Distribution uniformity (DU) testing shows how evenly an irrigation zone puts water on the ground. It is the measurement behind every decision about run times, nozzles and upgrades, and it is the fastest way to find out whether a property is paying for water that the landscape never uses. Genesis Sprinklers & Water Management runs DU tests for HOAs, CDDs, commercial properties and homeowners across Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
Founded in 2021 and led by Tave Close Sr., with 35+ years in the irrigation industry, and Tave Close Jr., with 10+ years.
Why uniformity matters
A zone is only as good as its driest spot. When one part of a zone gets half the water of the rest, the usual fix is to turn the run time up until the dry spot turns green. Everything else in the zone is then overwatered: runoff onto sidewalks and streets, fungus and weeds in turf, shallow roots, and a higher water bill. Raising DU lets run times come down while the whole zone stays healthy.
How we test
- Zone inspection first. We run the zone and fix obvious problems before testing: broken or tilted heads, clogged nozzles, blocked spray patterns and leaks. Testing a broken zone only measures the break.
- Pressure check. We measure operating pressure at the heads. Pressure that is too high mists and drifts; pressure that is too low leaves gaps between heads.
- Catch-can test. Catch cans are set out in a grid across the zone and the zone runs for a timed period. Each can is measured.
- Calculation. We calculate lower-quarter DU: the average of the driest quarter of the cans divided by the average of all cans. We also calculate the zone’s precipitation rate in inches per hour, which is what run times should be built from.
What you receive
For each tested zone: the DU and precipitation rate, a plain explanation of what is driving the result (mixed nozzle brands or types, spacing, pressure, sunken or tilted heads, wind drift), the corrections we recommend in priority order with estimates, and adjusted run times based on the measured precipitation rate. Boards and property managers get a report that can go straight into a board packet.
What usually improves DU
- Matched-precipitation nozzles, so every head in a zone applies water at the same rate
- Pressure regulation at the valve or in the head
- Raising, leveling and re-spacing heads to restore head-to-head coverage
- Separating turf and plant beds onto their own zones
- Replacing worn rotors and spray bodies
After corrections we retest, so the improvement is measured rather than assumed.
When to test
Test before a large repair or retrofit budget is approved, when water bills rise without explanation, when dry spots keep returning, after a landscape renovation, and as part of a regular irrigation audit. DU testing is part of our HOA and CDD irrigation management program.
Cost
DU testing is quoted separately, based on how many zones need testing. For HOAs and commercial properties it is added to a Phase 2 full system audit when the audit shows it is needed. See Phase 1 and Phase 2 audits.
Common questions about DU testing
What is distribution uniformity?
Distribution uniformity (DU) measures how evenly a zone puts water on the ground. We calculate lower-quarter DU: the average of the driest quarter of the catch cans divided by the average of all the cans.
Is DU testing part of an irrigation audit?
It is quoted separately. A Phase 2 full system audit runs, inspects and maps every zone; DU testing is added on the zones where the audit shows uneven watering.
What happens after the test?
You get the DU and precipitation rate for each tested zone, the corrections we recommend in priority order with estimates, and new run times. After corrections we retest, so the improvement is measured.
How much does an HOA or commercial irrigation audit cost?
Phase 1 costs nothing: we read the controller’s records and give the board an equipment and map summary before the association commits to anything. Phase 2, the full system audit, is $30 per zone: every zone is run and inspected in operation and its coverage mapped. A controller output that runs two valves counts as two zones, and the association pays only for the zones we actually walk. Valve locating and DU testing are quoted separately when needed.
How quickly will you get back to us?
We answer the phone, and reply to emails and voicemails, the same day. If a technician will be more than an hour early or late, we contact you.
Licensed and local
Genesis Sprinklers & Water Management, LLC is a Florida State Certified Irrigation Specialty Contractor, License SCC131152466, based at 5320 Lena Rd Ste 104, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211, and serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
Schedule DU testing
Call (833) 543-6374, email tave@genesiswm.net, or send the form below.
