Smart sprinkler controllers can make a big difference in water management and water conservation in homes, businesses and golf courses,” says a past-president of the Lethbridge chapter of the Irrigation Association.

Tom Bourassa, of Bluegrass Irrigation Consulting, said smart sprinkler controllers reduce outdoor water use by monitoring and using information about site conditions, such as soil moisture, rain, wind, slope of the land, and soil and plant type.

With that data, the smart controllers can call for the application of the right amount of water – not too much or too little – to maintain healthy growing conditions.

It you have land that absorbs water very slowly or with steep slopes, smart controllers will use that information and apply less water more frequently to minimize run-off.

There are tips when considering smart controllers, said Bourassa.

Smart controllers work better when the entire sprinkler system is working optimally. “That’s why it’s important to conduct a full sprinkler system inspection before installing the controller,” he said.

Bourassa recommends working with a professional where, generally, they are only available either through irrigation or landscape contractors.

The (irrigation) association has a list of professional firms certified to install smart controllers.