Ahwatukee Hillside Irrigation: Preventing Runoff & Erosion

Ahwatukee's foothills offer beautiful views but difficult irrigation conditions. Gravity is the enemy here—water naturally runs down the slope before it can soak into the soil.

The "Cycle and Soak" Method

Instead of running your sprinklers for 15 minutes straight, break it up. Run them for 5 minutes, wait an hour for the water to soak in, then run for another 5 minutes. Most smart controllers can automate this "cycle and soak" process, drastically reducing runoff.

Install Check Valves

When the system turns off, water in the pipes drains out of the lowest sprinkler head, creating a muddy mess and wasting gallons of water. Installing heads with built-in check valves keeps the water in the pipe, preventing this low-head drainage.

Drip for Slopes

For steep banks, drip irrigation is far superior to spray heads. It delivers water slowly directly to the plant base, ensuring it goes to the roots rather than down the street.