San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
SAWS will pay you for ‘smart’ sprinklers
Traditional home irrigation systems don’t think for themselves. You set them to water at certain times, and that’s what they do.
“Smart” irrigation controllers automatically adjust the dials based on weather conditions. If it just rained or rain is in the forecast, they will turn off the sprinklers or shorten the watering period. They also can make minute adjustments based on temperature, humidity, wind, the intensity of sunlight and other factors.
Smart controllers can reduce water usage by 20 percent or more. That’s why the San Antonio Water System will front you $100 toward the purchase of one.
Here are the details.
Who’s eligible?
Any SAWS residential customer in good standing who has an in-ground irrigation system, a smartphone and strong WiFi.
Why should I do this?
You can save water and money. Smart controllers also offer convenience: It’s easier to track your water consumption, and you can shut off your system or adjust its settings remotely.
How do they work?
Smart controllers are internetconnected devices that use hyper-local weather data to adjust your irrigation settings. For instance, your controller will skip watering cycles, or shorten them, if we’ve just had rain or rain is in the forecast. It also will tinker
with your settings to reflect soil conditions in your yard, the slope, the amount of shade cover, the type of plantings and the kind of sprinkler heads.
How does it know about my plantings, soil conditions and sprinkler heads?
It will ask you to input that information.
Any asterisks?
A few. Bear in mind that weather-based adjustments work both ways. Your smart controller will reduce water use during
wet, cool periods, but it will call for more watering when it’s hot and dry. That’s why SAWS is careful to say, in the participation agreement you have to sign to get the $100 discount, that a smart controller does not “guarantee” water savings.
Also, SAWS will not install your smart controller. You’ll have to do it yourself or hire a contractor. And SAWS does not offer technical support or a warranty. That’s up to the manufacturer.
Having a smart controller does not give you a pass on droughtrelated watering restrictions.
Can I install any smart controller I want?
No. To qualify for the $100 SAWS discount, you have to buy a SAWS-approved model, and right now, there’s just one: the Rachio 3.
How far does that $100 go to cover the cost?
Pretty far. Rachio says its Rachio 3 normally sells for $174.99 plus tax. If you have a SAWS coupon, the price is $74.99 plus tax.
What if I try it and don’t like it?
You can hang on to your oldschool controller and reinstall it any time, without penalty.
I’ve heard enough. How do I apply?
First, read the FAQ provided by SAWS at www.gardenstylesanantonio.com/. To find a link to it, go to the WaterSaver Programs tab and click on “Smart Irrigation Controller Coupon” under Residential Coupons & Rebates.
Then give the participation agreement (a link to it also is on the “Smart Irrigation Controller Coupon” page) a once-over, and read up on the Rachio 3 (click the “Eligible Products” button on that same page) and at https://go.rachio.com/saws/.
Now you’re ready to complete and submit your online application (scroll down to the bottom of the “Smart Irrigation Controller Coupon” page and click on the “Apply Now” button).
Then what?
Within two weeks, SAWS will email you a code for your $100 discount and a link to a site where you can order your Rachio 3.
Any fine print?
You have to install the smart controller within 30 days of receiving it, and you must contact SAWS if you have problems installing it. If you don’t, SAWS will revoke the discount and bill the $100 to your account.
What if I want to talk to a human being about this?
Call 210-704-SAWS (7283).