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Orange County UtilitiesWater Conservation Program
Smart Irrigation Technology Smart Irrigation Technology StudyStudy
Presented to:Orange County Board of County Commissioners
April 28, 2009
– The average household use for irrigation in Orange County is more than 50%
– The average in-ground irrigation system is operating at 40-45% efficiency
– Automated irrigation systems typically apply 2-3 times more water than landscape requires
– Smart irrigation may reduce water used for irrigation by 69 to 92% on typical Central Florida home
Smart Irrigation Technology Study
Water Use and Irrigation Relationship
Standard Irrigation– Controllers set for specific
days, times, and duration regardless of climatic conditions
Smart Irrigation– Starts only when the
landscaped area falls below moisture capacity and stops when the soil reaches a certain water saturation point
Smart Irrigation Technology Study
Smart versus Standard Irrigation
Smart Irrigation Technology Study
Types of Smart Irrigation Controllers
Soil Moisture Sensor (SMS)– Sensor-based controller
Evapo-Transpiration (ET)– Climate-based controller
Water Use Efficiency
Ease of use by Residential and Commercial Customers
Cost of Operation
Maintenance Issues
Smart Irrigation Technology Study
Study Objectives
Principal Investigator is the University of Florida/IFAS Dr. Michael Dukes
160 properties included in the study with approximately 70% being residential and 30% commercial
Target high water users
Studying two (2) soil types
Equipment installed by contractors trained to ensure uniformity of installation
The study will last 3-years
Smart Irrigation Technology Study
Study Design
The Water Research Foundation
South Florida Water Management District
St. Johns River Water Management District
Hunter’s Creek Subdivision
RainBird
Acclima
FL Nursery, Growers, Landscape Assoc.
Smart Irrigation Technology Study
Study Cost and Partnerships
$150,000
$100,000
$100,000
In-kind Services
In-kind Services
In-kind Services
In-kind Services
Study Cost - $480,000
No specific board action required today
Funding agreements with the funding partners will return to BCC on Consent Agenda in May
Smart Irrigation Technology Study
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