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