Old-fashioned automatic sprinkler system timers, if not continually monitored and adjusted, can waste a lot of water. And that wastes money. If your water bill is too high, a “smart” controller is a proven way to reduce outdoor water waste while maintaining, and even enhancing, the health and beauty of your landscape.

The return on investment for a “smart” controller depends on two things:

• How you typically operate your sprinkler system timer, and
• Which smart controller technology you decide to install

“Smart” controllers work by monitoring actual on-site conditions and automatically adjusting the watering schedule on an ongoing basis to provide the right amount of water for each part of your landscape.

You could see a savings within your first or second year of using a smart controller.  This is especially true if your old-fashioned sprinkler timer operates on a pre-set schedule, watering upwards of two to three times per week regardless of rainfall and seasonal modifications.

If you turn on your sprinkler system timer manually, watering only as necessary, the return on your “smart” controller investment may take a while longer to notice. Your ability to easily water and manage your landscape, which is also your investment, will not go unnoticed.

Whichever “smart” controller technology you decide to install is the second important factor. How “smart” controllers gather their weather data and the number of sprinkler system zones you have contribute to your return on investment.

“Smart” controllers that require data signals from a network of weather stations normally charge a monthly or yearly subscription fee to cover the cost of servicing the transmitted data.

“Smart” controllers that collect their weather data directly from an on-site weather monitor or soil moisture sensor do not have an ongoing charge. These devices do require routine checks to ensure they are operating and, if necessary, working batteries. After a few years, an on-site monitor or soil moisture sensor may need to be replaced.

To learn more about smart controllers, please visit our Web site at FriscoTexas.gov/water. Take advantage of our rebate for up to $100 on qualifying smart controllers when you retrofit your traditional sprinkler timer. New residential sprinkler system installations after July 2007 already include smart controller technology per city ordinance.