Once again California seems on the brink of a drought, so perhaps it’s time to optimise your outdoor water consumption using one of the smart irrigation control systems now available. There are more and more devices coming onto the market, most drawing on local weather data to make sure you only water when you actually need to. New controllers from companies such as Rachio also come with apps that help you set up the most appropriate irrigation patterns for each of the zones in your particular garden. Research by the EPA has suggested that you can save thousands of gallons of water annually!
As well as being great for water conservation, a smart controller that’s integrated into your smart home allows real customisation. Why not have the front lawn sprinklers shut off when you open your front door, or have a zone that’s triggered by a motion detector to keep nighttime wildlife off your lawn? Now, for the ultimate convenience pick one with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility for hands-free control.
It’s also probably cheaper than you think. EBMUD currently have a rebate program that could refund $75 of the cost of a qualifying smart controller (please do check their website for eligibility and conditions).
Is it time to make your garden smart?
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