Drip Irrigation 101Chris Dundon

Contra Costa Water District

Components of a Drip System

ValveTurns the Water on and off to the drip system (Anti-Siphon Valve)

FilterKeeps dirt from clogging emitters

Pressure RegulatorReduces pressure

TubingDistributes water around the garden

FittingsConnects tubing

EmittersRegulates the flow of water

Spaghetti TubingUse sparingly or not at all

Components of a Drip System

Drip Tube Stake(more is better)

Components of a Drip System

End Cap Flush Valve

Types of Drip

Individual Emitters

In-line Emitters

Multi-Outlet Emitters

Multi-Outlet Emitters

Drip to Avoid

Maintenance Nightmare!

Recommended Drip

Inline Emitter Tubing• Perfect for any situation• Emitters spaced for even

coverage• Very low maintenance

Individual Emitter Tubing• Good for widely spaced plants• Emitters installed at individual

plants• Some maintenance issues

Connecting to Water Source

At the Valve At the Sprinkler

Connecting at the Sprinkler

Quick and easy way to install a drip without cutting and gluing pvc pipe.

One of the Pop-Up Spray heads becomes the source of water for the new drip system.

The pop-up conversion kit has a filter and pressure regulator built in

Spray to Drip Conversion

Step 1Remove sprinklers and then cap the riser pipe. Then, test for leaks

Step 2Install Drip Conversion Kit at one sprinkler location

Step 3Install drip tubing

Existing Lawn

Sprinklers

Spray to Drip Conversion

Step 1

Remove sprinklers and cap

Test for leaks

Cap or Plug Sprinkler Heads

Cap or Plug Sprinkler Heads

orSprinkler

Riser

PVC Fitting

PVC Pipe

Step 2

Remove one cap and

install Drip

Conversion Kit

Spray to Drip Conversion

Step 3: Install Drip Tubing

Two Types of Drip Tubing Layouts

• Individual Emitter Tubingor• Inline Emitter Tubing

or

Individual Emitter TubingInstall tubing after planting

Individual Emitter TubingUse 1 to 3 emitters per plant

Pressure Compensating Emitters

Inline DripEmitters built into the tubing

Rings of inline emitter tubing for widely spaced plants

In-line Drip

Use double row of emitter tubing for row of plants

In-line Drip

Winding Inline Drip Tubing

Closely Spaced Plants(Use grid of inline emitter tubing)

Closely Spaced Plants(Use grid of inline emitter tubing)

Inline Emitter Tubing

Use equally spaced rows of tubing for closely planted garden

In-line Drip

Separate Zones for Tree and Shrubs

All Drip

Cover drip tubing with mulch

CCWD Water Efficiency DepartmentPhone: 925-688-8320Email: conserve@ccwater.com

Webinar Recordings: https://www.ccwater.com/441/Water-Efficiency-Webinars

• Drip Irrigation 101- Converting Spray to Drip• LTG Rebate Program Overview• How to Remove Your Lawn- Sheet Mulching• Landscape Design Ideas

Other Events: www.ccwater.com/conserve• Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour• Focal Point Plants in Dry Gardens• Growing Succulents 101• Home Composting

Q&A