🛠️ What You Need

Professional irrigation audit catch cups with milliliter measurement markings

Professional catch cups with milliliter measurements - easiest option

✅ Method 1: Professional Catch Cups

Professional catch cups come with built-in milliliter measurements for direct reading. Use 8-12 identical cups as standard (large zones may require more cups for better overall DU accuracy).

🥤 Method 2: DIY with Any Cups

Use any identical containers: Red Solo cups, yogurt containers, etc. (8-12 cups standard, more for large zones)
Plus: Graduated measuring cylinder in milliliters
Tip: Place a small rock or coins in each cup to prevent tipping during the test
Cost-effective option: Great for occasional testing or budget-conscious users

⚠️ Important for Both Methods:

All catch cups must be identical in size and shape. Use 8-12 cups as standard (large zones may need more for better DU accuracy). Measure the throat area (opening diameter) in square inches and enter this value in the audit tool settings.

📋 How to Perform the Test

1

Inspect Your System

Run each zone briefly to check that all sprinkler heads are working properly, nozzles are clean, and there are no obstructions. Test only when wind is less than 10 mph.

2

Place Catch Cups

Position cups in a grid pattern: place one cup 2-3 feet from each sprinkler head and additional cups halfway between heads. Ensure cups are level and stable.

For DIY cups: Place a small rock or coins inside each cup to prevent tipping in wind.

Example layouts: Black dots = sprinkler heads, Blue dots = catch cup locations.

These are examples of 3 different tests.

3

Run the Test

System Operation Options:
Option A: Set your irrigation controller to run the zone for 10-15 minutes
Option B: Manually turn on the zone and use a stopwatch/phone timer

Record the exact run time for accurate calculations. If most cups collect less than 25ml, extend the test duration to get measurable amounts.

4

Record Results

Professional Catch Cups: Read the milliliter measurement directly from each cup

DIY Cups Method: Pour contents of first cup into graduated cylinder, record milliliters, discard water, repeat for each cup. Work systematically to avoid mixing up cup locations.

Enter all measurements and run time into the audit tool - the app handles all calculations automatically.

📊 Understanding Your Results

Distribution Uniformity

80%

Precipitation Rate

0.75 in/hr

📈 Distribution Uniformity (DU)

What it means: How evenly water is distributed across the zone

Good: 70% or higher | Excellent: 80% or higher

Poor DU indicates: Clogged nozzles, misaligned heads, or equipment mismatch

💧 Precipitation Rate (PR)

What it means: How much water the system applies per hour

Use this to: Calculate proper run times based on plant water needs

Typical ranges: Spray heads 1.5-3.0 in/hr | Rotors 0.3-0.7 in/hr

🔧 When to Take Action

DU below 60%: Check for maintenance issues
Very high PR (over 3.5 in/hr): May indicate overpressure or wrong nozzle size
Very low PR (under 0.2 in/hr): May indicate underpressure, clogs, or system leaks
Uneven coverage: Adjust heads or replace nozzles

🎯 Next Steps

The audit tool automatically calculates Distribution Uniformity and Precipitation Rate from your catch cup measurements. Simply enter your zone parameters, run time, and cup readings - the app does the rest!

Generate a detailed PDF report with zone-specific recommendations to optimize your irrigation schedule for maximum water efficiency and plant health.

Start Your Audit Now → 📹 Watch Audit Example

💧 Catch Cup Test Instructions