Port Washington Water District Achieves Significant Water Savings Through Smart Irrigation System Controller Pilot Program

The Port Washington Water District (PWWD) has achieved a substantial irrigation water savings as a result of their Smart Irrigation System Controller Pilot Program. At the end of the four month pilot, the District saw a savings of more than 52,000 gallons when compared to water usage in 2015. The District began piloting the Smart Irrigation System Controller at its headquarters in May 2016 to test the validity of this innovative water saving technology.

“We are very impressed with how well this technology worked and the amount of water savings we were able to achieve,” said David Brackett, Chairman of the Port Washington Water District Board of Commissioners. “Using this easy to install device on our small piece of property, we managed to reduce our irrigation water use by over 70 percent this summer while keeping both our lawn and landscaping healthy and green. It’s exciting, especially when you think about the level of water savings we could achieve if this technology was widely utilized throughout our community.”

The PWWD committed to testing the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller, an EPA WaterSense labeled technology, as part of their “Be Smart and Green, Save 15” water conservation campaign—an initiative aimed at reducing water consumption by 15 percent. Using the Districts Wi-Fi network, the controller not only links to local weather stations, but sensors placed throughout the irrigation system which monitor precipitation, soil temperature, and evapotranspiration rates. The controller also allows the user to program each zone in the irrigation system regarding levels of sun or shade, grass type, as well as the number of shrubs/plants. These features and the entire irrigation system of a home can be controlled through any smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

“We are hopeful the technology’s proven results and ease of use will encourage residents and business owners throughout the Port Washington peninsula to install a similar device on their irrigation system,” said Port Washington Water District Commissioner Mindy Germain. “The District is actively searching for ways to further incentivize the widespread adoption of this technology and will keep the community updated if such opportunities become available.”

Within a month of launching the pilot program, the District realized the effectiveness of smart irrigation controller technology and has since adopted rules requiring all new irrigation systems to install an EPA certified WaterSense labelled irrigation controller.

WaterSense is a partnership program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that seeks to protect the future of the nation’s water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water with water-efficient products. These products have played a crucial role in reducing a cumulative 1.5 trillion gallons of water, and $32.6 billion in water and energy bills since its inception in 2006. The PWWD is a promotional partner in the EPA’s WaterSense program.

For more information on the use and installation of smart irrigation system controllers, please contact the PWWD at 516.767.0171 or visit our website at www.pwwd.org .

The Port Washington Water District was established in 1913 and serves more than 30,000 residents of North Hempstead, including Port Washington and the villages of Port Washington North, Manorhaven, Baxter Estates, Flower Hill and Plandome Manor.