Take control of your water use by learning how to set and check your sprinkler controller. 

Look for signs of unexpected sprinkler settings

In many cases of high water use, improper controller programming—including unexpected second or third watering cycles—is the culprit. If you notice unexpected damp grass or wet spots on your driveway/sidewalk, these settings could be to blame. Hybrid controllers offer options for multiple programs and start times in A, B and C cycles. If you aren’t confident in your settings, a licensed irrigation professional can help optimize them according to your lawn’s needs.

Check your sprinkler program settings after a power outage

Power outages can reset your sprinkler programming to factory settings, causing older sprinklers to run much longer and more frequently than desired. Reset your program settings and replace your system’s battery backup if you notice unwanted changes following a power outage.

Understand your SMART sprinkler controller

SMART irrigation systems automatically adjust your sprinkler run times and frequency based on local weather data. If you don’t want to be bothered with monitoring this data yourself, SMART controllers are a time-saving solution that can reduce water waste during most of the year. However, homeowners with SMART irrigation systems experience a more significant rise in water use during the hottest, driest part of the summer as the system automatically compensates for lack of rain. Understanding the way your SMART controller works can help you plan your water use and budget accordingly.