Rotary nozzles fit on most popup spray heads. Instead of a fixed stream of water, rotary nozzles slowly deliver multiple rotating streams of water, reducing water waste. Since the water is applied more slowly, more water is able to soak into the soil.
Rotary Nozzle Benefits
- Reduced runoff on slopes and clay soils.
- Easy-to-install retrofits for pop-up irrigation heads.
- Increased radius range.
- Considerably less water flow per minute than conventional spray nozzles, reducing water use.
- Better coverage.
| Irrigation Problem | Rotary Nozzle Solution |
|---|---|
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Rotary nozzles distribute less precipitation, reducing runoff. |
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Rotary nozzles distribute a wider stream of water, resulting in less drift from the wind. |
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Rotary nozzles provide better coverage, which can help eliminate brown spots. |
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Rotary nozzles have a stronger stream of water, which is able to reach taller plants. |
Rotary Nozzle Watering Times
Rotary nozzles use less water than fixed spray heads, but they require longer watering times.
- Use the chart to determine the number of minutes to water each zone on the days you water. The watering times have been reduced from Denver Water’s standard recommended times because of the Stage 1 drought declaration.
- Watering two days a week should be sufficient during most of the summer. If needed, water a third day during extreme heat or dry periods.
- There are no assigned watering days, but never water a zone more than three days a week.
| Minutes to water per zone (for lawns, based on three days per week) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Fixed spray heads |
|  Rotary nozzles |  Manual sprinklers |
|
| May | 14 | 29 | 33 | 21 |
| June | 16 | 35 | 41 | 24 |
| July | 18 | 39 | 45 | 27 |
| August | 14 | 31 | 36 | 22 |
| September | 11 | 23 | 27 | 16 |
Remember, never water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to avoid water loss from evaporation.