Placed on the Internet September 4, 2007 10:44 PM

A 'Smart' or weather-based Irrigation Controller is effective in reducing water usage outdoors. Unlike a standard automatic timer that turns on the sprinklers at set intervals, a 'Smart' Controller uses weather data and site information such as plant type and sprinkler system output to adjust watering times and frequency. Installation and initial set-up generally requires a knowledge of soils, precipitation rates, slope measurements and the plants in each zone. A smart controller will not make-up for irrigation design or installation problems. These systems will most likely highlight inefficiencies in your system. These problems will need to be fixed prior to you realizing any water savings. You might need help in the calibration of your smart irrigation controller.

• Rain Bird ET Manager The Weather Reach Signal Provider at the Colorado State University Extension office in Mesa County accesses local weather stations and sends local weather information hourly to ET Manager units in the Grand Valley of Western Colorado. Further information is available by contacting Dr. Curtis Swift or by calling 970 244-1840. Installation and set up of Rain Bird ET Manager units can be arranged by contacting Dr. Swift or your local irrigation company. An on-site tipping rain gauge should be installed with the ET Manager unit.
  • This unit connects to your existing controller regardless of the model or manufacturer.
  • Updates ET data hourly
  • PowerPoint Presentation
  • List Price $750
  • Cost through CSU Extension - $475 plus installation
  • A $35 per year subscription fee is required for this service
  • See information on set up information and regions at
    http://tri-river.ext.colostate.edu/WRSP_Information_CSU_Extension.pdf
    
• Hunter ET System
  This connects to a Hunter irrigation controller such as the Pro-C or ACC. Several of these units have been installed in the Grand Valley to include the Mesa County Arboretum at the Mesa County Fairgrounds.
  • If you currently have a Rainbird or other brand of controller, you will need to purchase a compatible Hunter controller in addition to the Hunter ET system
  • Updates ET data on a daily basis
  • List price of the ET Manager System is $858
• Weathermatic SL1600 and SLW10 on-site weather monitor
  We have installed several of these for local businesses for a pilot City of Grand Junction upgrade project. These upgrades have included changing out sprinkler heads to 6 inch pop-ups and installing MP Rotator nozzles in addition to installing an SL1600 and SL10.
  • The controller and weather unit replace your existing irrigation controller
  • Updates ET data on a daily basis
  • List Price
    • controller for 16 zones $167.95
    • SL10 on-site weather monitor, $199.95
    • additional 4 zone modules -$49.95

The Bureau of Reclamation published a report in 2004 on 'Smart' controllers. While slightly outdated this is a good starting place to learn more about the various irrigation controllers and their attributes. Weather Based Technology for Residential Irrigation Scheduling is an 815 KB PDF file.