There are smart phones, smart cars and now you can have a smart irrigation controller!

NOT FOUND: smart irrigation.jpgIn Sacramento, 50% or more of a household’s yearly water consumption typically is used outdoors to keep lawns and landscapes green. By upgrading your landscape sprinkler system with a “smart” controller, you can

• help reduce your outdoor water use
• keep your landscape more attractive and healthy
• save money on your water bill

A “smart controller” automatically adjusts when water is applied based on real-time weather such as rainfall, wind, temperature and humidity. There are smart controllers that measure soil moisture too. Using sensors and real-time weather information, smart controllers increase or decrease watering times to apply just the right amount of water needed at just the right time. They even turn off sprinklers automatically during rain, high winds or low temperatures.

Studies show installing a smart irrigation controller can reduce outdoor water use by an average of 25% to 30%, which can make a difference on your water bill. They also reduce overwatering, which keeps lawns and plants healthier and reduces runoff that can pollute creeks and rivers.

Smart controllers take the guesswork out of setting your irrigation system correctly. Once the initial set up and monitoring is complete, you won’t need to make manual adjustments whenever the weather changes.

Depending on the make and model, a smart controller may rely on sensors that read weather conditions in your yard or receive information from surrounding weather stations. To learn more about smart irrigation controllers, check out
http://www.irrigation.org/SWAT/swat.aspx?id=298

If your irrigation system is in need of an update and you’re thinking about installing a “smart controller,” Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) now offers rebates of up to $850 for a limited time. For a complete list of qualifications and instructions, and to print an application, go to “Customer Services” at sswd.org. For questions on rebates and smart irrigation controllers, please call 916.679.2890.