EPA WaterSense: May 2008 Archives
True smart water management technology is the most effective way to
achieve LEED certification (by USGBC) for outdoor water conservation.
Although a wide range of irrigation technologies are marketed as being smart, genuine smart water management systems are differentiated by:
According to WeatherTRAK, landscape irrigation systems based on this technology are 30 percent more efficient than traditional low-tech watering systems, speeding payback and eliminating infrastructure investments.
In California, AB 2717 and AB 1881 mandate that new construction include a weather based smart controller by 2012 and that cities/municipalities adopt smart irrigation by 2010. Other Southeastern states heavily impacted by recent droughts and water shortages are following California's legislative approach.
Although a wide range of irrigation technologies are marketed as being smart, genuine smart water management systems are differentiated by:
- No people involvement, because all irrigation activity is determined and executed by the system
- Low maintenance costs, unlike systems based on sensors and temperature gauges
- Ideal for both new construction and retrofitting, since they don't require the implantation of sensors, gauges or other in-ground equipment.
- Water savings for cost reduction
- Water savings for environmental impact
- Reduced risk by not damaging or creating slippery surfaces on hardscapes.
- Healthier landscape plants with scientifically scheduled watering to protect living assets
According to WeatherTRAK, landscape irrigation systems based on this technology are 30 percent more efficient than traditional low-tech watering systems, speeding payback and eliminating infrastructure investments.
In California, AB 2717 and AB 1881 mandate that new construction include a weather based smart controller by 2012 and that cities/municipalities adopt smart irrigation by 2010. Other Southeastern states heavily impacted by recent droughts and water shortages are following California's legislative approach.
