The Identification of the Lawn Sprinkler as a Suburban
Artifact
In its modern forms, sprinkler systems range from
being overly
simple to extremely complex. Whether it is a simple spray head at the
end of a garden hose or an elaborate underground, electronic network of
pipes and valves, sprinkler systems seek a common goal, green grass. The
mechanism, functioning properly, provides the optimum amount of water
needed to nourish a lawn to an envious, lush, verdant hue. Each design
requires that a water source be directed through a tubular container and
discharged through a type of opening located in the center of the
affected lawn area. The variables include different manufactured
materials, water pressures, spray directions, distances, and so on. The
current issue in lawn sprinkler technology lies in the amount of human
participation needed to operate a particular system.
For example, one
type of sprinkler is the fully automatic, high pressure sprinkler
system. It is comprised of high-energy impact rotors, pop-up heads, and
flow-bed bubblers that deliver moisture on cue without supervision. It
requires little human effort because it has sophisticated electronic
controls. The main characteristic of this system is that it does the
watering work for you (Austin 1). A second type is the manual, high-pressure system. It is
comprised of a permanent piping network with hand-located, changeable
watering heads. Electric control boxes are not required, nor is an
elaborate piping system. The owner must regulate and control the system
features. This system and others like drip irrigation require more human
intervention than the more advanced developments (Austin 2).
Sprinkler systems have advanced greatly within
the past
thirty
years. Most suburbanites can recall their first system, most likey a
simple spray nozzle screwed securely at one end of a green, vinyl hose.
The owner, nozzle in hand, would walk the expanse of his or her lawn,
directing the stream of water in the desired areas. The second major
development prevailed in an oscillating sprinkler. Made of aluminum and
plastic, this mechanism rhythmically sprinkles water over an approximate
2,800 to 3,200 square foot area. The owner must periodically drag the
light-weight sprinkler to different parts of the lawn in order to achieve
an even green across the entire area. These sprinklers may also be
equipped with a timer mechanism which allows the sprinkler to shut off
automatically after sufficiently watering the lawn. Ultimately,
development culminates to the fully automatic model which essentially
takes the "work out of the work." Made instead of plastics, heavy-duty
cast iron, and perma-sealed motors, these systems become a permanent
fixture in a suburban home-owner's lawn. Replacement of parts and
maintenance occur at much longer intervals, making the system efficient
and reliable.