That single sentence, which is the totality of the description given in the long and winding article, doesn't actually explain anything - the efficient use of water is the obvious goal of any irrigation system, especially in a desert. But how did it efficiently use water? The only hint of information is "synchronized cleaning and maintenance", and not a word on synchronized how or with what, or why this should help.
It's like describing how a car works with just "it is efficiently designed to help you travel faster, and uses skilled maintenance workers".
I know nothing about the subject, but it only took me a few minutes to follow references to find what looks like it might be the answer that you are looking for ?
It's like describing how a car works with just "it is efficiently designed to help you travel faster, and uses skilled maintenance workers".