Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor

What may be necessary if the required system pressure cannot be attained?

1. New sprinkler heads

2. Booster pumps or design changes

3. Additional control valves

4. Water source relocation

The correct answer is: Booster pumps or design changes

When a landscape irrigation system cannot achieve the required pressure for optimal operation, the most effective solution involves the use of booster pumps or implementing design changes to the existing system. Booster pumps are specifically designed to increase water pressure in the system, ensuring that all areas receive adequate coverage and that the system can function as intended. Without sufficient pressure, the efficiency of the irrigation system diminishes, potentially leading to inadequate water distribution and unhealthy plant growth. Additionally, design changes might include adjustments such as modifying the layout of the irrigation network, decreasing the length of the piping, or altering the size of the piping to optimize flow and pressure. These changes can address pressure-related issues without needing to invest in entirely new equipment or systems. Other options, such as new sprinkler heads, may not resolve pressure issues if the root cause is inadequate source pressure. Additional control valves could complicate the system further and do not address the underlying pressure problem. Relocating the water source could potentially be a solution, but it often involves more complexity and cost, making booster pumps and design modifications more immediate and practical solutions to achieve the required system pressure.