Historically, most irrigation systems have non-pressure regulated sprinklers that often times operate over pressurized. Over-pressurization can lead to water losses and contribute to uneven watering.
Pressure-regulating spray heads are a developing technology designed to regulate pressure to optimal performance. They include built-in regulators that maintain a more constant pressure for optimal nozzle performance.
Why is Pressure Regulation Important?
Two reasons: Pressure regulators save water and are now required by law.
Water Savings: Compared with non-regulated heads, pressure-regulated sprinklers will use about 20-25 percent less water. And if the nozzle breaks, pressure regulators are estimated to save 70 percent of the water that might have been spilled if using an older sprinkler system.
Many states including Washington and Oregon require pressure regulation. Since Jan. 1, 2021 Washington banned the sale of non-PRS spray heads. While government regulations can sometimes be frustrating, this legislation makes sense.
SAM-PRS Spray Heads
Since last year, all replacement heads installed will be those with Pressure Regulation (PRS) and Check Valves (SAM). Using PRS is now the law. However, changing just those that break or fail does not make much impact on water savings.
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