Smart Sprinkler Timers: Maintain a Beautiful Landscape While Reducing Water Use and Saving Money

Smart Sprinkler Timers: The Basics

Does your sprinkler timer pause when it rains? Does it automatically reduce its runtime on cooler days? If not, you should consider replacing it with a smart sprinkler timer! Smart sprinkler timers help keep your landscape properly hydrated by using real-time weather data to adjust watering frequencies. On warmer days, smart sprinkler timers water more; on cooler days, they water less. They will also adjust to rainfall, skipping irrigation cycles as needed.

Smart sprinkler timers have been around for over 20 years. Studies show that if you water your landscape often and rarely adjust the watering duration or frequency during the year, then a smart sprinkler timer may reduce your water use by up to 25% or more!

Types of Smart Sprinkler Timers

It’s important to evaluate the needs of your landscape before choosing a smart sprinkler timer. The WaterSense label will guide you to sprinkler timers that are independently certified to save water and perform well. Replacing an old sprinkler timer with a WaterSense-labeled model can save the average home up to 15,000 gallons of water per year.

There are two types of smart sprinkler timers:

1) The first type of smart sprinkler timer requires programming the timer as if it were the hottest time of the year. This type uses weather data from the internet to adjust the watering duration, but it does not adjust the watering frequency.

2) The second type of smart sprinkler timer has a feature that allows watering frequencies to change based on each zone in your yard and its characteristics (e.g. soil texture, type of sprinkler nozzle or drip, type of plants being watered, and the amount of sun that zone receives). The smart timer will automatically adjust the watering duration and frequency of watering throughout the season.

 Tips for Setting Up Your Smart Sprinkler Timer

When set up properly, smart sprinkler timers can simplify your landscape’s watering needs. Smart sprinkler timers connect to Wi-Fi and setting one up can be as easy as downloading an app on your phone and following the prompts. Most manufacturers have a customer service number you can call and speak with a representative to assist. Additionally, ecoPRO certified landscape professionals (www.savingwater.org/lawn-garden/choosing-a-nursery-or-landscaper/) can also help get you up and watering.

Rebates and Resources

The Saving Water Partnership offers up to a $100 rebate ($10 for each zone on your timer) when you replace your old sprinkler timer. See if you qualify for a rebate at savingwater.org/sprinkler-timer-replacement-rebate.

To learn more about sprinkler timers and water savings, visit epa.gov/watersense/watersense-labeled-controllers. For more tips, tools, and rebates, visit savingwater.org.