Learn more about outdoor water conservation and how “smart” irrigation controllers
work to reduce your outdoor water use, keep your landscape more attractive
and healthy, and save you money every month on your water bill.
What is a “smart” irrigation controller?
“Irrigation controller” is a term that landscape professionals
often use when referring to the device (typically a “timer”)
that controls your business’s outdoor sprinkler system. However,
unlike timers, which water on a set schedule, “smart” irrigation
controllers use weather, site, or soil moisture data as a basis for
determining an appropriate watering schedule.
Also known as “climate-based,” “ET- or evapotranspiration-based,” or “soil
moisture sensor-based” controllers, “smart” irrigation
controllers have an extensive history of scientific and field documentation.
Golf courses, parks, and athletic departments have used climate-based
irrigation systems for more than 20 years. And now, this scheduling
technology is available for landscapes through “smart” controllers.
How do “smart” irrigation controllers work?
Traditional irrigation system timers turn the water on and off based on an owner-programmed schedule,
regardless of the actual weather conditions. “Smart” irrigation
controllers, on the other hand, monitor and use information about
environmental conditions for a specific location and landscape, information
such as soil moisture, rain, wind, sun exposure, evaporation rates, plant transpiration
rates, and more, to determine when and when not to water in order
to maintain lush, healthy growing
conditions.
Because “smart” irrigation controllers are more efficient
than traditional timers, they maximize water use
efficiency, often reducing usage by 30% or more. This saves you
money and makes a large, positive impact on your community’s
efforts to assure the local water supply and reduce urban runoff.
Automatic sprinkler system basics
“Smart” irrigation controllers are an important part of any water-efficient
irrigation system. But building an optimal system means taking into
account all the factors that can impact water use.
The Controller is the “brain” of the system, controlling
when the water is turned on and off. Controllers range from simple
timers to “smart” irrigation controllers, which adjust
watering schedules based on site-specific weather conditions or
soil moisture. Valves open and close the flow of water as directed
by the controller. Each valve controls a group of sprinklers (also
called a “zone” or “station”).
Sprinklers apply the water directly to the landscape. Efficient, well-functioning
sprinkler heads are critical to the overall effectiveness of any
irrigation system.
System Design consists of pipe configuration and sizing, which are
the foundation for effective delivery of water to your lawn and garden.
Maintenance is required because ordinary wear and tear can reduce
the efficiency of an irrigation system. A seasonal maintenance regimen
will help your sprinklers keep your landscape green while watering
efficiently.
Remember, to apply the correct amount of water to your landscape, the "smart" irrigation controller needs a well-maintained and properly designed distribution system. "Smart" controllers will improve your watering efficiency, but they are not the solution to a poor distribution system. In some cases, irrigation distribution systems will first need improvement before they can benefit from a "smart" irrigation controller.
Resources
Learn industry terms and find out the questions to discuss with your
irrigation contractor/designer before purchasing your irrigation
system.
This handbook was developed by the Irrigation Association®,
a non-profit organization supporting water conservation through efficient
irrigation, to help property owners through the process of installing,
upgrading, and maintaining an irrigation system.
Tips and guidelines from the California Landscape Contractors Association
(CLCA), the nation's oldest and largest organization of licensed
landscape and irrigation contractors. |
