HORT 90Q: RESIDENTIAL IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Fall 2026 |
| Units: | 1 |
| Hours: | 12 lecture per quarter (12 total per quarter) |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of irrigation equipment & materials.
- Demonstrate the ability to install a residential irrigation system.
Description
Basic design and installation techniques for residential landscapes. Course takes a hands-on approach to understanding the materials and techniques used in installing both drip and spray irrigation systems. Examines methods for evaluating performance of existing irrigation systems.
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of irrigation equipment and materials.
- Evaluate the performance of an irrigation system.
- Plan and design an irrigation system.
- Describe different forms of irrigation.
- Create a residential irrigation system.
- Manage the maintenance of a residential irrigation system.
Course Content
- Irrigation equipment and materials
- Controllers
- Valves
- Irrigation lines
- Sprinklers and rotors
- Additional equipment
- Evaluating existing irrigation system performance
- Identifying inefficient systems
- Spotting faulty equipment and leaks
- Planning and designing residential irrigation systems
- Calculating water need
- Developing best irrigation design for a residence
- Choosing proper irrigation equipment for a residence
- Drip, spray, and other alternative forms of irrigation
- Residential irrigation systems
- Installing controller and valves
- Trenching and installing mains and laterals
- Installing spray heads and rotors
- Routing drip lines and installing drip emitters
- Residential irrigation system maintenance
- Troubleshooting problems
- Repairing residential irrigation systems
Lab Content
Not applicable.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
1. Design laboratory, irrigation field lab, and related horticultural facilities and equipment.
2. Students provide work boots, leather gloves, clothing for field work, tape measure, screwdrivers, mechanics pliers, utility knife, face mask, ear plugs, eye protection, and small calculator.
2. Students provide work boots, leather gloves, clothing for field work, tape measure, screwdrivers, mechanics pliers, utility knife, face mask, ear plugs, eye protection, and small calculator.
Method(s) of Evaluation
Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:
Evaluation of existing system or design produced in the class
Test review of irrigation system components
Practical skills tests
Method(s) of Instruction
Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:
Lecture
Demonstrations
Discussions
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Irrigation Association. Landscape Drip Irrigation Design & Management, 3rd ed.. 2016.
Although this text is older than 5 years, it is a seminal piece of literature and still contains valid material.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
Reading assignments will include reading approximately 20 pages per week from the assigned text (two hours).
Discipline(s)
Ornamental Horticulture