Is drip irrigation OK for low-pressure gravity-fed water systems?
Yes, but choose non-compensating drippers and dripline if the water pressure is less than 25 PSI. Pressure-compensating drippers require about 8 PSI to open but our flag drippers (D2) will flow at 4 PSI and are best for low-pressure water systems. Our dripline is also non-pressure compensating and suitable for gravity systems. Attach up to 30 drippers on the system and note the flow from each. Attach another 30 and see if the flow rate is significantly lower. Adding and testing is the best way to see if the pressure is degrading, common to very low pressure systems. Create a second circuit that turns on at a different time if needed. Your water source should be 22 to 50 feet higher than the drippers for best results. Less than that and only the first set of drippers may flow properly.
