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The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns

Determine your sprinkler output


Estimate your sprinkler output
using the "can test"

Roll your mouse over each step to see it illustrated.

Illustration of a button 1. Evenly space six or more straight-sided food containers, such as tuna cans or cat food cans.
Illustration of a button 2. Run your sprinklers for 20 minutes.
Illustration of a button 3. Measure the water in each can with a ruler.

Calculations

  • Average the depths of water by adding up the measurements and dividing by the total number of cans you used.
  • Multiply the average by 3 to estimate how many inches of water your sprinkler system puts out in an hour. Round to the nearest half-inch.
  • Use this number to help schedule your irrigation.

Photo of pop-up sprinkler

 

 
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Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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