If you have an automatic sprinkler system, consider replacing your current controller with a smart sprinkler controller.
Smart sprinkler controllers, also known as weather-based irrigation controllers, automatically adjust irrigation schedules in response to changing weather conditions. They monitor information such as rain, wind, temperature, humidity, soil moisture, the amount of time it takes for water to evaporate and plant type to calculate the amount of water needed to keep plants healthy.
There are many different types of smart sprinkler controllers are on the market, and manufacturers have found many ways to get local weather and related data. Some controllers are connected to sensors installed at your home that measure solar radiation, temperature, humidity, rainfall or soil moisture. Other controllers receive data by satellite or the Internet form a network of weather stations, managed by private entities or public agencies.
Smart controllers range from about $150 to $600. The amount of water you'll save will vary, depending on your sprinkler system's efficiency, how much water you use, and where you live. In one study, homeowners saved more than 40 gallons per household per day, or about 10 percent of their total water use.
Learn more about smart sprinkler controllers by going to the Smart Water Application Testing website sponsored by the Irrigation Association, where performance ratings for smart controllers are published.
Sean F. says:
This is really great stuff Lynn. A friend of mine runs a fertigation and water conservation out of the East Bay. The company is called CKMS and you can find it on the net at http://www.cklandscape.com. Personally that model you are showing is my favorite since you don't have to pay for satellite hook-up fees.