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Irrigation, Drip & Sprinkler Systems in Phoenix, AZ

Quick answer

Irrigation is the main water source for most Phoenix landscapes. Use drip for trees and shrubs, put trees on their own valve, keep lawn zones separate, and adjust the controller each season. AMWUA's Landscape Watering by the Numbers guide gives Phoenix-area schedules. Backflow requirements vary by water provider, so ask yours.

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In the Phoenix metro, irrigation isn't optional for most landscapes; it's the main water source. Outdoor watering is commonly the largest share of a household's water use, and a leaking valve, a broken drip line or a controller left on its summer schedule in January can waste a lot of water before anyone notices. A good system matches water to each plant group and gets adjusted with the seasons.

Types of systems

  • Drip irrigation: the standard for trees, shrubs and desert plants. Emitters deliver water slowly to the root zone with little evaporation.
  • Spray heads and rotors: for lawn areas. Rotors apply water more slowly, which reduces runoff on hard soil.
  • Bubblers: sometimes used for trees and basins.
  • Smart controllers: adjust watering using weather data or sensors. EPA's WaterSense program labels controllers that meet its efficiency criteria, and some Valley water providers offer rebates or programs for them.

Zone by plant type, not by convenience

A tree, a shrub and a cactus need very different amounts of water, and trees need water spread wider as they grow. Good systems put trees on their own valve, keep lawn and drip separate, and move emitters outward as trees mature. The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association's Landscape Watering by the Numbers guide, created for the Phoenix area, explains how much and how often to water each plant type through the year, and AMWUA offers a monthly text reminder of the current schedule.

Watering rules and the seasons

Phoenix-area cities generally publish watering guidelines rather than a single metro-wide schedule, and rules can tighten during shortages. Some cities and many HOAs have their own requirements. Check with your water provider. As a rule of thumb, desert-adapted plants that are well established need far less water than most people give them, while summer heat raises needs for everything. Adjust the controller at least with each season.

Backflow prevention

Irrigation connected to a drinking water supply needs a backflow prevention device to keep yard water and fertilizer from being drawn back into the water lines. Requirements for the type of device and any testing are set by your water provider and city, so ask your installer what applies. In Arizona, the R-21 contractor classification covers irrigation systems including backflow devices, and the Registrar of Contractors lets you check a license.

Common repairs

  • Leaking or stuck valves, often found as a wet spot or a water bill jump
  • Drip lines chewed by animals, cracked by sun, or pulled loose by gardeners
  • Clogged emitters from hard water
  • Sprinkler heads tilted, buried or overspraying onto walls and sidewalks
  • Exposed pipes and backflow assemblies damaged on rare freezing nights

Questions to ask

  • Will trees, shrubs and lawn be on separate valves?
  • Can you convert spray zones in beds to drip?
  • Does the quote include a smart controller, and do I qualify for a rebate?
  • What's your ROC license number, and what warranty covers parts and labor?

For a season-by-season approach, see how to water a Phoenix yard through the year. Need a new system or repair? Request an irrigation company.

See how it works

How a sprinkler zone waters a lawn. Press the buttons to run each step and see what happens inside. Made with Colorfigures ·
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Frequently asked questions

How often should I water desert plants in Phoenix?

It depends on plant type, age and season. Established desert-adapted plants need much less than most people give them. AMWUA's Landscape Watering by the Numbers guide, built for the Phoenix area, gives month-by-month recommendations.

Who can install irrigation in Arizona?

Irrigation systems, including backflow devices and related trenching, fall within the ROC's R-21 classification for residential work. Look up a contractor's license on the Arizona Registrar of Contractors website.

Is a smart controller worth it?

For many homes, yes, especially if the current controller never gets adjusted. EPA's WaterSense program labels controllers that meet efficiency criteria, and some Valley water providers offer rebates or programs.

Sources and further reading

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