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IRRIGATION FEATURE

THE IMPORTANCE

OF IRRIGATION

AUDITS

An irrigation audit is
a procedure used to

collect and provide
information about
the uniformity of

application, rate of
precipitation and
overall condition of an
irrigation system.

ts purpose is also to determine the
standard and proficiency of the irrigation
Isystem’s design and installation of
a new project, or the performance
and maintenance requirements of an
established system. In addition, data is
collected and ways are identified for the
more efficient use or circulation of water. In
South Africa this is especially important as

water resources are scarce and vulnerable,
and high water usage has a negative effect
on budgets and the environment. An audit
provides the option to convert to a better
system by reducing over or under-watering
and ensuring a healthier ecosystem by
decreasing the use of pesticides and
fungicides.
An irrigation audit is typically performed
by a certified landscape irrigation auditor
(CLIA) or certified golf course irrigation
auditor (CGIA). This qualification can be
obtained from the Irrigation Association of
USA (www.irrigation.org). According to the
University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA,
audits are conducted by “an independent
certified landscape irrigation auditor,
but landscape managers and clients can
readily use audit methodology to perform
ongoing system checks.”
Catching cans at a golf course irrigation audit

18 Landscape SA • Issue 117 2022