What is the role of the irrigation mainline?

• A. To distribute water evenly across all zones
• B. To supply water from the Point of Connection to control valves
• C. To measure water pressure
• D. To power electric irrigation valves

Answer: (B)

The role of the irrigation mainline is to supply water from the Point of Connection (POC) to the control valves. This is a crucial function, as the mainline serves as the primary conduit through which water travels from the source — often a municipal water supply or well — to the various parts of the irrigation system.

By providing a pathway for water, the mainline ensures that sufficient water reaches the control valves, which then direct the flow to individual zones or sections of the landscape requiring irrigation. The size and design of the mainline are critical to maintaining adequate pressure and flow rates throughout the irrigation system, thereby enhancing efficiency.

While distributing water evenly across all zones, measuring water pressure, and powering electric irrigation valves are important aspects of a well-functioning irrigation system, these tasks are generally performed by other components within the system. The mainline's primary responsibility is simply to ensure that water gets to the control valves, making option B the correct choice.