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The industry moves toward "Smart" irrigation Technologies
Reducing outdoor water use has become a top priority in communities across the U.S. That's why water-saving “smart” water application technologies are starting to generate such interest—from manufacturers, who are introducing a wide range of new, “smart” irrigation controllers for use in residential and commercial landscapes, to water purveyors, who are providing incentives to their customers to encourage them to adopt this new technology. As a distributor, you can help support this growing trend while enhancing your product offerings and ensuring the traditional role of the distribution channel is maintained by carrying and actively promoting “smart” irrigation controllers and related products.
What are Smart Water Application Technologies?
Smart Water Application Technologies—beginning with “smart” irrigation controllers and expanding in the future to include other third-party conservation tested irrigation products—provide a new, proven and effective means to help achieve outdoor water use efficiency.
Unlike traditional controllers, which are really just timers, “smart” controllers work by monitoring and using information about site conditions (such as soil moisture, rain, wind, slope, soil, plant type, and more), and applying the right amount of water based on those factors—not too much and not too little—to maintain healthy growing conditions.
“Smart” irrigation has an extensive history of scientific and field documentation. Golf courses, parks and athletic departments have used climate-based irrigation systems for more than 20 years. “Smart” controllers for smaller applications have become available more recently, and field testing has proven they can successfully reduce outdoor water use—by as much as 20%-40% annually—while maintaining, and often enhancing, the health and beauty of the landscape.
How can “smart” controllers help my contractors grow their businesses?
“Smart” irrigation controllers provide an exciting opportunity for landscape professionals to expand and differentiate their service offerings in the growing area of water use efficiency and conservation. Because the proper installation and initial setup of smart controllers generally require an in-depth knowledge of soils, precipitation rates, slope measurements and related factors, we are strongly recommending that water purveyor customers work with an irrigation contractor who is specifically experienced and certified in the installation of “smart” irrigation controllers. And that means new business opportunities for your contractors—and for you.