Overspray in an irrigation system is best described as water that lands on which areas?

• A. Target plants only
• B. Groundwater only
• C. Hardscape and non-target plant material
• D. Air humidity

Answer: (C)

Overspray refers to water that reaches beyond the intended irrigation zone, wetting areas that aren’t meant to receive spray. The best description is water that lands on hardscape (like sidewalks, driveways, patios) and non-target plant material. This distinguishes it from the water that actually reaches the target plants, which is the purpose of the irrigation. It also isn’t about groundwater, which is water that has infiltrated the soil, nor about air humidity, which is moisture in the air rather than water deposited by sprinklers. Controlling overspray improves efficiency and reduces waste and runoff.