Ordinance Mandates Smart Irrigation

With water shortages plaguing much of the US, it's no shock to learn of a new residential irrigation restriction going into effect. But as the drought continues to worsen, cities are now demanding that residents use smart irrigation systems as well.

Highland Park, Illinois' new Water Conservation and Efficiency Initiative goes into effect this spring and includes odd/even sprinkling restrictions and a tiered rate plan for all residents. Also, effective May 1, 2013 all newly installed lawn irrigation systems are to be equipped with soil moisture sensors that meet USEPA WaterSense standard.

The city council has approved a new Water Conservation & Efficiency (WCE) Initiative that entails the following water waste reduction measures:

1. Tiered Rate Plan effective July 1, 2013 for all residents
2. Odd/Even Sprinkling Restrictions
3. Smart Sensors Installation on New Lawn Sprinkling Systems effective May 1, 2013
4. Public Education on Water Conservation & Efficiency

Smart Irrigation Benefits
Landscape contractors looking to sell their clients on a smart irrigation system can cite many benefits, as well as the fact that as droughts worsen, such irrigation systems are the wave of the future.