Irrigation systems have grown more efficient by leaps and bounds in recent years to maximize water savings. Now, many systems can even communicate with you via your smart phone or computer. There are some tried and true, if under-used, pieces of equipment you can add to your system that are inexpensive, easy to install and don’t require a ton of technical know-how. And the Water Authority is offering a rebate on them!
Flow sensors are inexpensive gadgets that can alert you of a broken line or a broken head in your turf. Flow sensors on main or lateral lines can be set up to “learn” what the normal flow for each zone is. The sensors then monitor the flow, and if there is a change in flow outside of the norm (either low or high), they will shut down the water line with the issue. A flow sensor provides the following benefits:
Some flow sensors can record and transmit how many gallons you use each time you water.
Flow sensors can save you hundreds or thousands of gallons of water by either shutting down a malfunctioning system, or warning you of one, or both.
Visit your local irrigation house to see which model and brand are compatible with your system and earn rebates of 25% up to $100 including purchase and professional installation. Learn more at irrigation efficiency rebates.
Pro Tip: “Flow sensors are great for all commercial installations and for savvy homeowners who want to know how much water their system puts out. The key is to not mix brands. Instead match the brand of your controller with the brand of your flow sensor. ” says Loren Dunlap of Sierra Irrigation, local supply store in Albuquerque.
Flow sensor photo courtesy of Hunter Industries
Author: Richard Perce, Irrigation Efficiency Specialist with the Water Resources Division for the Water Authority. Pro tip:Sierra Irrigation. Have a question about the article? AskAnExpert@abcwua.org
Having a healthy and functional (and desert friendly) landscape is about making smart horticultural and irrigation decisions. Burqueños know that water conservation is a way of life -- and an important responsibility in this beautiful high-desert region. By working together, we can continue to ensure a reliable water supply and keep Albuquerque landscapes colorful and beautiful.
Watering your yard efficiently is one of the
best and easiest ways to conserve water. More importantly, proper watering will
keep your plants healthy throughout the year. The trick is to give your plants
enough water – but not too much.. Fortunately, improvements in irrigation
system technology are making it easier to do just that – and the Water Authority is
rolling out new rebates in April to help you add the latest in irrigation tech:
WaterSense Smart Irrigation Controllers
WaterSense-labeled controllers allow watering schedules to better match plants' water needs.
A WaterSense labeled controller can automatically or
manually reduce watering times or the number of days when the system operates.
That means less water is delivered to the plants during cooler months or when
it has rained recently. As outdoor temperatures increase or rainfall decreases,
WaterSense labeled controllers increase irrigation systems’ watering run times
or schedule to compensate. Some of these controllers are equipped with smartphone
friendly irrigation technology that allows the user to set watering times
remotely. Replacing a standard irrigation timer with a WaterSense labeled
irrigation controller can save up to 30% in outdoor watering. Customers can choose from a list of pre-qualified
controllers.
Smart Water Application Technology Irrigation Flow Sensors
Irrigation flow sensors measure the speed
at which water travels through an irrigation system and sends that information
to the Smart Irrigation Controller. This helps detect issues and conserves
water. For example, if water is flowing at an unusually high rate (because of a
line break or broken sprinkler), a flow sensor works with the controller to
take corrective action. Such action could include stopping the water flow or
sending alert messages to your device. Additionally, some flow sensors can
quantify how much water is used in a landscape, making it easier to stick to a
landscape water budget.
Smart Water Application Technology Pressure Regulators
Pressure regulation devices
increase the efficiency and performance of your sprinkler and drip system by
reducing the water pressure to a set, optimal rate. This is important to
improve water distribution uniformity and avoid underwatering or overwatering.
The three most common pressure regulating devices are pressure reducing valves,
flow control valves and pressure sustaining valves.
These devices provide pressure regulation at each individual spray head. The sprinkler body is the exterior shell that connects to the irrigation system piping and houses the spray nozzle that applies water on the landscape. WaterSense labeled spray sprinkler bodies with internal pressure regulation can reduce water waste by providing a consistent flow at the sprinkler nozzle. When the sprinkler body maintains pressure near its optimal operating pressure, the connected nozzle is better able to generate the right amount of water spray and coverage for more uniform distribution of water across the landscape. Customers can choose from a list of pre-qualified spray sprinkler bodies.
