Web based smart controllers- irrigation
By Steve Economou
Benefits to HOAs
“ The city will not raise water rates even though the city’ s wholesale water costs will increase 9.6 % at the beginning of 2013,” announced Mayor Jerry Saunders on October 10th, 2012. That is the temporary good news for city residents. For all of San Diego County water users, though, rates are going up. It is inevitable.
Solutions from the water suppliers include enforced conservation, smart water meters, watering restrictions, alternate sources of water like gray-water, and other more drastic ideas. A better way is to look to our own properties and learn to find savings from within. We don’ t want to wait for imposed restrictions since some currently available solutions are painless and provide a better quality of service to HOAs as side benefits.
Increasingly, HOAs are turning to web-based irrigation controllers, also called timers, as a streamlined way to save significant amounts of water and money. Web-based controllers give
• precision information
• flexible scheduling
• extensive alerts
that get delivered to and from centralized systems and can even deliver information to smart phones for remote operation. A professional landscape maintenance company should be expected to understand, control and manage this technology.
Capabilities
Web Based Smart Controllers are remote, wireless irrigation products that use the power of the Internet and mobile devices. Most systems consist of the following:
• Wireless Network Units- handheld devices for field work
• Valve Controllers- one for each valve
• Pump Control- a relay-switch for electric pumps
• Sensors- for flow and water level information
• Software- on the Internet, plus there may be apps to install on mobile devices
• Support- professional support to install and maintain your system
How it works
Most smart irrigation solutions employ a weather and evapotranspiration formula to apply water. You define information such as plant type, soil, sprinkler head precipitation rates and sun exposure and then the system software automatically recommends the best watering schedule for your landscape. The success of the system and the amount of water saved is closely- perhaps more importantly- tied to how well your landscape company inputs, updates and manages this information.
Central Management Using Web or Cloud Based Technology
A smart irrigation system will manage your site without requiring a dedicated computer. You will be able to alter irrigation schedules, control and change water zones, and program irrigation stops and starts. You will also be able to track water consumption through detailed statistical reports and charts. Being able to export this information to spreadsheets then allows further capabilities.
Remote Access from smart phones
You can also access and manage your irrigation from a smart phone. Vendors provide free apps for most popular brands, like iPhone, Blackberry, and Android.
Changing conditions
As weather cycles through seasonal rain patterns and multiyear periods of wet and dry, your system will continue to give you feedback about the effect on your water usage. Having this information allows you to fine-tune the management of your HOA water use. If you re-landscape an area, you will update the conditions in the software and the program will change watering times, etc. timers
Weather data sources
Smart irrigation depends on having accurate weather sources in order to function properly. Most vendors partner with organizations such as NOAA and Weather Underground to gain access to forecasting as well as the extensive network of weather stations. This data is part of the calculations used to create watering schedules, then to close the loop by using feedback on actual events.
Automatic Failure Alerts and Notification
The systems can automatically detect faults in pipes, valves, solenoids, and sprinkler heads. A smart controller should notify the user of detected malfunctions via email and text messages. The best smart irrigation solutions may even automatically detect and manage events by shutting off zones in case of a broken sprinkler head.
Evaluation Points
Ease of Use
Every company develops what they think is an easy-to-use system. Explore this yourself. Any new system will take some education, so take your time. What you are looking for is telltale signs that this software was developed without an“ end-user” perspective. Look for places where there seem to be too many buttons pushed, or too many steps to make changes to the alerts and controls.
Ease of Maintenance
There are three areas to consider: how much time does system maintenance require, who can do it and will the vendor do it? Upon installation, there will be an intense period of adjustment and a learning curve. Be prepared for it. Ask about what level of expertise is required to maintain the system and ensure that someone within your vendor’ s organization is well-trained.
Remote Access
Create a typical scenario and find out if the manufacturer can accommodate the chain of command you require for notification of key personnel. Note the complexity and the reliability. Ensure the system uses existing communication infrastructures such as the Internet and the smart phones that key personnel are using.
Pricing Plans
There are two major pricing philosophies: upfront capital outlay or monthly ongoing fee services. The financial structure of your HOA may mean that a capital outlay would make conversion to these systems difficult. In that case, check with your potential vendors for either a leasing plan, which can be an operating expense or a monthly service fee. Service plans may include monthly charges plus some annual fees so ask careful questions to ensure you capture all the relevant costs.
Total Cost of Ownership
Total cost of ownership is a financial estimate to help you determine direct and indirect costs. This may include analyzing long-term plans and ensuring that you will keep your existing landscaping as well as irrigation system in place. If you are planning major changes, make sure you will still be able to gain savings from your web based smart controller system without major equipment changes. Look for any local tax credits or rebate programs
Web Based Smart Controllers are Worth Considering
If your HOA is looking for ways to save water, being responsive to homeowner needs, and using technology to streamline operations, then Web Based Smart Controllers are an important tool. Research is key, so spend the time to fully understand your environment, how several products will suit your needs, and how the company you buy from will support you. If this seems overwhelming, feel free to contact me and I will be glad to help your Association understand this technology. You will then be well on your way to an updated system. HOA
Steve Economou, is the CEO of Rainscape Environmental Management founded in 1982, Steve’ s vision has led the company through nearly three decades of continuous growth. Steve has been a prominent influence in defining the landscape management industry and establishing its professional and ethical standards. He is a sought-after mentor in the California Landscape Contractors Association and has given generously to industry partners in an effort to promote a sense of satisfaction and achievement amongst aspiring business people.
Recently, Steve developed multiple philanthropic efforts and is working to pass forward knowledge and leadership skills. He has been married to his childhood girlfriend Diane for the last 23 years, after courting from the ages of fifteen and thirteen respectfully. They share the pride of their three children Dana, Christian and Amanda.
RainScape Environmental Management 8322 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. # 112 San Diego, CA 92111( 858) 650-3398
10 | The HOA Board Quarterly | Issue # 4 | Fall 2012 Fall 2012 | Issue # 4 | The HOA Board Quarterly | 11