A smart controller is an irrigation controller, that adjusts run times, based on data the controller obtains. This may come in the form of a soil moisture sensor, basic weather station, or complex weather station that is located on site. It may also receive weather information via WiFi, cell signal, etc. Once the controller obtains the data, it estimates how much water needs to be replaced in the soil.
Research has shown that the use of a smart controller, on average, reduces landscape water consumption by 30%. In our area, due to the amount of rain we typically receive, the savings are probably higher. Research has also shown, that the use of a smart controller, can prevent over-watering, resulting in a healthier landscape.
The average installed price, for irrigation, on our 10 most recent projects is $30,000. These include larger commercial sites, small pad sites, and athletic fields. Two of those projects refused to discuss smart controllers, because of budget constraints. To upgrade the controller on the first project, I would estimate that it would have increased the cost by $500. The second project, $100. I believe the water savings in the first year would have paid for the increase in costs!
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