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Information provided by the Irrigation
Association Learn more about outdoor water
conservation and how “smart” 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
irrigation and 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 controllers are
really just timers. They turn the water on and
off based on a pre-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, evaporation rates, plant
transpiration rates, and more, to determine when
to water and when not to in order to provide the
right amount of water to maintain lush, healthy
growing conditions.
Because “smart” irrigation controllers are
more efficient than traditional, timer-based
controllers, they maximize water use efficiency,
often reducing usage by 30% or more, which saves
you money and makes a large, positive impact on
your community’s efforts to assure the local
water supply.
Automatic sprinkler system
basics
“Smart” 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.
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