Install a full drip system for the young trees at the Orchard Mesa community orchard expansion

A newly planted row of young fruit trees at the Orchard Mesa orchard expansion is still hand-watered by volunteers, an unreliable schedule that risks the trees in their first, most vulnerable seasons. A dedicated drip system gives every tree consistent water without depending on volunteer timing. Standard: USDA NRCS EQIP irrigation efficiency practice Proof: Photo of the running system plus a tree count served. Method (USDA NRCS EQIP irrigation efficiency practice): 1. Lay out drip line along each row of orchard trees. 2. Set a pressure-reducing valve and filter at the water source feeding the orchard. 3. Punch emitters at each tree's root zone and press them into the line. 4. Flush the system and check for even flow at every emitter. 5. Photograph the finished system and log the tree count served. Done when: Photo of the running system plus a tree count served.

Where

Orchard Mesa community orchard expansion, Grand Junction, CO

Pay

$340 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 a tree count served.

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.