What to include in an irrigation system design

By admin on Saturday, January 24th, 2015 in Irrigation.

Planning and designing an irrigation system can be a confusing and time consuming process. There are many elements which you must consider, as with all projects, the planning, design and installation of irrigation systems are a bit of a journey. There is a start and an end, and to get from one to the other we need a direction. These helpful tips will guide you on what information to provide to Northwest Hydro Solutions to allow us to determine the best irrigation system for you. For the start we need a site plan. This does not need to be architecturally designed; a simple drawing by hand of the intended area is suitable in most cases. There does however need to be some distances on the plan, so going around the site with a tape measure first will be of great assistance. Things that need to be measured are:

1. Boundaries.
2. Distance between the water source and the furthest point where the water is needed.
3. The position of any buildings, paths, or any obstacles in relation to the irrigation system.
4. The length of any “straight runs” (irrigation pipes that do not link/join in to any others).
5. The height of any plantings or frame supports for plants.
6. The direction of the intended pipe line, from the water source to the end or ends, if the pipe needs to go in various directions. This is only required if you have already decided what pipe is needed. If not, we can help you with this.

Next we will need to know about the water source:

1. What is supplying the water? Is it mains, gravity or pump supply?
2. Is there a restriction on when the water will be available? For example, twice a week, or only every second day, etc.
3. What flow rate is available in litre’s per minute.
4. At what pressure is that rate of flow available, if known? (KPA, metres head, or PSI)
5. Will there be any mineral injection required?
6. Are there any restrictions on materials that components can be made of? For example, no metal or brass fittings.

Finally we need to know:

1. What is the intention of the irrigation system? Are we trying to keep plants alive or are we trying to make them grow? (There is a difference!)
2. Are there climatic conditions to take into account? Not only in the irrigation season, but also when the system is not in use?
3. What stage is the project at?  In case trenching is required and final heights need to be established?
4. Are there issues with time? For example, does the system need to be installed in stages?
5. Is there a possibility that the system may be extended in the future?
6. What type of plants are we trying to irrigate and any watering considerations they may have. For example, some plants don’t like water on the leaves.
7. What height will the plants grow to for future irrigation considerations?

The more of these questions you can answer, the quicker and easier the design process will be! Here at Northwest Hydro Solutions we have a proven record in designing and supplying state-of-the-art irrigation systems for agriculture, farming, government and residential. We supply a vast product range including drip irrigation tube and fittings, pumps and filters, sprinklers, irrigation controllers, valves, PVC pipe, as well as rural and metric poly pipe and fittings. We use irrigation products from global manufacturers including Grundfos and Davey. Contact us today to discuss your irrigation system and get the process underway. Phone the team at Northwest Hydro Solutions on (08) 9192 6606.