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Undetected Leaks in Irrigation: Why Flow Management is Essential

Flow management in irrigation systems isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about responsible
water management. With water scarcity on the rise, landscape professionals play a critical role
in conservation by designing, maintaining, and optimizing irrigation systems. By detecting and
addressing leaks in real time, irrigation teams can reduce water waste, minimize runoff, protect
local resources, and maintain resilient landscapes.

Leaks in irrigation systems are more than an inconvenience—they’re a major source of
preventable water waste. Whether it’s a slow drip from a cracked pipe or a catastrophic mainline
break, undetected leaks can waste thousands of gallons, damage landscapes and hardscapes,
and negatively impact the reputation of both property owners and the landscape professionals
responsible for maintaining them.

The question is: Can your sites really afford NOT to have flow sensing?

For landscape maintenance contractors, landscape specifiers, and irrigation distributors, flow
monitoring is the key to efficient water management. With WeatherTRAK’s or Baseline EPA
WaterSense-approved controllers, adding flow sensors and master valves ensures that leaks
are detected and addressed immediately—before they escalate into wasted water, costly
repairs, and environmental strain.

The 3 M’s of Flow Management: Monitor, Manage, and Measure

Effective flow management in irrigation systems hinges on three core principles: Monitor,
Manage, and Measure
. Implementing these steps can help detect hidden leaks, prevent water
waste, and protect property infrastructure.

  • Monitor: Continuous water flow monitoring is crucial for early leak detection. By integrating flow sensors with smart irrigation controllers, users gain real-time visibility into water usage and receive immediate alerts when anomalies occur.
  • Manage: Once a potential issue is identified, effective management involves promptly shutting off affected zones to prevent excessive water loss and landscape damage. Using automated controls and clear protocols helps ensure quick and effective responses, reducing disruptions and keeping irrigation systems running smoothly.
  • Measure: Tracking and analyzing water usage helps improve decision-making and ongoing system performance. By reviewing water flow data, property managers can spot trends, fine-tune irrigation schedules, and make adjustments that reduce waste and support sustainability efforts.

By following the 3 M’s of Flow Management, organizations can take a smarter, more proactive
approach to water use—reducing waste, preventing runoff, and supporting long-term
sustainability goals.

Take Action: Start Monitoring Your Flow

With Fix a Leak Week and World Water Day approaching, now is the time to assess your
irrigation systems and implement advanced flow management solutions like WeatherTRAK
Flow3.

Learn more about how WeatherTRAK Flow3—an all-in-one solution with a flow sensor, master
valve, and water meter—can help you detect leaks, control water flow, and prevent waste
before it starts.

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