A hot topic of conversation over the backyard fence this year is water conservation. From drought-tolerant plant species to the best grass for low-maintenance lawns, there’s a desire among homeowners everywhere to use as little water as possible. Smart home technology has a role in this movement. Read More
Deliver the optimal amount of water to your garden and yard using smart watering systems.
Deliver the optimal amount of water to your garden and yard using smart watering systems.
A hot topic of conversation over the backyard fence this year is water conservation. From drought-tolerant plant species to the best grass for low-maintenance lawns, there’s a desire among homeowners everywhere to use as little water as possible. Smart home technology has a role in this movement.
Within the last five years, underground sprinkler or irrigation technology has made giant strides into the smart world with controllers that automate watering schedules based on real-time data. Like other types of WiFi-enabled home automation equipment that operate lighting, appliances, garage door openers, heating and security systems, a controller can be installed to more fully automate an existing outdoor sprinkler system. It’s the brain that will find out whether rain is in the forecast or if it’s going to be hot during the day before it enables operation. Soil moisture sensors, which have been on the market for some time, can detect how much water is in the soil to prevent overwatering, but controllers take it one step further.
“Through WiFi, the controller will connect to Environment Canada and depending on the conditions, it will override whatever schedule you’ve programmed,” says Abe Preisinger, owner of Quality Sprinkler. “If you’re on a three-day a week schedule and the forecast says rain, it will bypass one of those days and the water won’t come on.”
If the irrigation program is set to water for 30 minutes, it may extend or shorten that watering time depending on the temperature.
“If it’s above 30 degrees Celcius, it may only water for 15 minutes. If it’s only 17 or 18 degrees, it might water longer,” he says. “As long as Environment Canada’s weather information is accurate.”
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Zone controls on a smart system can divide a yard into areas and will water according to parameters such as sun exposure, soil type and plant needs that are programmed into the system. Flow sensors can detect leaks or unusual usage and alert users through an app.
“You can control everything with your phone,” Preisinger says.
Robotic or autonomous irrigation systems are on the horizon, in which water is delivered to exactly where its needed which will further improve water efficiency.
Prices for underground sprinklers and a controller vary depending on the size of lot, but on average they start in the $5,000 to $6,000 range. Quality Sprinklers is one of hundreds of exhibitors on hand at the 2025 Edmonton Home and Garden Show running March 27 to 30 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Check the show website for show hours, ticket prices and a schedule of experts speakers on the Home and Garden Stage.
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