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New Conservation Ordinance
Affects All Sprinkler System Owners
Attention all sprinkler system owners – rain sensors are
here to stay. Part of the 2005 conservation ordinance outlines
water-saving provisions concerning residential
and commercial owners of irrigation
systems (i.e. in-ground sprinklers).
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Rain sensors like the one pictured will be
required on all existing sprinkler systems as
of January 2006. SAWS recommends sensors with hygroscopic
disks -- not collector cups.
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Starting January 2006, rain sensors will be required on all in-ground
sprinkler systems. Rain sensors are designed to override the normal
cycle of your irrigation system, shutting it off when an adequate
amount of rainfall has been received.
"Part of this ordinance is basically following through with decisions that were made two years ago," says Dana Nichols, conservation planner. "Rain sensors are a great idea for many reasons. They let your sprinklers run only when it’s needed which conserves water, saves you money, and protects your lawn from the effects of over-watering.”
If SAWS customers do not install rain sensors and a complaint is made, they will only receive one warning before being issued a water waster ticket. (Note: Watering on the wrong day or time may result in a citation being issued without prior warning, if witnessed in person by an enforcement officer.)
What is a Rain Sensor?
Rain sensors are designed to shut off the common line of your irrigation system and override the cycle of an automatic irrigation system when an adequate amount of rainfall has been received.
How do Rain Sensors Work?
The technology of sensors is quite simple, rain sensors interrupt the electrical flow from the controller that would otherwise activate the valve. As a result, no "make-up" watering is done if a scheduled watering is interrupted or deleted all together by the action of a sensor.
Where to install the Rain Sensor?
The closer the rain sensor is to the controller the better. The ideal location for mounting a rain sensor is not always the most practical location. The following locations are recommended:
- Building roof
- Light post
- On or near a satellite dish
- Fence top
- Any open area
Which Rain Sensor should I choose?
There are a variety of rain sensors on the market. The best way to figure out which one fits your needs – and to determine whether or not you’ll need help installing a rain sensor – is to contact a professional irrigation supplier. These companies all have well-trained staffs to help you select the right equipment and explain installation procedures. Write down the make and model number of your irrigation system (usually found on the control box/timer) and visit one of these locations:
AMC Industries Inc.
3535 Metro Pkwy
San Antonio, Texas 78247
210-545-2266
Longhorn Irrigation Supply Company
403 Nakoma
San Antonio, Texas 78316
210-340-3516
13439 Bandera Rd.
San Antonio, Texas 78023
210-695-3516
Ewing Irrigation and Industrial Products
8506 Gault Ln.
San Antonio, Texas 78209
210-828-9530
15480 Capital Port Dr.
San Antonio, Texas 78249
210-479-2888
Waterzone
17645 Blanco Road (behind Longhorn Café)
San Antonio, Tx 78232
PH 210-408-9090
FAX 210-408-8282
For more information on the city's new conservation ordinance,
or details specifically about rain sensors, please read our frequently-asked
questions or call us at (210) 704-SAVE.
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