Cycle and soak watering

Our parched desert ground is very hard, making it tough for water to soak in very deep. That's why we suggest the cycle and soak method of irrigation.

Set your sprinklers to water grass:

• 3 times a day
• 4 minutes each watering cycle
• 1 hour in between each watering cycle

Watering in increments gives the hard desert earth time to soak up water. Once it's absorbed water from the first round of watering, water again about an hour later. The moist soil allows water to travel even deeper, creating a healthier lawn. If you water too long in one increment, the ground reaches a saturation point and water flows into the gutter.

Drip irrigation and plants

You can use the cycle and soak method with drip irrigation, but let the cycle run much longer. The length of watering time for plants on drip systems varies depending on the type of emitter, plant types and soil conditions. In addition, experts agree that running drip irrigation less frequently is much better for plants than daily watering. The Water Authority recommends a single, long drip cycle. Learn more about drip emitter types.