Mobil Irrigation Lab

The East Central Florida RC&D’s Mobile Irrigation Lab began operation in July 2000. It serves Orlando and unincorporated Orange County and is funded by the Orlando Utilities Commission and Orange County Utilities, Water Division.

The objectives of the MIL are to improve irrigation efficiency, promote better irrigation management practices, and support water conservation activities. These goals are accomplished through demonstrations, through evaluations of existing irrigation systems and by assisting public utilities with educational events designed to encourage water conservation.

Focusing on high water users, local water utility companies identify clients in need of MIL services. The MIL performs evaluations on urban irrigation systems to include:

- Residential lawns
- Commercial properties
- Golf courses
- And other water use sites

Common Problems Identified During Mobil Irrigation Audits

- Incorrect run times (either too long or too short)
- Clogged emitters/sprinklers/filters/screens
- Higher/lower pressure than manufacturer’s specifications
- Improper sprinkler nozzle sizes (unmatched precipitation rates)
- Lack of understanding of how to program irrigation controller and settings
- Lack of understanding of water requirements for plants
- Missing filter/screens; Missing/broken sprinkler heads
- Mixed sprinkler types or brands
- No rain shut-off device/no rain gauge
- No backflow prevention device Poor overlap, improper sprinkler spacing
- Sprinklers blocked by vegetation
- Turf and bedding plant areas irrigated on same zone

After conducting an audit, each client is provided with a report that gives a snapshot view of their irrigation system’s current operation, offers tips on how the irrigation system’s performance can be improved, and provides a good estimation of how much water (and money) can be saved.

For more information regarding a residential audit, send an email to mil1rcd@cfl.rr.com.