Posted on July 9, 2024 at 3:27 PM by Sinclaire Newby
July is Smart Irrigation Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of efficient water use through advanced irrigation practices. In the summer heat, exploring ways to conserve water while maintaining healthy landscapes is crucial. One of the most effective strategies is upgrading to weather and rain sensors for irrigation systems. These smart technologies adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather conditions and rainfall, ensuring your plants get the right amount of water without waste. By investing in these upgrades, homeowners and businesses can significantly reduce water usage, lower utility bills, and extend the life of water resources. Another perk is that most of these devices can be found at your local home improvement store. Here are three irrigation technologies worth considering on your next upgrade:
- Weather-based controller: These controllers adjust the irrigation schedule based on local weather conditions. This category has a wide range of products, with various weather inputs and landscape-specific adjustment factors. When programmed correctly, these controllers self-adjust and require very little intervention.
- Sensor-based controller: These controllers rely on soil moisture sensors placed below ground in the root zones of the landscape to determine if and for how long to water. Systems with a sensor-based controller can be scheduled to run based on soil moisture and the specific water needs of your landscape.
- Rain sensors: When we do get a summer rainstorm, we don’t want to run our sprinkler system. Irrigating in rain needlessly wastes water and can damage your landscape. Rain sensors prevent irrigation systems from running during rainy conditions. These devices can reduce overall water usage and help extend irrigation system life.
Consider upgrading to one of these devices for your irrigation system this summer to help you maximize the efficiency of your outdoor watering, saving you money on your water bill and reducing the time spent caring for your landscape. For more information on water conservation, be sure to follow the JCSUD Facebook page or visit https://www.jcsud.com/278/Outdoor-Water-Conservation.
