California endures frequent drought conditions.  When we moved in to our current home 8 years ago, the front lawn (~4,000 sq ft) was dead.  Instead of planting/sodding and using the existing irrigation system, I put in a drip system.  I dug 6" furrows at 1' foot intervals on the entire lawn.  Then placed drip line (see below) before putting in the sod.  I use about 20% of the water that a sprinkler system would use.  Gophers sometimes chew through the lines, I just kill the rat mothers and with a simple fix to the line I'm good to go.  

Drip line used:

Connectors:

Here's an idea of how to lay out.  This guy didn't dig furrows, he laid out then covered.