Evaluation of California Weather-Based “SMART” Irrigation Controller Programs

Irrigation demand is the single largest end use of water in the urban sector in California.
Irrigation demands typically account for 50% or more of the total water used in many California
homes and businesses. As water utilities pursue options for new supplies, one option involves
capturing savings from water conservation programs. This process also includes continually
searching for additional water conservation opportunities through new measures and new
technologies. Water agencies, wastewater utilities, the utility customer, and the environment all
benefit from improved efficiency.

In support of the goals of water conservation and environmental sustainability, the
California Department of Water Resources funded two large-scale regional efforts to improve
urban irrigation efficiency and reduce runoff through the installation of smart controllers.

Automatic clock driven in-ground irrigation systems were developed with the goal of
delivering water to urban landscapes effectively and efficiently. In well designed, built,
maintained, and operated systems this goal is often achieved. In less ideal situations, irrigation
systems provide inefficient and excessive water delivery. At the core of the irrigation system is
the controller or “clock” where irrigation run days and times are set and where electronic signals
that turn on and off irrigation valves are generated. The controller is also the key interface
between the irrigation system and person in charge of operating that system – the homeowner,
property manager, or landscape contractor.

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System Management Articles • Posted on 10/10/2009 • (1) Comments • Permalink