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Irrigation & Sprinkler Systems in San Diego, CA

Quick answer

A San Diego irrigation system should use drip in beds, high-efficiency nozzles or rotors for lawns, a weather-based controller and short cycles so water soaks in. City of San Diego customers may water landscapes only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., without runoff. Backflow devices on city water must be tested every year.

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In San Diego, irrigation is not optional for most landscapes, and it is usually the largest use of water at a single-family home. A well-designed system keeps plants healthy on less water and keeps you within local watering rules. A neglected one floods sidewalks, runs during rainstorms and drives up your bill.

Know your watering rules

Each water agency in San Diego County sets its own rules, and they can tighten during drought. The City of San Diego has year-round permanent restrictions for its customers: landscapes may be watered only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., irrigation must not run off onto walkways, streets or neighboring property, and you may not irrigate during or within 48 hours after measurable rain. Hoses need a shut-off nozzle. If you are served by another agency, such as Otay Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Helix Water District, or the city utilities in Carlsbad, Oceanside, Escondido or Poway, check that agency's current rules and set your controller to match.

Types of systems

  • Drip irrigation: delivers water to plant roots in beds with little runoff or evaporation. Converting spray heads in planting beds to drip is one of the most common upgrades.
  • Rotors and high-efficiency nozzles: apply water more slowly than old spray heads, which suits clay and sloped yards.
  • Weather-based (smart) controllers: adjust watering using local weather data. EPA's WaterSense program labels controllers that meet its efficiency criteria, and local water agencies have offered rebates on some models.
  • Rain and flow sensors: stop watering after rain or when a broken line causes high flow.

Design for slopes and microclimates

A coastal yard under the marine layer needs far less water in early summer than an inland yard in El Cajon or Escondido. Good design zones lawn and beds separately, and sun and shade separately, and uses several short cycles (cycle and soak) so water sinks in rather than running down a slope. Larger new or rehabilitated landscapes that need a permit may also have to meet California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance as adopted by your city.

Backflow prevention

Irrigation connected to drinking water needs a backflow prevention device. The City of San Diego requires a backflow assembly on every dedicated irrigation meter and requires all backflow devices to be tested every year by a tester on its approved list. Other agencies have similar cross-connection programs. Ask your installer what your water agency requires and who will handle testing.

Licensing

Installing irrigation systems is on CSLB's list of landscaping work that requires a state contractor license when the job is $1,000 or more or needs a permit. C-27 Landscaping contractors commonly install irrigation. Check the license on the CSLB website.

Common repairs

  • Broken or tilted heads and overspray onto hardscape
  • Clogged drip emitters and filters
  • Leaking valves, often noticed as a soggy spot or a jump on the water bill
  • Controllers still set to a summer schedule in winter
  • Lines chewed by gophers or damaged by roots

Questions to ask

  • How will you zone the system, and will beds use drip?
  • Does the quote include a weather-based controller and sensors?
  • Who handles backflow testing and any permits?
  • What warranty covers parts and labor?

Our lawn replacement guide covers irrigation changes that often go with turf removal. Need a new system or a 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 does my backflow device need testing?

The City of San Diego requires backflow devices to be tested every year by a tester on its approved list. Other water agencies in the county run their own cross-connection programs, so check with yours.

Is a smart irrigation controller worth it in San Diego?

For many homes, yes. Weather-based controllers cut back watering in cool, cloudy or rainy periods. EPA's WaterSense program labels controllers that meet its criteria, and water agencies have offered rebates on some models, so check current offers.

Does an irrigation installer need a license?

Yes, for jobs of $1,000 or more in labor and materials or work that needs a permit. CSLB lists irrigation systems among landscaping work requiring a contractor license, commonly the C-27 Landscaping classification.

Sources and further reading

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