It just rained, why are you running water?

      I know it seems unnecessary to see sprinklers running after a rainstorm. Trust us, we don't want to do it more than anyone wants to see it. With that said, there are reasons that we must run the irrigation after a storm. Here are a few of the reasons that sprinklers may be running after a rain event.

• Checking the system for electrical failure

       Our irrigation systems have central controllers located throughout the golf course. These controllers contain wires that are ran to each individual sprinkler head. Lightning strikes associated with most summer rain storms can severely damage the central controllers.
       The irrigation zones are in groups of eight inside the controller. We must check each of these sets in order to determine the presence of damage. Generally there are four to six sets in each central controller. Running a sprinkler in each set is a quick way to rule out major damage to the controller. When we run each sprinkler, it is typically for one minute or less.

• Fungicide application

       A major rain event is beneficial in many ways. However, each rain event also brings increased moisture levels and subsequent increased humidity. The increase in moisture levels below and above the surface leads to soil borne diseases.
        Most times we are protected prior to the event. However, in cases of an unexpected or prolonged rainfall we must treat immediately following the storm. To treat these diseases the fungicide must penetrate the surface to be effective. Irrigation helps to move the fungicide through the soil to the target site.

• Soil chemical modification

       Significant rainfall can leach certain nutrients in the soil enough to cause drastic reductions in soil pH. In the summer months an extended period of time with limited nutrients can negatively affect turfgrass. It is important to correct these issues as soon as possible.
       Sometimes these corrections need to be made the day after a rain event. In these cases, lime (CaCO3) is applied to correct the pH level and enhance nutrient retention. The lime application needs to be watered beneath the surface in order to be effective. Typically, three minutes of irrigation is ran to move the lime through the soil.


      Running irrigation when golfers are cart path only is not something we enjoy doing. We understand the effects of over watering the turf. However, there are reasons that you may see an occasional sprinkler running on the course after rainfall. We attempt to be as prepared as possible when forecasting inclement weather, but there are times when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. These are the instances where you may see sprinklers running on a wet day.