Weather Smart Irrigation

Weather Smart Irrigation: Irrigation That Practically Predicts The Weather

At University Sprinklers we have established our own Lower Mainland-wide network of remotely reporting weather stations. Why? This lets us provide accurate, real-time evapotranspiration and rainfall data to the weather-based “ET Controllers” we install. Weather-based controllers will be our strongest water savers in years to come. They use ET (Evapotranspiration) data from our network of robust scientific grade weather stations. Real-time links to these weather stations provide detailed weather data we use to fine-tune irrigation to the point where we irrigate only when truly necessary.

How New Weather-Based Controllers Improve Plant Health, Use Less Water and Save Money

ET Controllers promote healthier landscapes and conservation of water by only irrigating when necessary, and allowing roots to grow deeper. In past, regular controllers have been set to come on for a pre-determined amount every watering day, regardless of the weather. Zones are typically set for summertime highs, unfortunately affording necessary waste on the shoulder season before and after the summertime high.

ET based controllers instead are constantly adjusting their run times on each zone, taking into account factors that are programmed in by our staff during installation and the daily ET data that is sent to the controller from our weather stations. Live (not historical) ET data is used to maximize water-savings. The weather data includes six key weather data factors: True evapotranspiration (ET), Solar Radiation, Temperature, Humidity, Wind, and Rainfall, to constantly and automatically adjust irrigation.

How do I Start Saving?

Installing a new ET-based controller is easy, but it isn’t as simple as replacing the old timer. One of our technicians will audit your site, to assess your existing irrigation system and pinpoint any further water-saving measures that we can implement. We will then use this report to provide a quote.

Remote Site Monitoring Provides Peace of Mind

With ET-based controllers, we also offer remote-monitoring of larger sites! We can install a remote-sensing system that allows us to control and monitor your site from our office. Not only do you get the water savings of weather-based data, but you also have the security of knowing we can detect problems remotely and dispatch technicians before on-site damage can occur. We can detect “high-flow events”, such as pipe breaks due to vandalism, before major property damage happens. We can also detect system failures such as wire damage during construction that fails to operate a control valve. Our system can detect this “low-flow event” before the landscape suffers from lack of water. Contact us for details, or request a quote online.