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Use the following procedure for either an in-ground system or a sprinkler at the end of a hose:

Step 1: Obtain several (four to six) coffee cans, tuna cans or other straight-sided containers to catch the irrigation water. Containers that are 3 to 6 inches in diameter work best.

Step 2 : If you have an in-ground system, randomly place the containers in one zone at a time. Repeat the entire procedure in every zone because the irrigation rates may differ. If you use a hose-end sprinkler to water turf,
place the containers in a straight line from the sprinkler to the edge of
the watering pattern. Space the containers evenly.

Step 3 : Turn the water on for exactly 15 minutes.

Step 4 : Collect the cans and pour the water into a single can.

Step 5 : Measure the depth of water you collected .

Step 6 : Calculate the average depth of water by dividing the amount of collected water in inches by the number of cans.

Step 7 : Multiply the average depth by 4 to determine the application rate in inches per hour. Now that you know the sprinkler system irrigation rate, you can apply water more efficiently.