In 2020, Klein ISD received $32,500 from the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District’s Water Conservation Grant Program to replace traditional irrigation controllers with smart weather-based irrigation controllers using centralized control systems for their athletic fields.
After installing these new smart irrigation systems, Klein ISD decreased its water usage by 21% (7 MG) saving over $25,000 in 2020. The following year they reported a decrease in water usage by 30% (7.6 MG) saving over $45,000.
Lessons learned:
- Controllers not only saved water, but saved maintenance staff time as well.
- Important to consider IT integration with “smart” irrigation controllers. Coordination between departments is critical to ensure water savings are achieved.
- Even with smart meters – education is needed! Hydrometers (i.e., soil moisture meters) can be used to determine if brown patch signifies the need for additional water or possibly overwatering.
Total Project Cost: $90,382
