Most of us know that Water Conservation makes good business sense. Drip irrigation is one of the best ways to conserve. We have summarized this important technology into four basic categories:

Emitters:  This is commonly what we think of when we talk about "drip" irrigation. There seems to be an infinite amount of different emitters, with flows ranging normally from 0.5 to 30 gph. We recommend pressure compensating models to deliver uniform flow throughout the zone. These small devices clog easily and require 100 to 200 mesh filtration. They have barbed ends which mount either directly onto a poly main line, or onto a length of 1/4" drip tubing. Emitters are good to use wherever applying water to the base of the plant is desired, and are the most common type of drip system for landscape use.
Micro-Spray: As the name implies, this is a miniature spray head which applies water like a sprinkler head, but for much smaller areas. They are available in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, full circle, adjustable part circle, pressure regulated, flow regulated, etc., etc. Some of them are rotary, others are stationary. The common placement of these is on a rigid riser or stake which lifts the tiny sprinkler above the level of the plants. They are good for groundcover and flower plantings, anywhere that a larger distribution of water than emitters can provide is needed. We like the kind which have a flow adjustment knob (shown) and male threaded inlet for risers.
Drip Line: Also called "in-line emitters", this type of product comes in rolls of either: a) 1/2" poly tubing with pre-installed emitters (shown) or b) 1/4" or 1/2" tubing with emitters embedded inside tube every 6 to 12 inches. The first kind is just a pre-assembled poly mainline with emitters, available in as many configurations as there are emitters. The second type typically has a much lower flow, about 0.5 to 1 gph, and has a very slow soaking effect. Drip lines are best for vegetable gardens, orchards, flower beds, landscape beds; wherever the entire area needs watering, not just a localized area like a singular tree or shrub.
Drip Tape: Also a type of drip line, but without actual emitters installed. The entire body of the hose, tube or "tape" is perforated in such a way that water soaks through. Some types have tiny water turbulation structures embedded into the hose to prevent clogging. Sometimes it is installed below the surface, allowing water to seep into large areas with no above ground devices whatsoever. This technology is beginning to be used for lawns, but it's primary usage is (and has been) agricultural. Row crops, orchards and other farm applications utilizing many miles of this product can significantly increase crop yields while decreasing water use drastically. It requires sophisticated filtration to keep it from clogging.	Professional drip system design on-line. Is your  design firm looking for professional yet economical irrigation design?

How Water Conservation Can Help Your Bottom Line:

1. Public recognition of your conservation efforts is good advertising and good public relations.

2. Large companies can become a "Steward" of the environment by sponsoring educational programs and donating to environmental charities.

3. A history of conservationism will come in handy whenever your job is on sensitive land. Try to get a permit with a bad public record!