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Smart Irrigation Payback Calculator
Weather-based irrigation controllers cut water usage 15-35% in landscaped multifamily.
Payback years
1.4
Annual savings
$2,200
Net cost
$3,000
How the math works
Water saved = current × savings %. Dollars = water × rate.
800 × 25% = 200 kgal × $11 = $2,200/yr. $3,500 − $500 = $3,000 net. 1.4 yr payback.
How to Use
- Enter current irrigation water usage.
- Enter smart controller cost.
- Enter water + sewer rate per kgal.
- Enter savings %.
- Enter utility rebate.
- Read payback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smart irrigation savings?
Traditional timer-based controllers: water on schedule regardless of weather. Smart controllers (Rachio, Hunter Hydrawise, Rain Bird ESP-TM2): use weather data + soil moisture to optimize. Typical savings: 15-35% water reduction. WaterSense certified smart controllers required for most rebates. Sensor-enhanced systems: 40-60% savings (more capex).
Cost?
Smart controller: $200-800 (residential-grade), $1,500-5,000 (commercial-grade). Installation: $300-1,500 (retrofit existing zones). Soil moisture sensor: $100-400 each, 1-5 per property. Weather station (on-site): $500-2,500 (premium). Cellular connectivity: $10-30/month. Commercial multi-zone (12+ stations): $3-15k total retrofit.
Utility rebates?
SoCal Water (MWD): $35-200 per smart controller + sensors. Denver Water: $25-75 per controller. Austin Water: $100-500. Las Vegas Valley Water: $50-250. New Mexico munis: $100-300. Cash-for-grass programs (replace lawn with desert landscaping): $1-4/sqft. Stack smart controller + drought landscaping + rain barrels: substantial water bill reduction.
Operational benefit?
Controller failures: timer-based systems can run for days unnoticed (broken sprinklers, leaks). Smart controllers: alerts via app, immediate response. Property manager time saved: 2-5 hrs/month on irrigation adjustments. Irrigation system life: extended 20-30% due to better water management. HOA reviews: fewer complaints about overwatering/runoff. Dry climates: compliance with water conservation ordinances.
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