Smart Water Control Technology: Small Investment Yields Big Savings

By Forest Hill

Watch the Video: Introduction to ET Controllers, presented by Rain Bird

Experts estimate that more than 50 percent of commercial and residential irrigation water use is lost to evaporation, wind, improper irrigation design, or overwatering. A typical home uses twice as much water outside as inside. Consider that the bulk of your water (and your water bill) is going to waste. Commercial users are no exception.

Drought ridden Southern Californians consume almost 300 gallons of water per day, per person perhaps 50% or more of that being applied outside. Simply cut that by 25% and a family of four could save 108,000 gallons per year. That’s enough to fill up a good size swimming pool 3 or 4 times.

Beyond the obvious things like fixing leaky hose bibs, and sweeping the driveway rather than using a hose, you can replace your turf and plantings with drought tolerant varieties, install drip irrigation, and reprogram your sprinklers on a regular basis. These are effective approaches  but unfortunately, none of these solutions are convenient, or affordable. More often than not, the status quo prevails.

Are there any any realistic, effective solutions to our water problems?

Yes. New Smart Controller technology, not yet widely recognized, can make a huge difference. It’s hard to believe but true; virtually overnight users can reduce landscape water use by as much as 30 to 50%. Now available for almost any homeowner or commercial application, they’re inexpensive to install and program. Within 24 months these units will become nearly universal. Government regulation may in fact make them mandatory.

Smart Controllers calculate exactly how much water your landscape needs using regularly updated weather information collected wirelessly. This calculation includes an allowance for evaporation, groundwater recharge, tree and grass transpiration as well as water lost to runoff. This article is designed to help you decide on the most appropriate Smart Control technology for your home or commercial installation.

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ET Controller Science

ET Controllers use real time data and microprocessors to calculate water application.

Source: Wikepedia.org

Typical features of Smart Controllers Include:

• Flexible programming

• Simple Startup

• Backup and Program Protection

• Station delay between station execution

• Flow Sensors and Rain Sensors

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Here’s a rundown of currently available models:

Aqua Conserve Controllers

AQUA CONSERVE CONTROLLERS

ADVANTAGES: Inexpensive, Easy to install and operate

This controller is useful for large office complexes and homes. It’s very easy to install and use. The stainless steel cabinet encloses a standard size controller,  with a capacity ranging between 8 to 66 different stations. Aqua Conserve controllers can operate using 2 different modes: either the historical ET data, or with updated information delivered via a phone line. Phone operations also afford, a remote technician the ability to make field adjustments remotely. It is possible to wirelessly control up to 6 different units located in a single installation. Like other smart timers, it can be augmented with rain shut off and temperature sensors.

RAIN BIRD ET MANAGER

ADVANTAGES: Attractive price, compatible with existing equipment, no subscription required.

The ET Manager is an add on unit that will easily work with your existing irrigation timer. It’s programmable from your PC or directly in the field. The unit receives a real time signal from a local weather station and microprocessor technology to calculate optimal irrigation. There are weather stations in most areas of the country, and no subscription is needed.

Rain Bird ESP-LX Modular:

RAIN BIRD ESP-LX MODULAR

ADVANTAGES: Self Contained, low purchase price, no subscription required

The ESP-LX Modular is everything the Rain Bird ET Manager is, but is fully self contained. This is a good choice where you don’t already have a clock in place. Similar to the ET manager, the ESP will program the water run times and the days. It adjusts to current weather data from weather stations, with out needing a subscription. Both Rain Bird units are very inexpensive compared to their competitors.

TORO INTELLISENSE

IRRITROL SMART DIAL

ADVANTAGES: high accuracy, real time weather data

These models are similar in appearance and operation, and both use the weather track system. The Toro Intelli-Sense has a 36 station capacity, and the Irritrol Smart Dial will control from 6 to 24 stations. Programming parameters include soil type, sprinkler type, sun exposure, slope percentage, soak periods, and water windows. Accuracy is high, but programming complexity is greater than other units.  Both units require a subscription to the Weather Track system, at a cost of $9 to $12 per month. This is a high performance unit, and professional installation is recommended.

Rain Master Eagle:

RAIN MASTER EAGLE

ADVANTAGES: Abundance of features, Internet Streamed data via Wi-Fi

These smart controllers have all the usual bells and whistles and offer wall or pedestal mounting options. The evaporation data comes is delivered over the internet via factor installed Wi-Fi hardware (MSRP $1200) with a $200 a month subscription required. The Rain Master Eagle has every conceivable Smart Controller feature, and must be installed by expert level technicians.

Moisture Sensors:

ADVANTAGES: Direct measurement of soil moisture level

In addition to Smart Controllers, Moisture Sensors offer a more traditional type of irrigation management. Though they don’t offer the accuracy of real time data and microprocessor control, they will effectively manage  water usage and reduce waste. Modern moisture sensors, used for landscaping (and also for greenhouses), can detect water levels in the soil any where from 6 to 36 inches deep. The units simply activate irrigation when water level in the soil reaches a predetermined point. A basic installation involves averaging the water usage over an entire landscape, be it sunny, shaded, sloped, thirsty or drought tolerant. A more accurate installation requires additional sensors, labor and hard wire runs controlling tightly defined irrigation zones.

So, are there convenient and cost effective ways to implement Smart Water Application NOW? Indeed, Smart Controller Technology has matured. It’s available to everyone. With government incentives and the inevitable water rationing facing all Southern Californians, Smart Controllers make more sense than ever.

For More Information Contact: Swan Drought Tolerant Technology http://swanh2o.com Swan is a division of Landscape Design Inc, CA lic. # 48431