Desert Water Agency | Irrigation Controllers
Conservation - Conservation
Conservation
Irrigation Controllers
Smart Irrigation Controllers have the potential to save significant amounts of water used for landscaping. Smart controllers customize water times for irrigation systems based on the climate, temperature and evapotranspiration rate.
Thanks to an agreement between Desert Water Agency and CPV Sentinel, DWA launched an expanded Smart Irrigation Controller Program. The program seeks to expand the use of this sophisticated irrigation technology throughout DWA’s service area.
Under the new and expanded program, DWA customers, who are in good standing, can have a new Smart Irrigation Controller installed on their property at no cost to the customer. CPV is funding the program which will be managed by DWA.
In order to participate in the program, single family homeowners will need to fill out this application and submit it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Applications may be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or they can be dropped off at 1200 Gene Autry Trail South, or mailed to PO Box 1710 Palm Springs, CA 92263-1710.
Once approved, DWA staff will contact the applicant to set up installation of the device. A condition of approval is agreement to allow DWA and CPV to track water use in order to track results from this program. Results will also be reported to the California Energy Commission.
Homeowners associations and commercial customers are also eligible to participate but will be handled on a case-by-case basis as there is little uniformity in the needs for those customers. Homeowners’ associations and commercial customers can contact Katie Ruark, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 760-323-4971 ext. 184 for more information.
To learn more about controllers, view our segment on Home Makeover in the Desert.
PSNIC Pilot Program
DWA partnered with the Palm Springs Neighborhood Involvement Committee and distributed 18 controllers to homes in Palm Springs. In one year of that program, homes averaged a savings of 26 percent on their water bills and collectively saved more than 1.23 million gallons of water.
Hunter Inc. has provided the following instructional videos for controller operations:
Programming:
Controller Series - Programming Multiple Programs - Part 1 of 4: Introduction, Time/Date
Controller Series - Programming Multiple Programs - Part 2 of 4: Program A
Controller Series - Programming Multiple Programs - Part 3 of 4: Program B
Solar Sync - Programming - Part 1 of 2: Controller Setup
Solar Sync - Programming - Part 2 of 2: Programming the Solar Sync (Do not use the suggested Solar Sync settings in the manual. For the Palm Springs area start with Region 3, Water multiplier 8)
Troubleshooting:
Controller Series: Canceling Extra Start Times (Controller keeps cycling through stations multiple times.)
