Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor

Under what condition might the accuracy of pilot tubes be compromised?

1. During low water pressure

2. If the sprinklers have spray diffusers

3. When using old equipment

4. If irrigation is scheduled at night

The correct answer is: If the sprinklers have spray diffusers

The accuracy of pilot tubes can be compromised when sprinklers have spray diffusers due to the change in water distribution patterns. Spray diffusers, which are designed to spread water over a broader area or create a finer mist, can lead to inconsistent water delivery. This inconsistency can result in discrepancies when measuring water application rates or soil moisture levels, as the pilot tubes rely on predictable and uniform water flow to function correctly. In an environment where sprays are diffused, the data collected may not accurately reflect the actual performance of the irrigation system, impacting effective irrigation management decisions. Regarding the other options, low water pressure can lead to insufficient water delivery but does not directly affect the functionality of the pilot tubes themselves. Old equipment, while potentially less reliable over time, does not inherently compromise the pilot tube's accuracy unless it specifically affects its operation. Irrigation scheduled at night would not typically affect the accuracy of pilot tubes; however, it might influence evaporation rates and soil moisture retention, but these factors relate more to the environmental conditions rather than the pilot tubes directly.