80 likes | 93 Views
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.
E N D
Orange County UtilitiesWater 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 Study Objectives • Water Use Efficiency • Ease of use by Residential and Commercial Customers • Cost of Operation • Maintenance Issues
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 Study Design
Smart Irrigation Technology Study Study Cost and Partnerships • The Water Research Foundation • South Florida Water Management District • St. Johns River Water Management District • Hunter’s Creek Subdivision • RainBird • Acclima • FL Nursery, Growers, Landscape Assoc. Study Cost - $480,000 $150,000 $100,000 $100,000 In-kind Services In-kind Services In-kind Services 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