FAQs

Why do you need an irrigation design?

Irrigation is critical to plant growth - whether for production or aesthetics. Many systems through poor design and management apply excessive amounts of water. Unfortunately, most users are unaware of their potential water and energy savings. Many people also place all the emphasis on upfront cost, rather than the overall costs for the entire life of the project. Pumping costs, for example can often be reduced considerably with good design. (Savings far in excess of any consultant fees...) HydroPlan will provide the most efficient and practical designs that will ensure you are getting the most cost effective solution for the life of your system.

Why is independent design important?

• Despite many dealers and manufacturers offering to do designs for no or minimal cost, the reality is they have to cover their time in the margins they make by selling your irrigation system. There is no way you can get an "apples for apples" comparative quote either, as even if you get another design done, it will be different. Hence margins can easily be increased to "pay" for their design time.
• Most of us are not experts as to every pipe, fitting and emitter layout (That is what we are around for!) Therefore, it is very hard to know exactly what you are getting - until it's too late.
• We ensure the best choice of product for your particular project as we don't have any affiliation with manufacturers.
• We are experts in irrigation design and water supply! It is all we do. If you have had anything to do with irrigation, you will be aware of the number of very poor irrigation systems. Saving a few dollars upfront so often has lead to much greater running (and often replacement) costs, poor uniformity leading to greater water usage, and of course a landscape or crop that is less than perfect.

Why is HydroPlan different from other Independent designers?

Most independent consultants operate with only one or two staff. We follow the principal that if "two heads are better than one" then the more heads the better! Each job is unique, and often solutions are thrashed out with a number of staff, drawing on their many areas of expertise. HydroPlan has been around for 15 years and is the only independent consultancy in Australia with offices in 4 states, plus an international office in Beijing. More than 200 years of design experience is available to you every time you employ HydroPlan!

Why not get a free design?

As the old saying goes, there is no such thing as a free lunch! You will generally get a better price for your used car when you trade it in for a new one - because we all know the dealer makes his margin on the new car. So if you take your irrigation plan to a dealer or manufacturer who is keen to sell you their product, the cost of their design time is also simply factored into their margins.

Even if you get more than one "free design" done, are you experienced enough to compare every sprinkler type, spacing, pipe size and fitting to know what you are actually getting?

• How will you be confident that the emitter type and spacing will give you the most efficient system? Ongoing running and water costs can far outstrip any perceived savings in a cheaper upfront cost.
• Will there be enough flexibility in the system to keep your landscape or crop in top condition during weather extremes?
• Does your "free design" have scheduling advice to ensure the system is operated efficiently?
• Will you be able to get accurate as built plans done? How often do workers spend hours locating pipes and valves because plans are not accurate or detailed - or available! The cost of labour is generally the most expensive component of maintenance.

What does HydroPlan provide?

As little or as much help as you need! If is has to do with water, then we can help. After in introductory discussion about your project - be it a small corner park, or a new 36 hole golf course, we will put a proposal together based on your needs and your budget.

Fee basis can be a set fee for the project, or fee for time. Whatever your preference. As listed in the services section of this webpage, we do much more than pure irrigation design. Our goal is to provide service beyond your expectations and to give you a better irrigation or water supply system with less problems and lower costs.

What do others think?

• Ask around: contractors and suppliers agree design is worth paying for.
• Ask our previous clients - there must be a reason why they come back! (Feel free to contact us for referees.)
• Ask yourself - are you getting the best possible result?