Orange County Utilities Water Conservation Program Smart Irrigation
- Slides: 8
Orange County Utilities Water Conservation Program Smart Irrigation Technology Study Presented to: Orange County Board of County Commissioners April 28, 2009
Smart Irrigation Technology Study Water Use and Irrigation Relationship – 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 Smart versus Standard Irrigation § 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 Types of Smart Irrigation Controllers § Soil Moisture Sensor (SMS) – Sensor-based controller § Evapo-Transpiration (ET) – Climate-based controller
Smart Irrigation Technology Study Objectives § Water Use Efficiency § Ease of use by Residential and Commercial Customers § Cost of Operation § Maintenance Issues
Smart Irrigation Technology Study Design § 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 Cost and Partnerships Study Cost - $480, 000 § The Water Research Foundation $150, 000 § South Florida Water Management District $100, 000 § St. Johns River Water Management District $100, 000 § Hunter’s Creek Subdivision In-kind Services § Rain. Bird In-kind Services § Acclima In-kind Services § FL Nursery, Growers, Landscape Assoc. In-kind Services
Smart Irrigation Technology Study § No specific board action required today § Funding agreements with the funding partners will return to BCC on Consent Agenda in May
