The Intelligent Use of Water:™
Water-Efficient System Overview
Why You Should Install Water-Efficient Products from Rain Bird:®
Would you like to reduce your water bill, save water and
still maintain a healthy lawn and garden?
system, you can easily save water and maintain a
great-looking lawn and garden.
With Rain Bird, it’s easy to do it all. Because Rain Bird offers
the most diverse, durable and water-efficient components
in the industry. By installing a new Rain Bird system or
switching out a few key components from your existing
For current automatic sprinkler owners, significantly reducing
your water usage might be as simple as having a certified
contractor install pressure regulating devices or replace
your current spray nozzles with more water-efficient nozzles.
For homeowners considering a new automatic sprinkler
system, a certified contractor can design and install a
system that provides precise and water-efficient coverage,
using trusted Rain Bird components.
Either way, the cost is minimal compared to the time,
money and water saved by a water-efficient system,
not to mention the pride and enjoyment that come with
a beautiful lawn and garden.
Read on to discover what makes Rain Bird components
the highest-quality, longest-lasting and most water-efficient
irrigation products you can buy.
www.rainbird.com
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Anatomy of a Water‑Efficient
Residential System
Water Meter
This residential design guide highlights
Rain Bird product and technology solutions
for a healthy landscape that uses less water.*
Rotors
In-Stem Pressure
Regulation
HOUSE
Sprays
•• 5000/5000 Plus Series Rotors
with PRS
In-Stem Pressure Regulation
(30 or 45 psi)
•• TSJ-PRS Swing Joints
Maintain optimal water pressure. Every
5 psi reduction in pressure reduces
water usage by 6% – 8%. A 70 psi system
reduced to a recommended 30 psi for
spray nozzles can provide more than 50%
in water savings.1
•• 1800-SAM Sprays
•• 1800-SAM-PRS Sprays (30 psi)
•• 1800-SAM-PRS (45 psi)
High Efficiency Nozzles
Rain Curtain™ nozzle technology
delivers thick water droplets in
a uniform, consistent pattern,
eliminating over-spray to deliver
water savings.
Controllers and Sensors
•• 3500 and 5000 Series Rotors
Automatic Controllers with
Water‑Efficient Features
Check Valve Devices
Provide more uniform distribution of
water and eliminate over-spray, which can
result in 30%+ water savings.2
•• ESP-Modular Controller
Prevent water from draining
out of the system at the lowest
sprinkler, which eliminating
erosion and runoff.
•• STPi Controller
•• 3500 and 5000 SAM Series Rotors
•• Rotary Nozzles
Smart Technologies
•• U-Series Nozzles
Adjust run times and run frequency based on water
loss from the soil through evaporation and water
loss to the plant through transpiration, ensuring
that the right amount of water is applied without
over-watering or under-watering. Automatic
adjustment to watering schedules based on
evapotranspiration (ET) can reduce water use by
30% – 50%.3
High Efficiency Nozzles
•• Matched Precipitation Rate
(MPR) Nozzles
Check Valve Devices
Prevent water from draining out of the
system at the lowest sprinkler, which
eliminates erosion and runoff.
•• 1800-SAM Sprays
•• 1800-SAM-PRS Sprays
•• 1800-SAM-P45 Sprays
*All claims of water savings dependent on proper design, installation
and maintenance of irrigation products. Actual water savings may
vary from user to user depending on weather, irrigation system and
site conditions and previous irrigation practices.
Easily adjust watering cycles to adapt to diverse
landscapes and weather/seasonal changes.
•• ET Manager Products
•• ESP-SMT Smart Control System
•• SMRT-Y Soil Moisture Sensor
Landscape Drip
Direct-to-Plant-Root
Watering Devices
Apply water slowly and directly to the roots
of plants, using 30% – 50% less water than
sprinkler irrigation and eliminating overspray
and runoff. 5
•• RWS Root Watering Series
High Efficiency Nozzles
Automatic Shut-Off Devices
Provide more uniform distribution of water and
eliminate over-spray, which can result in 30%+
water savings.2
•• RSD Rain Sensor
Rain Bird Rotary Nozzles
require 60% less flow and offer
up to 30% in water savings. 7
•• XF Dripline
•• WR2 Wireless Rain and Rain/Freeze Sensors
Automatically shut-off the controller when rain is
detected, resulting in water savings of 15% – 20%.4
Rotary Nozzles
•• Drip Emission Devices
•• SQ Nozzle (XPCN)
•• Rotary Nozzles
1 Derived from Bernouli’s equation (5.19). Refer to Roberson/Crowe, Engineering Fluid Mechanics (Fourth Edition), Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston MA 1990. 2 U-Series nozzle water savings based on manufacturer’s testing. Rotary-type nozzles use 20% – 30% less water than
traditional spray heads because they operate with lower precipitation rates, greater uniformity of distribution, and a greater radius of coverage, according to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Savings of 22% – 41% were also shown with rotary‑type nozzles
(please see complete study at http://www.cuwcc.org/landscape_task_force/Solomon_Kissinger_Landscape_Irrigation_Report_05-06-05.). 3 Based on water agency (Irvine Ranch Water District, City of Santa Barbara, Cities of Boulder, Longmont, Greenly) and manufacturer
case studies of ET‑type controllers. 4
Prevent water loss caused by
uneven water pressure. Every 5 psi
reduction in pressure reduces water
usage by 6% – 8%.1 The 5000 PRS
Series Rotor has documented
15% – 45% water savings.6
Valves
Rain Bird valves offer reverse flow
technology for superior durability
and more precise “opening” and
“closing” response time.
4 Water savings confirmed in the Water-Efficient Irrigation Study Final Report
(May 12, 2003), conducted by the Saving Water Partnership (a coalition of
water purveyors in the Puget Sound Region of Washington). 5 Bilderback,
T.E., and M.A. Powell, Efficient Irrigation. North Carolina Extension Service,
Publication Number AG-508-6, March 1996. 21 January 2005. 6 The 5000
PRS Rotor has been awarded the Smart Approved WaterMark Certification,
Australia’s outdoor water‑saving labeling program for products that help
reduce water use outside the home. An independent testing panel confirmed
that the Rain Bird 5000 PRS delivers 15% – 45% water savings when
compared to non‑pressure regulated competitive rotors. 7 Rain Bird’s MPR
Nozzles consume 3.70 gpm versus 1.60 gpm for rotary nozzles, which is about
60% less flow.
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Up to
30%
1800®-PRS Series
Spray Heads
Water Savings*
U-Series Nozzles
Rotary Nozzles
Rain Bird® U-Series Nozzles are uniquely
designed to provide even coverage
throughout the spray pattern, ensuring
uniform watering and leaving you with
a beautiful lawn and garden.
Rain Bird® Rotary Nozzles are an
Water Savings*
easy solution to meet many of
your landscape’s diverse watering needs.
Application:
U-Series Nozzles are designed to be used with
Rain Bird® 1800® and UNI-Spray™ Series Spray Heads.
Outstanding Results:
•• U-Series Nozzles are available in a variety of spray
patterns to meet your lawn’s diverse watering needs.
•• U-Series Nozzles deliver a second stream of water
close-in around the sprinkler head, significantly reducing
brown spots close to the spray head.
$
•• U-Series Nozzles efficiently provide even coverage
throughout the spray pattern, which reduces watering
times, saving you water and money.
Up to
30%
Up to
50%
Water Savings*
Rain Bird® 1800 Series Spray
Heads are installed by more
contractors than all other
brands combined.
Application:
Application:
Rotary Nozzles are designed to fit on any Rain Bird®
Spray Head and gently distribute water from 13 to 24 feet.
Ideal for smaller grassy areas around sidewalks and
driveways, 1800 Series Sprays can also be used for
watering flower beds or shrubs.
Outstanding Results:
•• Rotary Nozzles deliver gentle, visually-appealing
streams of water at a lower rate, allowing the water and
nutrients to penetrate the soil, which helps you maintain
a healthy landscape.
•• Ideal for slopes and hillsides, Rotary Nozzles’
highly‑efficient water delivery reduces soil erosion
and runoff, saving water and money.
$
•• Rotary Nozzles are the perfect solution if you experience
low water pressure. They are designed to operate at lower
pressure while still delivering precise, even coverage.
$
*Due to varying conditions, your actual water savings may be different. Results may vary depending on site-specific conditions and installation.
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Outstanding Results:
•• The optional Pressure Regulating Stem (PRS) regulates $
incoming water pressure, eliminating misting or fogging
at the top of the rotor, which can help save water.
•• The wiper seal on 1800 Sprays significantly reduces
the amount of water that may leak out when the sprinkler
pops back down, saving you water and money.
Options:
•• 4", 6" and 12" pop-up heights for varying grass or
shrub heights.
•• Seal‑A‑Matic™ (SAM) check valves, which
prevent the pooling of water at the base of
slopes or hillsides.
Superior Distribution Uniformity
The 5000 Plus PRS Series Rotors with
Rain Curtain™ technology are engineered
to deliver a uniform spray pattern, giving
you a consistently green lawn throughout.
Superior Wind Resistance
The larger water droplets produced by
Rain Curtain™ technology prevent misting
and airborne evaporation so the right
amount of water is delivered to the right
place, saving you water and money.
Superior Close-in Watering
Gentle close-in watering eliminates dry
spots around the rotor, prevents seed
washout and allows the turf to grow
healthy with no matting or bending.
Up to
65%
Options:
Water Savings*
•• Seal‑A‑Matic™ (SAM) check valves, which
prevent the pooling of water at the
base of slopes or hillsides.
•• The SQ Nozzle can be used with all 1800® Series and
UNI‑Spray™ Series spray heads, and Xeri‑Pop micro sprays.
= Key water-saving feature
Rain Bird® 5000 Plus PRS Series Rotors are ideal for
medium- to large-size lawns and evenly distribute water
from 25 to 50 feet.
•• The 1800 Series Spray Head with the optional Pressure
Regulating Stem (PRS) regulates incoming water
pressure, eliminating misting or fogging at the top
of the spray head, which can help save water.
•• The nozzle easily adjusts throw distance from 2 ½' to 4',
which makes it ideal for smaller, narrow areas.
$
Application:
Pressure regulating stem
The SQ Nozzles are the most precise
low-volume spray solution for irrigating
small areas with dense plantings.
•• The pressure compensating flow washer ensures consistent
flow rates regardless of pressure fluctuation or run times,
resulting in up to 65% water savings.*
Relax with the knowledge your landscape is
being watered by reliable 5000 Plus PRS Series
Rotors and industry-leading Rain Curtain™
Nozzle Technology.
Outstanding Results:
SQ Nozzle (XPCN)
$
5000 Plus PRS Series Rotors
Up to
45%
$
Water Savings*
= Key water-saving feature
*Due to varying conditions, your actual water savings may be different. Results may vary depending on site-specific conditions and installation.
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NEW
ESP-Modular Controller
ESP-SMT Smart Control System
Rain Bird® ESP-Modular Controllers are
simple to program, making it easy to monitor
and adjust watering schedules based on
your landscape’s diverse watering needs.
The Rain Bird® ESP-SMT Smart Control System
combines the intuitiveness of Rain Bird’s
trusted Extra Simple Programming with the
accuracy of a
weather-based
control to help
you save even
more time,
money and
water.
Weather
Application:
The ESP-Modular is an indoor or outdoor controller that can
expand to 13 stations and has three independent programs.
Outstanding Results:
•• Multiple programs give you the flexibility to accommodate
the diverse watering needs of different plants and those
areas of your lawn and garden that get more sun or shade,
saving you water and money.
•• Each program can have multiple start times, allowing
you the flexibility to run programs several times a day for
shorter lengths of time, helping you maintain a healthier
lawn and garden.
•• The modular design makes it easy to expand the
controller’s capabilities to 13 stations, should the watering
needs of your landscape change in the future.
$
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•• The seasonal adjust feature allows you to easily increase
or decrease watering schedules without re-programming,
so you can easily manage your water budget.
Application:
Set a
Seasonal
Water
Budget
$
= Key water-saving feature
Rain Bird®
ET Manager™
works with your
irrigation controller
to apply water only
when your landscape needs it, resulting
in a healthier landscape and significant
water savings.
Outstanding Results:
The ESP-SMT Smart Control System
is ideal for residential or light commercial applications
where water efficiency is a top priority.
•• As you improve or change the landscaping around your
home, you can easily expand the eight-station base
model with up to 24 additional stations in 4- or 8-station
increments without powering down.
Outstanding Results:
$
•• Multiple programming options mean you can customize
watering to your entire property using Cycle+Soak™,
programmable valve display, sensor override and master
valve by station, calendar day off and more.
•• Large easy-to-read display and Rain Bird’s Extra Simple
Programming technology remove the complexity of
programming this powerful controller.
•• Based on the weather-based control systems that
keep golf courses in perfect condition, the ESP-SMT
is a precise, sophisticated automatic sprinkler solution
that is also affordable.
•• The ESP-SMT panel is designed to fit any ESP-Modular
chassis for quick and easy system upgrades.
Rain Bird® ESP-LX Modular Controllers feature
Extra Simple Programming to make setup
a snap. You can also upgrade your ESP-LX
Modular Controller with weather-smart
controller technology or expand it up to
32 stations for large residential properties.
Perfect for large residential or light commercial sites, the
ESP‑LX Controller can be quickly expanded when your
landscape needs change by adding extra modules and
tapping into advanced programming features.
Controller
•• Everything from soil type to the slope of your lawn
to the amount of sun exposure in different zones is
calculated into the programming to help you
maintain a lush, healthy lawn and landscape.
ET Manager™
Application:
Smart
•• The ESP-SMT is the only smart controller that delays
irrigation based on the amount and intensity of
rainfall. By measuring both accumulation and force,
the ESP-SMT can adjust your watering schedule more
accurately, preventing under- or over-watering.
ESP-LX Modular Controller
$
•• Seasonal adjust feature allows you to customize watering
schedules without re‑programming so you can manage
your water budget more
accurately.
$
•• Optional Upgrade:
The ET Manager Cartridge
easily upgrades the ESP‑LX
Modular Controller to a
weather‑based smart
controller. The cartridge
makes real‑time adjustments
to the irrigation schedule
based on hourly weather
information fed directly
to the cartridge.
$
20% to
50%
Water Savings*
Application:
Working with any existing controller, ET Manager makes
real-time adjustments to your watering schedule based on
weather data received from local precision weather stations.
Outstanding Results:
•• Weather station information feeds directly to ET Manager,
eliminating programming hassles and ensuring your
landscape receives only the moisture it needs.
•• Hourly weather updates help you maintain an accurate
watering schedule and a healthier landscape.
$
•• The ET Manager also gives you the flexibility to interrupt
irrigation based on your local water restrictions or
individual lifestyle needs.
•• On average, property owners and managers have realized
a 20 to 50% reduction in their water bills after installing
the ET Manager.*
Set a
Seasonal
Water
Budget
*Due to varying conditions, your actual water savings may be different. Results may vary depending on site-specific conditions and installation.
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NEW
RSD Series Rain Sensor
Smrt-Y Soil Moisture Sensor
The Rain Bird® RSD Series Rain Sensor
automatically shuts off your sprinkler system
when it rains, so you don’t have to worry
when you’re home or away.
The accurate and reliable Rain Bird® SMRT-Y
Soil Moisture Sensor prevents you from
over- or under-watering your landscape by
automatically adjusting your sprinkler system’s
timer based on the moisture level in your soil.
Application:
The RSD Series Rain Sensor easily connects to most
irrigation system controllers.
Outstanding Results:
$
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•• The RSD Series Rain Sensor conserves water through
automatic rain shut-off and other flexible, quick and
easy rainfall settings.
•• High‑grade, UV‑resistant body on an aluminum
bracket easily resists the elements, ensuring
hassle‑free performance.
•• An adjustable side vent ring allows the
sensor to dry out once it collects water.
15% to
20%
Water Savings*
WR2 Wireless Rain/Freeze Sensor
NEW
Don’t worry about over-watering or
freeze damage, whether you’re home or
away. Rain Bird’s WR2 Wireless Rain and
Rain/Freeze Sensor automatically shuts off
your sprinkler system when it rains or when
temperatures fall below a pre-set point.
Application:
The SMRT-Y Soil Moisture Sensor is used in conjunction
with the controller interface for residential or light
commercial applications.
Application:
Outstanding Results:
Outstanding Results:
The WR2 Wireless Rain and Rain/Freeze Sensor easily
connects to most irrigation system controllers.
•• The SMRT-Y digital smart control makes your sprinkler
system timer ‘water smart’ by precisely monitoring
moisture levels, and suspending or allowing watering
cycles in order to maintain optimum soil moisture.
$
$
•• The WR2 Rain and Rain/Freeze Sensor conserves
water by automatically suspending the irrigation
schedule during rainfall.
•• Unaffected by changing temperatures and fertilizer use,
this digital device delivers water savings of 40% or more,
enough, in many cases, to pay for itself within a year.
•• The WR2 Rain/Freeze Sensor detects one of three
temperature set points (41, 37 and 33) and suspends
the irrigation schedule, protecting both your
landscape and irrigation system.
•• The SMRT-Y sensor monitors your soil conditions every 10
minutes and provides a history on the last seven watering
cycles to assure its effectiveness.
•• The sensor’s powerful signal strength allows it to
be placed in the best possible location without
interference from trees, sheds or walls.
•• Using advanced TDT™ technology (Time Domain
Transmissometry), this digital sensor meets water
conservation guidelines that call for ‘smart’
watering devices.
•• An internal antenna gives the WR2 Sensor a clean,
attractive profile.
Drip Irrigation
Easy-to-use Rain Bird drip irrigation products
deliver water directly to the individual plant,
allowing you to customize watering based on
each plant’s needs.
Application:
Drip irrigation is the most efficient way to water any non-grass
area including flower beds, ground cover, street medians,
vegetable gardens, hanging baskets and potted plants.
Outstanding Results:
•• The lower water delivery rate of drip irrigation allows
water to reach the roots of the plants, maximizing water
and nutrient absorption, while eliminating run-off.
•• Easily customize the amount of water delivered to each
plant, including potted plants, for healthier and longer life.
•• Drip irrigation is ideal for narrow planting beds, slopes or
sparse planting areas because it eliminates water run-off,
over-spray and over-watering.
Drip Irrigation Components:
There are five different categories of emission devices used
in drip irrigation. Each has a specific use and controls how
much water gets to the plant area.
Misters
•• Sturdy and corrosion-resistant, the SMRT-Y Soil
Moisture Sensor has been extensively tested—proving
years of reliable and long-lasting performance in all soils
and climates.
Up to
40%
Basic Drip Emitters
WR2 Sensor
Control Panel
Micro Sprays
Customized
Up to
35%
= Key water-saving feature
Bubblers
¼" Landscape
Dripline
Water Savings*
$
$
Water Savings*
Efficient
Irrigation
Landscape Dripline
*Due to varying conditions, your actual water savings may be different. Results may vary depending on site-specific conditions and installation.
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Landscape Problems. Rain Bird Solutions.
No two landscapes are alike. That’s why Rain Bird has the most diverse, durable and
precise irrigation components in the industry. Whatever landscape problems
you might have, be worry‑free knowing Rain Bird has an efficient, hassle‑free solution.
PROBLEM: Slopes or Hills
Water can puddle or pool around sprinklers installed at the bottom of slopes
or hills, causing soggy areas, which can kill grass or encourage fungus to grow.
RAIN BIRD SOLUTIONS:
•• 1800® Sprays, 3500 Rotors and 5000 Rotors with a Seal-A-Matic™ (SAM)
Check Valve alleviate the problem and eliminate puddling.
•• Rotary Nozzles deliver water at a lower rate, allowing sufficient soak-in time
to prevent runoff.
PROBLEM: Smaller Yard
Smaller areas can be difficult to water. Often, sprinklers end up watering
sidewalks, driveways or spraying against the house or garage.
RAIN BIRD SOLUTION:
Moderate Water
Demand
Low Water
Demand
High Water
Demand
Moderate Water
Demand
PROBLEM: Different Plant Types
•• Low-volume SQ Nozzles (XPCN) precisely water in a square pattern, which
results in superior distribution control and uniformity to eliminate overwatering and wasteful runoff.
Shrubs, trees, flowers and grass all need different amounts of water. Delivering
the same amount of water to every plant can cause the loss of plant life or you
may simply be wasting water on plants that don’t need that much.
RAIN BIRD SOLUTION:
•• Low-volume drip allows you to customize your water delivery to each plant’s
individual watering needs.
PROBLEM: Variations in Exposure to the Sun
Over- or under-watering often occurs because not every part of your yard and
garden requires the same amount of moisture due to exposure to the sun.
RAIN BIRD SOLUTIONS:
PROBLEM: Sprinklers Turn On During Rainy Weather
Your system’s watering schedule starts when it is already raining.
RAIN BIRD SOLUTION:
•• The RSD Rain Sensor and the WR2 Wireless Rain/Freeze Sensor automatically
monitor weather conditions and efficiently signal the controller to turn the
system off when it rains, saving you water and saving you money.
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•• The ESP-SMT Controller automatically customizes each zone’s irrigation schedule
based on it’s unique watering requirements. The ESP-SMT’s controller engine
optimizes the schedule to promote plant health and eliminate wasted water.
•• Easy-to-set controllers with multiple, independent programs, like the
ESP‑Modular, allow additional watering times to be programmed for areas
with more sun exposure.
•• Low-volume drip allows the customization of precise water delivery to
individual plants or groups of plants, based on specific watering needs
and exposure to the sun.
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PROBLEM: Compacted Soil
PROBLEM: Water Pressure
Certain areas of your lawn might have compacted soil. This condition can cause
water to run off onto sidewalks or driveways without giving it enough time to
seep into the soil.
High or fluctuating pressure can cause sprinklers to mist or fog. In this case,
water is not delivered to your lawn and garden at the optimal rate. A low
water pressure situation can inhibit the sprinklers’ performance, leading
to areas that do not receive proper water coverage.
RAIN BIRD SOLUTIONS:
•• Choose an easy-to-set controller with multiple programs and start times,
or choose a controller with the Cycle+Soak™ option that allows the
programming of multiple start times for shorter, precise periods of watering
to eliminate runoff.
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RAIN BIRD SOLUTIONS:
•• High pressure can be efficiently controlled at the valve using a PRS Dial.
•• At the point of distribution the problem can be controlled using 1800®
Sprays and 5000 Plus Rotors with a Pressure Regulating Stem (PRS).
•• Rotary Nozzles deliver water at a lower rate; this allows sufficient soak-in time
to prevent runoff.
•• For low-volume drip systems, install DV or ASVF Valves with
a pressure regulator.
•• Low-volume drip applies water at a slower rate, allowing the moisture to
penetrate into the soil to prevent runoff.
•• In areas of the landscape where the pressure has dropped, install
Rotary Nozzles.
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The Intelligent Use of Water.™
Leadership
•
E d u c at i o n
•
Pa r t n e r s h i p s
•
Products
At Rain Bird, we believe it is our
responsibility to develop products and
technologies that use water efficiently.
Our commitment also extends to
education, training and services for
our industry and our communities.
The need to conserve water has never
been greater. We want to do even
more, and with your help, we can. Visit
www.rainbird.com for more information
about The Intelligent Use of Water.™
Rain Bird Corporation
6991 East Southpoint Road
Tucson, AZ 85756
Phone: (520) 741-6100
Fax: (520) 741-6522
Rain Bird Corporation
970 West Sierra Madre Avenue
Azusa, CA 91702
Phone: (626) 812-3400
Fax: (626) 812-3411
Rain Bird International, Inc.
P.O. Box 37
Glendora, CA 91741
Phone: (626) 963-9311
Fax: (626) 852-7343
Technical Service and Support
(800) RAINBIRD (U.S. and Canada only)
Specification Hotline
(800) 458-3005 (U.S. and Canada only)
www.rainbird.com
® Registered Trademark of Rain Bird Corporation
© 2009 Rain Bird Corporation 12/09
D39849B