Water pressure is created by water forcing its way through the distribution system to your tap. Gravity is the most efficient way to bring water to your home. The Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) service area is divided into several "pressure zones" according to the elevation of your neighborhood. Although most household appliances are designed to work with water pressure between 15 and 120 pounds per square inch (psi), the IRWD standard for water pressure is between 50-100 psi. The water pressure at your particular home will depend on the elevation of your home and your proximity to the reservoir which serves your home. The closer you are to the elevation of the reservoir serving you, the lower your pressure will be. Similarly, the lower your home is in relation to the reservoir, the higher your water pressure.
The information on this page is designed for homeowners. Developers seeking technical information on water pressure for design of fire sprinkers may wish to review the static pressure section.
Pressure and Elevation
Elevations within IRWD range from sea level to 1,700 feet. Whenever possible, a water storage tank (reservoir) is located higher than the homes it is designed to serve so that the water can flow by gravity. Gravity-flow systems tend to be more reliable during fires or other emergencies that result in power outages because they do not require electrical pumps to operate. Of course not all areas of the District can be supplied by gravity flow; some areas will require pumping. Normally, the reservoirs are filled at night when water use is lowest. The full tanks are then able to supply the higher demand for water in the daytime. Sometimes, due to a fire emergency or construction in the area, high demand slows refilling of the tank, which can result in lowered water pressure.
Pressure Regulators
Some areas may have too much water pressure, which can cause household appliances to malfunction. In those areas, pressure regulators are installed in compliance with local building codes. The pressure regulator provides protection to your house from unexpected water pressure surges.
The pressure regulator is a bell-shaped device and is typically installed on the inlet pipe, next to the hose bib and house valve. The regulators are preset by the manufacturer at about 50 - 60 psi. In most cases, they do not need to be adjusted. Incorrectly adjusting the regulator could cause water pressure that is too low or too high inside the home. IRWD cannot make repairs or adjust pressure regulators because they are considered part of a homeowner's private water system. We recommend you have a qualified plumber make adjustments.
Your Home's Valves
• Customer Valve - Check to make sure the customer valve, located in the meter box, is completely in the "on" position. An incorrectly adjusted valve can restrict water flow.
• House Valve - Is located near the hose bib at the front of the residence. Check to make sure it is completely in the "on" position.
Recently Serviced Water Softeners
A frequent cause of low water pressure is a valve that was closed during routine servicing of a water softener or other water conditioning device. If you have a water softener and the servicing company has recently visited your home to replace the canister, check to see if the service person fully reopened the valve.
Water Leaks
Water pressure loss can be caused by an undetected leak. Your water meter can help you detect a leak.
Mineral Deposits
Mineral deposits from hard water can clog hose filters carrying water to you washer or the aerators on faucets or shower heads, resulting in lower water pressure. Mineral deposits are not harmful and can be easily removed by soaking the filter or part in vinegar periodically. The Difference is Like Night and Day
The peak water demands generally occur twice each day: in the morning when everyone is getting ready for work and school, and in the hours between dinner and bedtime. Neighborhood water use is lower in the early morning hours before families awake and begin using water. If you experience problems with the effectiveness of your landscape irrigation system, try changing the time at which you irrigate to a lower demand period.
Prolonged or Severe Water Pressure Loss
To help us keep your water supply safe, please report any severe or prolonged drop in water pressure immediately. The 24-hour number for IRWD is (949) 453-5300. |