, squared) x 2 =
353.25 square feet
PR = (96.3 x 2.0) 353.25 = 192.6 353.25 = 0.55in/hr 0.55 in/hr <
0.75 in/hr therefore this PR rate complies the Green Building
Ordinance.
Definitions:
Total Root Area - The total square-footage of soil above the mature
root systems of all irrigated plants in the zone.
Total Zone GPM The total amount of water applied by all the
emitters in the zone in gallons per minute.

Root Watering Series Product Example

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

24

2.1 All materials must be new and of the size, type and/or brand called for on the
drawings or in the specifications. All materials required but not specified in the plan
(such as, but not limited to, PVC cement) must be supplied by the contractor.
2.5. PVC PIPE
2.5.1. Below-Grade Rigid PVC Pipe
2.5.1.1. All below-grade rigid PVC pipe must be recognized commercial grade and marked
with appropriate size, class/schedule, SDR and lot numbers as required by specifications.
2.5.1.2. Below-grade Main Lines must be Class 315 solvent weld-type PVC pipe, 3" in size
unless otherwise indicated on the plan.
2.5.1.3. Laterals may be Schedule 40 or Class 315 solvent weld type PVC pipe however it is
recommended that Schedule 40 pipe be used throughout the project. All lateral piping is 1/2"
in size unless otherwise indicated on the plan.
2.5.1.4. IPS Flexible PVC Pipe may be substituted for rigid PVC pipe below grade (in lateral
lines only) to avoid underground obstructions encountered during trenching or tunneling. Do
not confuse IPS Flexible PVC Pipe with the Flexible PVC/Vinyl Tubing described in 2.7
which is not suitable for this purpose.

2.5.3 PVC Fittings & Cement

2.5.3.4. PVC fittings must be of the same chemical compound as pipe on which they are
installed.
2.5.3.5. PVC cement must be of an appropriate chemical compound for the pipe on which it is
used. An appropriate primer must be used. Suggested brand / model for all pipe described
above: Cement - Weld-On #705; Primer - Weld-On #P70.

3.2 TRENCHING, TUNNELING & CORING

3.2.1. Trench / tunnel depth must be sufficient to obtain a minimum depth of cover over the
installed pipe and control wire which conforms to the following dimensions. Where pipe and / or
conduit are placed below paving or hardscape the dimensions are considered to be below the
subgrade:
Pressure Lines 2 inches in landscaping
12"
Pressure Lines >2 inches in landscaping
18"
Pressure Lines under non-vehicular paving
18"
Pressure Lines under vehicular paving
24"
Non-pressure Lines 2 inches in landscaping
Non-pressure Lines >2 inches in landscaping
Non-pressure Lines under non-vehicular paving
Non-pressure Lines under vehicular paving

8"
12"
12"
18"

Conduit in landscaping
Conduit under non-vehicular paving
Conduit under vehicular paving

12"
18"
24"

Guidelines for the Design & Construction of

Water-Efficient Irrigation Systems in the City of Santa Monica

25

3.2.2. It is the responsibility of the contractor to make adjustments in trench/tunnel locations so

as to avoid conflict with existing utilities and/or major plant roots.

3.2.3. Bottom of trenches must be maintained flat so as to provide continuous support of pipe for
its full run.

3.2.4. Trenches for pipe and conduit under vehicular paving must be excavated below the level of
the pipe and then brought up to depth with compacted backfill. See "BACKFILLING" below.

3.2.5. Trenching in the vicinity of existing plants must be done by hand. Use all possible care to
protect plant roots. Cutting of plant roots larger than one inch in diameter must be approved by the
landscape designer or the owner.

3.2.6. The primary method for laying pipe under existing paving must be hand excavation or
hydraulic boring. Cutting of paving must be approved by the owner on a case by case basis. If
pavement cutting is necessary it must be replaced by like material. The contractor must inform the
owner of the complete additional cost of cutting and replacing the pavement at the time of request
for approval.

3.2.7. Coring through walls must be coordinated with the masonry and/or general contractor (if
any) to ensure structural integrity. Coring through retaining walls must be additionally coordinated
with the person responsible for grading and drainage.

3.3 PIPING
3.3.1. Pipe laid in the same trench must be laid side-by-side and not overlapped. Provide 3"
vertical and horizontal clearance between irrigation lines and 6" clearance between lines of other
work. Do not install parallel lines directly over any other line.

3.3.2. It is recommended that all cuts in PVC pipe must be made with PVC shears rather than
saws to preclude clogging of emitters by sawdust particles. Experience indicates that particles
temporarily retained at glue joints do not flush out but are subsequently released by water
turbulence.