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SITE NAVIGATION

Irrigation

Smart Controllers FAQs

Terms and Conditions

Irrigation

Smart Controllers FAQs

There are many questions about smart irrigation controllers, also known as sprinkler timers:

how they work
where to find them
their costs

If you have a question that is not answered, email us at riverfriendly@cityofsacramento.org.

What is a smart irrigation controller?

As defined by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense, smart irrigation controllers act like a thermostat for your sprinkler system to automatically tailor watering schedules and run times on sprinklers or drip systems.

Smart controllers either are sensor based and use real‐time measurements using weather information and site conditions such as soil type, plant type, and slope, or are signal based and regularly receive the data from local weather stations via the web.

How do they work?

There are two basic types of smart irrigation controllers: weather‐based and soil‐moisture based.

Only weather‐based irrigation controllers are certified by the EPA WaterSense program and are eligible for a rebate.

Soil‐moisture based irrigation controllers are expected to be added to the EPA list in 2018.

Can I program smart controller to run every day?

Yes, but you shouldn't.

Smart controllers help tailor watering schedules to actual site conditions and meet plants’ needs.

In addition, deeper and less frequent irrigation is recommended for your lawns and plants to encourage deep root growth and to avoid overwatering.

Overwatering is the most common cause of plant deaths.

Smart controllers will have frequent and longer run times during heat waves or dry conditions.

However, if programmed correctly, smart controllers will help you maintain a healthy landscape by providing the right amount of water without watering every day.

Can I program my controller to run in the middle of the day?

No.

If you have a EPA WaterSense certified weather based Smart Controller, Department of Utilities staff will need to verify that it is scheduled and operating correctly.

Once approved by Department of Utilitie staff, you may water with a smart controller any day of the week, but before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m.

Do I need to purchase a new controller to make it "smart"?

The short answer is that it really depends upon what you have and whether the manufacturer of that controller has an add‐on or plug‐in device that will work with that controller.

The older the controller, the less likely you can use an add‐on or plug‐in device.

Some controllers can become smart by purchasing the appropriate add‐on or plug‐in device.

Consult the list online and research whether the device is compatible with your irrigation controller.

Can I manually operate a smart controller?

Yes.

Most smart controllers have a test feature that will allow you to manually operate or override the programming to make sure there are no breaks, obstructions or misaligned sprinkler heads.

Do I need a mobile phone to operate my smart controller?

No, some smart controllers can be controlled and monitored using a web browser.

Check product details for this feature before making a purchase.

Where can I purchase a smart controller?

After looking over the EPA WaterSense qualified list of irrigation controllers, you can shop online, at your local hardware store, or at your local irrigation supply store.

Some plant nurseries also sell smart controllers

How much do smart controllers cost?

On average, homeowners are spending just under $300 for their smart controller.

The City offers up to $400 as a rebate.

Smart controllers are exempt from the City of Sacramento’s watering schedule. How do I get my exemption?

If you already have a EPA WaterSense controller, then contact us at 916‐808‐5605 to schedule a visit to verify it is programmed correctly.

If you plan to apply for a Smart Controller rebate, you need to know the rebate is NOT retroactive and you will need to schedule a pre-inspection with the Water Conservation staff before proceeding.

Is my irrigation controller smart if I install a rain sensor?

No.

It will shut off your irrigation when there is measurable rain, but it will not ajust the watering times for the seasons.

Is my irrigation controller smart if I only install a soil‐moisture sensor?

No.

Soil moisture sensors only work to tell you the soil conditions right around that sensor or sensors.

They can work well in conjunction with smart controllers, but many smart controllers factor in the soil type and are not compatible with soil moisture sensors.

Check with the manufacturer.

How much water can I save?

EPA estimates that 50 percent of water used residential landscape is wasted due to inefficient irrigation systems and methods.

Your actual water savings will depend upon your irrigation system efficiency.

However, replacing a standard clock timer with a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller can save an average home nearly 13,500 gallons of water annually.

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