Implementing Smart Controllers on Single-Family Homes with Excessive Irrigation

AbstractIn this study, smart irrigation controllers were targeted toward single-family potable water customers in Orange County, Florida with excessive landscape irrigation patterns. Out of five treatments, four treatments received either an evapotranspiration controller (ET) or soil moisture sensor (SMS) controller, installed by a contractor, but two technology treatments included an educational program (+Pgm) component. The fifth treatment was a comparison treatment (MO) with no interventions to their normal irrigation scheduling methods. After 22 months of evaluation, both +Pgm treatments reduced irrigation application, ranging from 21 to 52%. However, none of the treatments performed with high efficiency in all seasons. Only a few treatments were able to maintain irrigation totals within a gross irrigation requirement (GIR) range from 60 to 100% efficiency. The technology treatments that participated in the customized educational program were more likely to achieve additional reductions in irrigation ...

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