Retrofit a flagged zone to drip irrigation, almond orchard near Oakdale

The catch-can audit flagged one block of this orchard running far below the distribution-uniformity target — swapping the worst emitters for pressure-compensating drip is the fix that actually gets water to the trees instead of the row middles. Standard: Mobile Irrigation Lab catch-can distribution-uniformity audit (agricultural/landscape irrigation); SDG 6.4/2.4 water-use efficiency. Proof: before/after emitter photos + spot catch-can readings + GPS Method (Mobile Irrigation Lab catch-can distribution-uniformity audit (agricultural/landscape irrigation); SDG 6.4/2.4 water-use efficiency.): 1. Confirm the flagged zone and retrofit plan against the audit report; photograph the existing emitters as found. 2. Shut down the zone and remove the underperforming emitters. 3. Install pressure-compensating drip emitters at the manufacturer-specified spacing per tree. 4. Pressurize the zone, re-run a spot catch-can check at 5+ points, and photograph the finished retrofit. Done when: before/after emitter photos + spot catch-can readings + GPS

Where

an almond orchard near Oakdale, CA 95361

Pay

$175 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

before/after emitter photos + spot catch-can readings + GPS

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

Level

intermediate

Open until

2026-09-01

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.