Orange County Board of County Commissioners Orange County Utilities Water Conservation Program Smart Irrigation Technology Study Presented to: Orange County Board of County Commissioners April 28, 2009

Water Use and Irrigation Relationship Smart Irrigation Technology Study Water Use and Irrigation Relationship The average household use for irrigation in Orange County is more than 50% The average in-ground irrigation system is operating at 40-45% efficiency Automated irrigation systems typically apply 2-3 times more water than landscape requires Smart irrigation may reduce water used for irrigation by 69 to 92% on typical Central Florida home

Smart versus Standard Irrigation Smart Irrigation Technology Study Smart versus Standard Irrigation Standard Irrigation Controllers set for specific days, times, and duration regardless of climatic conditions Smart Irrigation Starts only when the landscaped area falls below moisture capacity and stops when the soil reaches a certain water saturation point

Types of Smart Irrigation Controllers Smart Irrigation Technology Study Types of Smart Irrigation Controllers Soil Moisture Sensor (SMS) Sensor-based controller Evapo-Transpiration (ET) Climate-based controller 4

Study Objectives Water Use Efficiency Smart Irrigation Technology Study Study Objectives Water Use Efficiency Ease of use by Residential and Commercial Customers Cost of Operation Maintenance Issues

Study Design Smart Irrigation Technology Study Principal Investigator is the University of Florida/IFAS Dr. Michael Dukes 160 properties included in the study with approximately 70% being residential and 30% commercial Target high water users Studying two (2) soil types Equipment installed by contractors trained to ensure uniformity of installation The study will last 3-years 6

Study Cost and Partnerships Smart Irrigation Technology Study Study Cost and Partnerships Study Cost - $480,000 The Water Research Foundation South Florida Water Management District St. Johns River Water Management District Hunter’s Creek Subdivision RainBird Acclima FL Nursery, Growers, Landscape Assoc. $150,000 $100,000 In-kind Services

No specific board action required today Smart Irrigation Technology Study No specific board action required today Funding agreements with the funding partners will return to BCC on Consent Agenda in May