Smart Irrigation
Customers who take the steps to equip their irrigation systems with approved state of the art equipment called smart controllers will receive a special irrigation water use rate. These smart controllers are designed to reduce water demand and curtail water runoff. In addition, participants will be required to have a separate meter for their irrigation system as well as a fully functioning and annually tested backflow device.
This program is estimated to help customers reduce their summertime watering demand by 20 +% and to produce healthier landscapes.
What is a Smart Controller?
A smart controller is a device that initiates the activation of the irrigation system in response to site-specific data - such as plant material, soil conditions, slope, sun exposure, wind coefficient, and evapotranspiration rate - all programmed into the device by the installer. In addition, the controller maintains a live link to a weather satellite to factor in current weather conditions and recent rain events.
An additional benefit is the ability of the controller to control the application of the water not to exceed the absorption rate of the soil, thereby curtailing excessive runoff to receiving storm drains and waterways.
Charlotte Water no longer maintains a list of approved Smart Controllers (Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers). Consistent with our position of supporting EPA "Water Sense" Labeling for weather-based irrigation controllers, we will only be accepting EPA Water Sense approved controller for meeting requirements of the Smart Irrigation Rate Incentive Program after July 1st 2013.
Previously installed and properly functioning controllers meeting the temporary approved list that was published prior to July 1st.2013 can remain in service. Any replacement of smart controllers after July 1st 2013 will have to meet the current requirement of being EPA Water Sense.
A list of approved controllers that will meet the City's Smart Irrigation Rate Incentive Program requirements is available on the EPA's WaterSense website.
What are the incentives to participate?
Irrigation Meter Purchase
Customers who install a separate irrigation meter can spread the connection fees over 12 monthly payments, which will be included on their Charlotte Water bill. Two connection options are available: a single split service line or a dedicated service line. As an added incentive, capacity fees for residential split-service irrigation meters have been eliminated.
Smart Irrigation Rate
Customers with only an irrigation meter may be billed at Tier 3 and Tier 4 rates, depending on water use.
Customers who enroll in the Smart Irrigation Program and install a qualifying smart irrigation controller are eligible to have their irrigation use capped at the Tier 3 rate. This helps participants avoid the higher Tier 4 rate while promoting more efficient outdoor water use.
Additional Resources:
How to enroll?
The program requires annual recertification, which consists of submitting the program application and the annual backflow test each year. Please submit the completed forms via fax, email, or mail.
Fax: 704-632-8351
Email: watersmart@charlottenc.gov
Mail:
City of Charlotte
Attn: E-Team
10101 Claude Freeman Drive, Suite 250W
Charlotte, NC 28262
The criteria for the program, the enrollment forms, and instructions are available at the links provided. Once an application is verified and the account is enrolled, the new irrigation rate will be applied to the customer's bill in the next month's bill cycle.
For more information, contact CharMeck 311 or email watersmart@charlottenc.gov.