Las Flores Recycled Water Irrigation Conversion
Las Flores, CA
Honor Award: Water Management, Planning & Analysis
SUBMITTED BY
Steve Hohl, Water Concern, Ltd. & Danny Smith, Park West
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Large-scale recycled water conversion project for Las Flores, a master-planned residential community in
Southern California
- Dual role encompassing irrigation analysis, design, installation coordination, and water management
- Conversion of existing potable irrigation system to Title 22 tertiary treated recycled water (SMWD)
- Community includes 1,648 homes and ~53 acres (2.3M sq ft) of irrigated common areas across varied terrain
- Landscape features include parks, recreation areas, paseos, slopes, and elevation changes exceeding 240 feet
- System serves 33 irrigation meters, with annual demand of ~65 million gallons and peak flows up to 1,500 gpm
- Key challenge: insufficient pressure from recycled water supply to serve full site and elevation range
- Solution included construction of a booster pump station and 2.5 miles of new distribution pipeline
- Project funded through federal/state grants and financing, offset by long-term potable water savings
ROLE OF THE IRRIGATION CONSULTANT
- Conducted hydraulic analysis of 33 irrigation systems to define flow and pressure requirements
- Performed field investigations to document connections, piping, and equipment conditions
- Verified system performance through flow testing and dynamic pressure measurements
- Developed strategies to separate multi-controller systems for improved management
- Provided system data and pressure calculations to support booster pump station design
- Prepared complete construction documents, including plans, details, schedules, and specifications
- Coordinated landscape service areas to align with agency tiered water rates and billing
ROLE OF THE IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR
- Executed construction with precise installation of meters and points of connection within tight site constraints
- Conducted site inspections, including cross-connection testing and hydraulic/electrical system checks
- Repaired and upgraded existing irrigation distribution systems
- Integrated new and existing valves and flow sensors, ensuring reliable communication with controllers
- Coordinated closely with SMWD and the design consultant during system activation and commissioning
- Managed system startup to minimize air entrapment and ensure stable hydraulic performance
- Delivered as-built documentation and technical specifications to all regulatory agencies
