The City of Cedar Hills encourages residential properties to follow water conservation methods throughout the city. Smart Irrigation Controllers are now available to assist residents with water conservation efforts. Weather-based irrigation controllers (WBICs) are a new generation of smart irrigation controllers that use current weather data to properly adapt irrigation schedules.

WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers (Smart Irrigation Controller), which act like a thermostat for your sprinkler system telling it when to turn on and off, use local weather and landscape conditions to tailor watering schedules to actual conditions on the site, instead of irrigating using a controller with a  clock and a preset schedule. WaterSense labeled controllers allow watering schedules to better match plants’ water needs. With proper installation, programming and maintenance, homeowners and businesses can use WaterSense labeled controllers instead of standard clock-timer controllers on their existing systems, and no longer worry about wasted water.

By installing and registering an approved Smart Irrigation Controller with the city, gives an alternative watering option. The weather-based technologies in WaterSense labeled controllers adjust the irrigation system’s station run times based on plants’ watering needs rather than on a preset, fixed schedule. A WaterSense labeled controller automatically reduces the watering times or days when less water is needed, typically during the cooler months. As outdoor temperatures increase or rainfall decreases, labeled controllers adjust irrigation systems’ watering run times or schedule to compensate for the fluctuation. They will automatically alter their irrigation schedules daily or weekly based on site-specific variables, such as soil type, sprinklers’ application rate, and local weather changes.

Smart Irrigation Controllers are required to be registered with the city to be qualify for alternative watering schedules. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program labels WBICs that have been certified by a third party to meet efficiency and performance criteria detailed in the WaterSense Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers. WaterSense labeled controllers must be able to adequately meet the watering needs of a landscape without overwatering. WaterSense labeled controllers are third-party certified to ensure that they meet the WaterSense criteria for efficiency and performance.

In order to register a Smart Irrigation Controller with the City, a resident must show any identifying information unique to that specific Controller, such as the serial number, as well as a photo showing installation has been completed. Please submit this information to codeenforcement@cedarhills.org 

The City will continue to implement outdoor watering restrictions for all residential water users. Homes without approved Smart Controller Watering System will continue to follow the current watering schedule:

All house numbers ending in odd numbers will be allowed to water Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. All house numbers ending in even numbers will be allowed to water Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Additionally, spot watering with a hose is allowed on Sundays. Homes with a Smart Irrigation Controller shall be exempt from these watering restrictions.

Restrictions will be enforced with a warning for the first violation, a $50 fine for the second violation, and a $200 fine for the third and subsequent violations. 

Commercial, church, park, and golf properties may be on different schedules, including daytime watering, to offset water demand. These proposed schedules shall be submitted and approved by the City.

For more information or a list of WaterSense labeled products, visit www.epa.gov/watersense.

We appreciate the continued efforts of residents in helping to conserve our water resources. For information about conservation tips, smart irrigation controllers, water education, rebates, and conservation plans please visit www.conservewater.utah.gov. For more water-smart landscaping tips, please visit www.epa.gov/watersense/landscaping-tips.