Laserfiche WebLink
5.01: Receive Presentation on Irrigation System Components and an Overview of Incentive <br /> Programs <br /> City Planner Anderson introduced the topic and guest speaker Russ Jundt of Conserva Irrigation, <br /> and stated that Mr. Jundt would provide a presentation on water conserving technologies available <br /> for irrigation systems and an overview of Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association(MNLA) <br /> incentive/rebate programs that encourage use of these newer technologies. <br /> Russ Jundt, Conserva Irrigation, shared a presentation that outlined his background and explained <br /> water conservation as it relates to irrigation in residential, commercial, and municipal areas with <br /> over 46 million residential irrigation systems nationwide. He stated irrigation systems waste more <br /> water than any other source. <br /> Councilmember John LeTourneau asked if the waste comes from systems not being designed <br /> properly. <br /> Mr. Jundt explained components are very inexpensive and that every head needs to be check- <br /> valved, which is not an expensive upgrade. He said zoning needs to be done per micro-climates <br /> and that a smart controller is much better than a simple timer in saving water. He shared a sketch <br /> outlining zones versus time watering and explained how less watering is needed in April versus <br /> August which results in massive overwatering. Mr. Jundt explained how rain sensors operate like <br /> a"snooze alarm" and shuts off but then returns to programmed time resulting in overwatering. He <br /> said smart controllers can be programmed based on weather data by zip code which saves <br /> substantial amounts of water and shared an example in a Hugo homeowners association where <br /> over 2,200 sprinkler heads were broken in their 7,800 head system. <br /> Mr. Jundt shared changing industry dynamics including landscaping demand, control <br /> consumption, increased pricing, fines, and penalties and said most water wasted is through <br /> irrigation systems. He shared how smart controllers can reduce water usage by 40-60% and that <br /> they developed a proprietary system where low scores provide motivation. He shared their <br /> partnerships with Toro and The Wyland Foundation which are dedicated to water conservation. <br /> Mr.Jundt displayed samples of ET sensors and controllers and outlined the Metropolitan Council's <br /> water efficiency grant program and cities who offer rebates, adding the return on investment for <br /> commercial systems can be seen in days and residential systems within one to two seasons. <br /> City Planner Anderson asked if ET sensors are different than soil moisture sensors. <br /> Mr. Jundt said ET sensors are different as they operate based on 40 years of weather data. <br /> Board Member Trossen inquired about the life expectancy of these controllers. <br /> Mr. Jundt replied controllers are warrantied up to five years and that data is updated every year. <br /> Chairperson Stodola asked how much would be added to a system in new construction. <br /> Mr. Jundt said smart controllers cost$250-350 more than standard controllers on new installations. <br /> Environmental Policy Board/January 18, 2017 <br /> Page 2 of 8 <br />