Smart Irrigation Controllers Save Water and Money

The experts agree that smart irrigation systems and controllers versus traditional irrigation controllers conserve water across a variety of scenarios. Several controlled research studies indicate substantial water savings anywhere from 30 to 50 percent.

Tests by the Irrigation Association (IA) and the International Center for Water Technology at California State University in Fresno, have shown smart irrigation controllers to save up to 20 percent more water than traditional irrigation controllers.

Another study tested a prototype controller/receiver system consisting of a traditional irrigation controller modified to receive a signal broadcasted via satellite. Outdoor water savings were calculated based on 2-years of pre-installation usage and were adjusted for weather conditions. The reported average outdoor savings is 16 percent and it is also reported this represents 85 percent of potential savings based on reference ET.

A water efficient irrigation study of the Saving Water Partnership, a coalition of 24 water purveyors, was conducted in Washington State’s Puget Sound. Water savings were calculated based on historical consumption and adjustments were made for weather conditions. The reported water savings were 20,735 gallons per year per site for sites with rain sensors controllers and 10,071 gallons per year per site for sites using traditional controllers.