Overhead Sprinklers– Also referred to as “sprayheads” or simply “sprinklers”, overhead sprinklers water the entire landscape area from above, showering plants.. Water output is calculated in gallons per minute (GPM) or inches per hour and is applied at a much faster rate than drip irrigation. Sprinklers are commonly recommended only for lawns and certain turf-like groundcovers that need 100% irrigation coverage. Sprinklers are generally less efficient than drip irrigation as there is more opportunity for water to end up outside of the desired landscape irrigation area. Water loss to overspray, runoff, misting, and wind is common with sprinklers.
High-efficiency sprinklers apply water at a slower rate than conventional sprinklers—by applying less water per minute, they tend to have longer run times while still using less water overall than conventional sprinklers. High-efficiency sprinklers are an appropriate alternative if drip irrigation isn’t an option as they produce less overspray and runoff than conventional sprinklers. Valley Water offers rebates to upgrade from conventional to high-efficiency sprinklers.