Catch-can irrigation audit, almond orchard near Oakdale

This almond orchard still runs flood-adjacent micro-sprinklers nobody has checked for distribution uniformity in years, and every uneven pass wastes water the Stanislaus County allocation doesn't have to spare. Standard: Mobile Irrigation Lab catch-can distribution-uniformity audit (agricultural/landscape irrigation); SDG 6.4/2.4 water-use efficiency. Proof: catch-can layout photo + volume readings + DU coefficient + flagged-zone report Method (Mobile Irrigation Lab catch-can distribution-uniformity audit (agricultural/landscape irrigation); SDG 6.4/2.4 water-use efficiency.): 1. Lay out catch-cans across a representative irrigation set per the Mobile Irrigation Lab protocol. 2. Run the system for the standard test interval and record volume caught per can. 3. Compute the distribution-uniformity coefficient and flag any emitters running far above or below average. 4. Deliver the audit report naming the flagged zones for retrofit. Done when: catch-can layout photo + volume readings + DU coefficient + flagged-zone report

Where

an almond orchard near Oakdale, CA 95361

Pay

$145 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

catch-can layout photo + volume readings + DU coefficient + flagged-zone report

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

advanced

Open until

2026-08-31

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 60–120 minutes. Method of record: Mobile Irrigation Lab catch-can distribution-uniformity audit

Bring

• matched catch cans (or cups)
• measuring cylinder / ruler
• pressure gauge
• stopwatch
• GPS phone
• camera
• data sheet

Steps

1. 1. Confirm the site/zone; record GPS; identify the system type (sprinkler / drip / micro).
2. 2. Sprinkler zones: lay catch cans on a grid across the zone, run the zone a fixed time, and measure the water depth in each can.
3. 3. Compute distribution uniformity (low-quarter DU) from the catch-can depths.
4. 4. Drip/micro zones: measure emitter flow at several points (fill a container over a fixed time) and inspect for clogs and leaks.
5. 5. Read operating pressure at the zone; note leaks, broken/misaligned heads, and overspray onto pavement.
6. 6. Review the run schedule against plant/soil need (over/under-watering, runoff).
7. 7. Rank fixes (head repair, pressure regulation, schedule change) by water savings; record DU/emitter flow, pressure, leaks, schedule note, photos; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Low-quarter DU < 0.65 (sprinkler) -> flag poor uniformity for repair/redesign.
• Visible runoff or overspray onto pavement -> flag schedule/head correction.
• Emitter clogging or line leaks (drip) -> flag maintenance.
• Broken/misaligned head -> flag for repair. Documentation only; no repairs by surveyor.

What counts as done

• Distribution uniformity (or drip emitter-flow) recorded
• Operating pressure recorded
• Broken/leaking components + overspray noted
• Schedule-vs-need note + ranked fixes + GPS + photos

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.