Subsurface Irrigation

Subsurface irrigation is a highly-efficient watering technique that reduces outdoor water use by 30 to 40 percent. The system consists of drip irrigation tubing planted about five inches below the surface. The water goes straight to your lawn's roots, and it doesn't blow away or run down the sidewalk.

How to use subsurface irrigation

A subsurface irrigation system is best for new yards. Make sure you remove your hard, impacted soil surface and replace it with a good quality soil. Otherwise, you may get bare spots in your lawn.

The subsurface irrigation tubing is laid out in a grid pattern about 12 inches apart. Each emitter applies water at a constant rate of 0.6 gallons per hour. The emitters also have features that flush out small pieces of dirt, rock and debris that can get inside the tubing.

Raking in the benefits

Anyone who lives in the valley knows that our soil is practically water resistant. The hard soil doesn't absorb easily the water from sprinklers, and often water runs off your yard onto the sidewalk. Subsurface irrigation allows for slow, consistent water application, which gives the grass roots and soil time to absorb it.

Because the irrigation system is underground, water doesn't blow away during high winds, and it doesn't evaporate as quickly as it does on above-ground sprinkler systems. Overall, you'll use about 40 percent less water outdoors.

Several facilities around the valley have put subsurface irrigation to the test. This state-of-the-art watering system is used at the following locations:

• Las Vegas Valley Water District
• Gardens at the Springs Preserve
• Some areas of UNLV
• Mirage
• Bellagio
• Treasure Island
• Green Valley Ranch Resort
• Boulder City's newest library
• Some Las Vegas Strip medians