Why Your Smart Irrigation Controller Needs an Irrigation Flow Sensor
Irrigation Flow Sensors
Smart irrigation controllers for irrigation systems enable you to have both more automation and more control over your water management. However, all that potential organization and optimization cannot be harnessed unless you also have a flow sensor attached and communicating with your smart controller.
To fully leverage your smart controller capabilities, improve your water usage, and reduce your utility costs, it is essential to incorporate a flow sensor.
What Makes A Smart Controller Smart?
Smart irrigation controllers essentially manage your irrigation scheduling. They control when your irrigation system turns on and off and can adjust watering schedules based on numerous variables. However, smart controllers cannot make automatic adjustments on their own; they require input from other devices such as: weather stations, weather reporting services, rain sensors, soil moisture sensors, and flow sensors. Many smart controllers also provide the end user with more control of the system remotely using a smartphone app.
Why Is A Flow Sensor Important?
Flow sensors are the true gatekeepers of water management. They monitor the system 24/7 and are the eyes of the smart controller. If water is flowing when it shouldn’t be, the flow sensor alerts the smart controller to close the master valve and shut off the system and alert the water manager. For example, an irrigation flow sensor can detect a leak in the irrigation piping. It can detect a broken sprinkler head by the increase in flow rate of that watering zone or detect a stuck zone valve by the decrease in expected flow. The flow sensor can also monitor a rain sensor to make sure it eliminates the watering cycle after a rain event, preventing overwatering and generating cost savings from a utility usage standpoint.
July was Smart Water Month. But smart Water Management should last the whole year. With the high temperatures and increased rainfall this summer, there is no better time to ensure your smart irrigation controller is integrated with a flow sensor to improve water management and water conservation efforts.
The Benefits of Integrating Your Smart Irrigation Controller With A Flow Sensor
As mentioned above, installing a flow sensor will enable you to fully utilize your smart irrigation controller’s capabilities, streamlining your water management processes. Incorporating a flow sensor and pairing it with a smart irrigation controller creates several benefits including:
- Reduces the risk of overwatering, which can lead to soil, facility, or plant/crop damage
- Helps to maintain compliance with watering restrictions or bans
- Creates cost savings by making intelligent watering schedule changes
- Allows contractors, managers, and homeowners to control and monitor water management virtually through the mobile app
- Prioritizes environmentally friendly water usage actions, optimized for maximum benefit
Did You Know?
1. CST Flow Sensors Are Designed to Meet Your Needs
At CST, we proudly manufacture flow sensors at our facility in New Hampshire to meet the varying needs of our customers, depending on their specific irrigation system requirements. We offer the following types of sensors:
2. CST Flow Sensors Are Compatible With All Smart Controllers
Not all controllers are smart. Many controllers may be accessed remotely through a cell phone app, but that does not make them capable of integrating flow sensors, weather information, or other features. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to ensure you get the features you need. CST offers flow sensors with a variety of signal outputs to ensure compatibility with most smart controllers. Check with CST to make sure you purchase the correct model to meet your needs and application.
3. CST Flow Sensors & Control Products Are Available Worldwide
Our flow sensors and irrigation control products are available through a variety of trusted distributors across the United States, ensuring you have the irrigation system products and technology you need, when you need it. We also partner with our valued international distributors to serve our customers worldwide and reduce lead times.
4. Installing A Smart Sensor Significantly Reduces Water Usage & Utility Costs
CST flow sensors are designed for the rugged conditions of underground installation. They are easy to install and maintain.
What Are Your Irrigation Needs & Goals?
The experts at CST are here to work with you to understand your irrigation needs and goals. Our knowledgeable team can answer your flow sensor and control questions, providing guidance on how to maximize the benefits of your irrigation system and optimize your water management.
Have questions about our smart sensor products? Contact us today!