EPA WaterSense Sprinkler Spruce Up

Inspect, Connect, Direct, and Select

1. Inspect for Breaks and Leaks Most irrigation systems run overnight or early in the morning, making missing or broken sprinkler heads hard to find. Lake Oswego customers can view their overnight data on the online usage portal. Running a system with damaged heads can cause overflowing and landscape flooding. Homeowners are encouraged to walk each zone looking for heads that don't fully pop up or are tilted, and to flag any broken ones for repair — either DIY or via a WaterSense-certified irrigation professional.

2. Connect Sprinklers, Pipes, and Valves Leaks often occur at the joints between sprinklers and piping and can signal excess water pressure or debris in the water. Homeowners should check for pooling water between cycles (a sign of underground leaks) and verify that all valves inside valve boxes can close completely — otherwise the system may seep water even when off.

3. Direct Sprinklers for Best Coverage Irrigation water landing on hardscapes like driveways and sidewalks goes to the stormwater drain instead of the landscape. Each sprinkler should be adjusted for head-to-head coverage, aimed at plant areas only, and high-pressure misting should be avoided — ideally by installing spray sprinkler bodies with built-in pressure regulation.

4. Select a WaterSense Labeled Controller or use the Weekly Watering Number. A WaterSense labeled irrigation controller uses local weather data or soil moisture monitoring to automatically adjust watering schedules. Beginning on April 16, you can also sign up for The Weekly Watering Number which provides local watering recommendations during the irrigation season.