A poorly maintained irrigation system prevents water from reaching its intended source and instead a significant amount of precious water can be lost to runoff, evaporation and deep watering below the root zone.  Maintaining your irrigation system is one of the most effective ways to reduce wasted water, reduce pollution from run-off and over-irrigation, and improve plant health by applying the correct amount of water where it can be utilized by the plants, trees and turf.

Ideally, irrigation systems should be checked on a monthly basis.  However, a minimum check of the irrigation system should be performed twice seasonally.  Once at the beginning of the season when the system is first turned on and again halfway through the season.  

THE BASICS OF IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE ARE:

1. Inspect the controller and make sure it’s plugged in and functioning.

2. Update the time and date.

3. Check the connection on all of the wires – make sure that rain, wind, or soil moisture sensors are connected.

4. Replace the back-up battery.

5. Change the schedule to reflect the City of Turlock’s current watering schedule for allowed watering days and times.

6. Turn on each zone and look for system damage such as: Leaking valves or pipes, broken or missing heads, clogged nozzles, seal leaks, sunken heads and tilted heads.

For questions or additional information, please contact Municipal Services at 209-668-5590. Brought to you by the City of Turlock Municipal Services Department.

 CONSERVATION TIP #128

Winter Watering Schedule still in effect: The City of Turlock’s Winter Water Schedule, which limits watering to one day per week, remains in effect through Feb. 28. During the winter schedule, even numbered homes can water on Saturdays only and odd numbered homes can water on Sundays. Watering will be prohibited between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. always. And remember, watering is prohibited for 48 hours following a significant rain event.