February 26, 2008

Board approves Smart Controller program for large landscapes

CVWD is launching a new pilot program to help large landscape customers, such as homeowner associations, reduce water waste and subsequently lower their monthly water bills.

The Large Landscape Smart Controller Rebate Pilot Program will help participants reduce landscape irrigation water use by offering a rebate for the installation of smart controllers. The rebate, based on the size of the landscaped area, will be up to $750 per irrigated acre or 50 percent of the cost of the controller, whichever is less. Participants will be responsible for purchasing and installing the smart controllers while district staff will inspect the installation and verify proper programming. Follow-up inspections and a one-year evaluation will also be available.

Eligible participants include CVWD customers with a dedicated irrigation water meter, including homeowner associations, schools, churches and some businesses.

“Water conservation is an important tool to combating groundwater overdraft and programs like this are essential to helping stakeholders meet conservation goals,” said General Manager-Chief Engineer Steve Robbins.

This new program builds upon the success of the residential smart controller program for single-family homes, in which nearly 500 controllers have been installed to date. This program has saved participants an average 26 percent on their water bill.

Smart controllers save water by self-adjusting according to weather. For example, they are programmed to reduce irrigation in the fall and winter, whereas many homeowners and gardeners will keep a controller set to summer watering needs for the entire year.

The Large Landscape Smart Controller Rebate Pilot Program has the potential for even greater water savings. Water Management staff estimates 97 controllers will be installed under the pilot program, saving approximately 263 acre-feet of water annually.

The district's board of directors approved the program today. It will go into effect immediately. Anyone interested in participating in the program must first complete an application, available by calling Water Management staff at (760) 398-2651.

CVWD is a public agency, governed by a five-member board of directors, that provides domestic and irrigation water, agricultural drainage, wastewater treatment and reclamation services, regional stormwater protection, groundwater management and water conservation across 1,000 square miles, primarily in Riverside County but also in portions of Imperial and San Diego counties.