Why Purchasing a Smart Sprinkler System is a No-Brainer
I know what you’re thinking; why should I even be thinking about a sprinkler system after all the rain we’ve had? While it may be difficult to imagine right now on the heels of the wettest year on record for the DFW area, water conservation continues to be a critical issue in a state that is susceptible to droughts and where the population continues to grow. Outdoor watering accounts for about 30% of Dallas’ total annual water use so it is important to continue to take steps to continue to conserve water for future generations. According to the EPA, “Outdoor water use in the United States accounts for more than 7 billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation. As much as half of this water is wasted due to evaporation, wind, or runoff often caused by improper irrigation system design, installation, maintenance or scheduling.” The EPA believes that 95% of current sprinkler controllers need to be replaced.
What is a Smart Sprinkler System?
Simply put, a smart sprinkler system automatically determines the ideal watering levels to keep your landscape looking its best without wasting water. Traditional watering systems are basically a one-size-fits-all experience, having no ability to understand the current weather or site conditions or monitor usage; they simply water at a pre-set time. We’ve all seen these systems in action – it can be pouring rain out and yet the sprinkler system will be on. Smart irrigation controllers calculate or adjust watering based on one or more of the following: weather conditions (temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind, and solar radiation), plant types (low versus high water use and root depth), and site conditions (latitude, soils, ground slope, and shade).
Smart sprinkler control systems can be either a stand-alone controller or an add-on device that interfaces with your conventional clock-type controller. While the cost of an add-on controller (designated a plug-in device by the EPA) may be attractive, the quality, features, and brand of your current system should all be considered. The level of automation may be limited compared to the features of a stand-alone controller. Additionally, certain add-on devices are designed only to work with certain brands of existing controllers. With over 20 different smart sprinkler control manufacturers in existence today, and even more product choices, it is important to choose wisely.
Smart Sprinkler Systems = Big Water Savings
Figures and claims on water savings vary, with manufacturers claiming up to 50% and 70% in water savings. The EPA estimates savings of 37 to 44 gallons of water a day for the average single family home. After extensive research into brands and products, we chose and recommend the ETwater system for our clients that received the prestigious Wall Street Journal’s Technology Innovation Award for its controllers. While savings can be as high as 50%, we prefer to cite typical water savings of around 20% to 35%, depending on the variations in site conditions and locations. While there are many reasons we chose this system, one is that it uses real-time weather data, versus historical weather data that some systems use, for a more accurate assessment of your landscape’s needs and monitors and adjusts on a daily basis. The system can be accessed remotely from any computer, smart phone or tablet and allows Bonick Landscaping to remotely monitor and adjust your watering schedule and turn your sprinkler system off and on. Additionally, this system will perform cycle and soak as needed so that your plants get more of the water they need during peak usage months while reducing runoff. These two factors also reduce the amount of fertilizers needed and help maintain hardscapes.
Stop Wasting and Start Saving
While Bonick Landscaping strives to stay on the leading edge of smart lawn care practices, we believe more and more homeowners will recognize both the conservation and money-saving benefits of using a smart sprinkler system and that they will rapidly become the norm. We are very excited about this earth-friendly solution to one of the biggest ongoing landscaping challenges in North Texas and would be happy to answer your questions about smart sprinkler systems and installation for the Dallas area at 972-243-9673.
For over 30 years, Bonick Landscaping has served Dallas area clients with the highest standards looking for out-of-the-ordinary luxury landscape design and pools by offering the best in service, workmanship, and plantings. Services include hardscape and landscape design, pool designs, pool construction and installation, estate management, lawn care services and garden maintenance, pool maintenance, and more. For discerning clients in Dallas who want to express their own distinctive style through their landscaping, Bonick Landscaping can help you realize your dream. Call us at 972-243-9673 or visit our website at www.bonicklandscaping.com.