Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditing Program

As a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA), my goal is to apply water to your landscape as efficiently as possible using modern technology such as rain sensors, smart irrigation controllers, high-efficiency nozzles, and flow sensors to track water usage.

Benefits of improving your irrigation systems efficiency/uniformity:

  • Save money on water bill

  • Water all the way up to stage 3 restrictions (other requirements)

  • Reduce yellow spots in yard

  • Increase system longevity

  • Reduced future maintenance costs

  • Use up to 50% less water

  • Increase strength of root zone (more drought resistant lawn)

What happens during a landscape irrigation audit?

  • Collect site information such as soil type, daily sunlight, slope, plant and lawn type etc.

  • Repair any system damages and adjust sprinklers for optimal coverage

  • Use catch cups to record uniformity and efficiency of irrigation system

  • Determine an efficient irrigation schedule that takes weather factors into account

  • If uniformity is low, give recommendations to homeowner on improving system coverage

City of Calgary Water Managed Site (WMS) Program

While this program is still in the works with the City of Calgary, here is what we know so far:

Properties that meet certain requirements will be able to become a certified Water Managed Site with the City of Calgary, which gives them the benefit of watering during stage one, two, and three water restrictions.

To become a Water Managed Site, your property needs to Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) review your system and complete your application, confirming that your irrigation system uses at least 25% less water than an average irrigation system. You will also need some smart irrigation parts on your system to meet the qualifications (listed below).

At Aquarius, we are keeping up to date with the WMS program and have Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditors on staff to audit your irrigation system.

Water Managed Site Program Requirements

Smart Irrigation Controller

Smart controller with remote operability and real time weather data must be present

Choice of Sensor

Every water managed site must have either a weather station, rain sensor, or soil moisture sensor. In Calgary, a rain sensor is most common.

Flow Sensor

A flow sensor is required to be hooked up to your smart controller to track leaks and water usage.

Electrical Master Valve

A master valve prevents the irrigation system from leaking when it is off by only allowing water through the mainline when the system is running.

Testable Cross Connection Device

Every water managed site must have a cross connection device that has been recently tested to prevent harmful contaminants from entering our potable water system.

Billing Meter or Volume Totalizer

Residential properties require a billing meter to track water usage and send leaks alerts to your water service provider.