What is the approved method to assess landscape irrigation efficiency?

The use of an irrigation audit is the approved method to assess landscape irrigation efficiency because it provides a comprehensive evaluation of the irrigation system's performance. During an irrigation audit, various factors are analyzed, including system distribution uniformity, scheduling, water application rates, and the overall effectiveness of the irrigation system in meeting the needs of the landscape. This method allows for specific identification of inefficiencies, helping to optimize water usage and reduce waste.

Other assessment methods, such as regular inspections or surveying plant health, provide valuable information but do not offer the same depth of analysis regarding the irrigation system itself. Similarly, monitoring water usage bills reveals consumption patterns but lacks the diagnostic capability to evaluate how efficiently the irrigation is applied to the landscape. Therefore, the irrigation audit stands out as a robust, systematic approach tailored for assessing irrigation efficiency accurately.