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 home’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 smaller 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 more about residential water conservation at this educational website, developed by the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC) under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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. |
