What is meant by Total GPM in irrigation calculations?

Total GPM, or Total Gallons Per Minute, refers to the cumulative flow rate from all sprinklers within a specific hydrozone in an irrigation system. This measurement is crucial for ensuring that the irrigation design can adequately supply the necessary water to the area being irrigated, as it reflects the total demand of all watering devices working together.

In landscape irrigation, understanding the total GPM allows landscape architects and irrigation designers to calculate the needed water supply from the system, evaluate pump capacities, and ensure efficient distribution without over or under watering any specific area. It also plays a vital role in system assessments and to confirm that the water source can meet the irrigation requirements of plants in that zone.

In contrast to other options, which either refer to individual components or do not accurately describe the broader context of irrigation flow, the concept of Total GPM applied to all sprinklers in a hydrozone gives a comprehensive understanding of the irrigation system's overall efficiency and water usage.