You likely already own a smartphone, smart TV, and maybe a smartwatch. It seems everything is becoming smart these days. So, why not add a smart irrigation system to that list? It is now possible to give your lawn a little TLC using smart technology. Let’s explore some of the benefits of a smart lawn sprinkler system for your home or business.
Basics of a Smart Irrigation System
Without water, your lawn will not be lush and green. In Southwest Florida, rainwater is not generally the only option for maintaining a healthy lawn. Most property owners rely on a supplemental water source.
Sprinkler systems are fairly effective means of watering lawns and gardens. However, standard systems are not necessarily the most efficient. With advanced technology, irrigation systems are becoming increasingly more efficient.
A smart irrigation system is highly automated. It is equipped with climate sensors and ground humidity sensors. These sensors detect the presence of moisture that allows the system to maintain an optimal flow of water at the appropriate times. For instance, when rain is detected by the sensors, this information is transmitted to an intelligent monitoring system that is able to bypass scheduled irrigation.
This prevents your lawn from being overwatered and saves precious resources and energy. Ultimately, you will save money with a smart irrigation system.
Environmental Impact
Water is an invaluable natural resource that many in Florida take for granted. We expect that it will always be available. It is hard to imagine a water shortage when we are surrounded by water on 3 sides of the state. Water conservation, at even the most local level, is a necessary and responsible practice to have in place.
While a smart sprinkler system is a great way to conserve water, it also reduces runoff and erosion. When your lawn is saturated, the excess water has to go somewhere. The runoff will often travel to neighboring properties, roadway sewers, or into streams and rivers. This runoff may carry with it fertilizers and pesticides that the lawn has been treated with.
Smart irrigation is an advanced technology that contributes to water conservation, energy savings, soil stability, and cleaner water resources for wildlife.
Components of the System
The basic smart irrigation system looks similar to a standard sprinkler system. And, the heads will water your lawn in the same manner. The difference is in how the system is controlled.
A smart system includes intelligent controllers and timers that can be programmed for specific tasks. These can also be operated remotely from your Wi-Fi enabled device. The purpose of this type of irrigation system is to be able to use water only when it is necessary. Therefore, sensors are installed that are capable of measuring ground moisture and precipitation in the atmosphere. The sensors relay this data to the controllers so that the system can turn off if there is adequate moisture to water your lawn.
The system also includes valves that regulate and control water flow. Spray heads or nozzles are available in a variety of designs and shapes that best fit a specific site condition. The backflow preventers are safety controls that ensure the water supply is free of harmful contaminants. Filters are also included in the system.
Maintaining a Smart Irrigation System
As with any irrigation system, you still need to perform routine maintenance to keep your system operating properly and efficiently. This is best handled by your landscape or irrigation professional. He or she can repair broken supply lines and sprinkler heads and can adjust and fine-tune controllers and timers.
The technology of the sensors and controllers is a bit sophisticated. However, these should not intimidate you. They are as simple to operate and maintain as your personal smart tech. The advantages of a smart irrigation system are numerous. If you are looking to save water and preserve the environment, consider installing an efficient watering system.
