Arizona Irrigation Audit: 6 Checkpoints
May 15, 2026 · 3 min read · NexGen Landscaping
An irrigation assessment helps identify operating problems and decide what to address first. Its scope depends on the system, access, available records, and the property’s needs. These six checkpoints are useful discussion points; they do not promise a particular reduction in water use or make an inspection part of every maintenance agreement.
Point 1 — Controller settings and site conditions
Compare programming with the plants served, soil, exposure, recent weather, and establishment needs. Review seasonal settings instead of assuming the original program still fits. Watering decisions should account for conditions at the property, including differences between turf, mature desert planting, and new installations.
Point 2 — Spray coverage
Where access allows, observe zones operating. Look for damaged or tilted heads, blocked spray, overspray onto paving, and uneven coverage. A dry area may reflect a distribution problem rather than a need to increase the runtime of the whole zone.
Point 3 — Drip emitters
Check accessible emitters and tubing for damage, blockage, and placement. Consider whether the layout still suits the size and location of the plants. An operating valve does not by itself show that water is reaching the intended root areas.
Point 4 — Valves and visible faults
Inspect accessible valve boxes and observe operation for leaks, standing water, or zones that do not start or stop as expected. Identify what requires further diagnosis before deciding whether repair, replacement, or a programming adjustment is appropriate.
Point 5 — Backflow records
Review the property’s available backflow records and confirm applicable testing requirements with its water provider. Any required testing or certification should be handled by a person qualified for that work. A landscape inspection should not be mistaken for a backflow certification.
Point 6 — Meter observations
Review meter information with the property team. Unexpected flow when irrigation is off may warrant investigation, but a shared meter can also register other legitimate uses. Confirm what the meter serves and what equipment is running before diagnosing a leak from meter movement alone.
Agree on the next steps
Discuss which findings need immediate attention, which require more investigation, and which are optional improvements. Confirm the repair scope, access requirements, documentation, and follow-up frequency. Any estimate of water savings needs property-specific measurements and assumptions; a fixed percentage or payback period should not be treated as a promised result.
To discuss an irrigation assessment for a commercial or HOA property, call 480-237-2522 or email Office@nexgenlandscaping.com.