How to Buy Smart Sprinklers

With summers getting historically hotter around the country, conserving water is becoming more important. Smart Sprinklers are the latest in irrigation technology. They keep your landscaping healthy without wasting water, since they operate based on your area's individual weather, climate and time of year. Use these steps to find and buy Smart Sprinklers and get your yard onto a healthier schedule while doing your part to conserve water.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check with your local water board to see if they are aware of local companies that sell and install Smart Sprinklers. Don't forget to ask them about any rebates or credits they may offer.

2. Call your local home improvement store to ask about smart sprinkler systems that they sell. Have a sprinkler professional come look at your property to get an accurate quote.

3. Contact a local irrigation company if you have a large amount of property to cover. Make sure to ask if they have experience with the smart sprinkler system.

4. Consider having a Cyber-Rain wireless sprinkler controller installed to help control your water usage. It will run you about $300, but allows you to change your watering schedule based on humidity, weather, season of the year and current temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• Have the installers mark where the sprinkler heads are so you will learn where not to run the lawn mower.
• Have a professional landscaper help you decide where the sprinklers need to go so they cover all areas of your lawn efficiently.
• One study showed a savings of 40 gallons of water per day for the average residential lot. Because of the savings, many water boards around the country offer a rebate for homeowners and businesses who install the systems.
• Never install sprinklers yourself without knowing what you are doing. It is an intricate process that needs to be handled by a professional.

Resources

• Southern California Water Agencies Site
• Search here about the Smart Sprinklers Wireless Controller

[h20saver]

on 2/17/2009 If you are a do-it-yourselfer, and you have a full-time Internet connection like DSL or cable, you could try LawnCheck for smart irrigation control and remote access to your schedule. It's fairly low in cost and provides easy and flexible schedule set up. Search: LawnCheck for more info.

[lslocum]

on 1/20/2009 Some local water agencies will install the smart watering systems for free, including the unit and any labor required, as a replacement for existing sprinkler timers. This can save you up to $600 or more. In the Santa Clarita CA area, this program is typically offered once a year.