These devices let you monitor your irrigation from anywhere, and even skip watering automatically when rain is in the forecast.
In the world of irrigation, smart controllers are all the rage. While manufacturers rush to get Wi-Fi-connected devices to market, programmers are busy coding the complex algorithms that make smart controllers, well, smart.
After testing and recognizing this proven potential for water conservation, San Antonio Water System and approved vendors are offering a savings discount to make approved devices more affordable for customers.
From June 10-17, SAWS customers can save 30% on a smart irrigation controller.
If your controller loses track of the day and time after every power outage — risking watering violations if the sprinkler comes on at the wrong time — smart controllers can help you monitor your irrigation from anywhere and skip watering automatically when rain is in the forecast.
Understanding the nuances of these technologies can save you frustration, water and even money. But remember:
- Unlike smart phones or TVs, poorly programmed irrigation controllers can easily end up costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars. It’s important to understand how to program them and how the smart features will operate under current Stage 3 watering rules. (Note: SAWS does not offer technical support for smart controllers.)
- Avoid using “automated” or “flexible” watering schedules during drought restrictions and summer. While automated watering has potential water savings (especially in winter), it can also violate current local watering rules, resulting in a citation for watering outside your day and time.
Whether you have a traditional controller or a smart one, we always recommend using a fixed watering schedule — not the automatic ones. This allows you to specify the watering day (based on the last digit of your address) and the start time, as well as specific run times for each zone to comply with Stage 3 watering rules (5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight).
With a fixed schedule, you can still take advantage of smart features like rain skip, wind skip and freeze skip. And by putting the control of your sprinkler system into the palm of your hand via your smart phone, you have the potential to immediately be more in tune and aware of what the irrigation system is doing and when.
So, embrace smart technology, but remember that the smartest sprinkler controller is you!
