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Tap Size vs. Turf Area Table#

This table is intended as an aid for irrigation design. The values are calculated assuming peak daily evapotranspiration rates of 0.25 inches for Kentucky Bluegrass and 0.20 inches for Turf-type Tall Fescue. For the purposes of the calculations, assume that the irrigation efficiency and tap utilization efficiency are equal to 100 percent, and the maximum time of irrigation is 8 hours. More realistically, however, this would be equivalent to irrigation and tap utilization efficiencies of 80 percent, and a maximum irrigation time of 12 hours.

These maximum discharges assume a disk-type meter. In certain cases irrigation-only taps that are 1-1/2 inches or larger, turbine meters are allowed, which have higher maximum discharge limits.

Tap
Size
Maximum
Discharge
(gpm)
Maximum
Bluegrass
Area
Maximum
Tall Fescue
Area
sq.ft. acres sq.ft. acres
3/4" 10 30,800 0.71 38,500 0.88
1" 25 77,000 1.77 96,000 2.20
1 1/2" 50 154,000 3.54 192,500 4.42
2" 80 246,500 5.66 308,000 7.07
3" 160 493,000 11.32 616,000 14.14

Did You Know?

Fertilizer encourages grass to grow, requiring more water. Use it lightly.

Pouring cooled fats, oils and grease (FOG) into a sealable container and putting it in the trash or taking used oil to a recycling center can help prevent costly sewer backups.

To keep high-efficiency toilets and sinks performing well, remember to only flush the three Ps and throw FOG in the trash.