Install drip irrigation for the community orchard on Orchard Mesa

The community orchard on Orchard Mesa still floods its rows by open ditch water, losing a large share to evaporation and uneven coverage across the trees. Drip line delivers water straight to each tree's root zone and follows the low-flow fixture work as the next step in the area's water-efficiency plan. Standard: USDA NRCS EQIP irrigation efficiency practice Proof: Photo of the running system plus an emitter count. Method (USDA NRCS EQIP irrigation efficiency practice): 1. Lay out the drip mainline along the planting bed or row. 2. Punch emitter holes at each plant location and press in emitters rated for that plant. 3. Connect the mainline to a pressure regulator and filter at the water source. 4. Flush the line, cap the ends, and run the system to check even emitter flow. 5. Photograph the finished system and log emitter count. Done when: Photo of the running system plus an emitter count.

Where

Orchard Mesa community orchard, Grand Junction, CO

Pay

$460 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

Photo of the running system plus an emitter count.

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

Level

intermediate

Open until

2026-09-03

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.