New pilot program aims to help residents save Fort Worth water

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as much as 50 percent of household water is wasted due to overwatering caused by inefficiencies in irrigation, a news release said.

A new pilot research study called Fort Worth Friendly Landscapes aims to help Fort Worth become more water efficient by testing weather-based irrigation controller technology for residences.

Participants must agree to participate in two surveys and allow a review of their water consumption history.

Participation is limited to 140 households and residents selected for the pilot will receive a free irrigation controller after attending a workshop at Water Works Learning Center, located at 1801 Circle Drive.

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Participants must install the controller within 30 days of receiving it and assistance with installation is available for those who need it, the release said. City representatives will assess water use to gauge the water savings potential of this type of controller technology. The release explained that these “smart controllers” aim to significantly reduce overwatering by applying water only when plants need it, resulting in a potential savings of up to 8,800 gallons per year.

According to the release, to qualify as a Fort Worth Friendly Landscapes participant, residents must have:

— An active Fort Worth water account

— A sprinkler system with no more than 12 zones

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— An irrigation controller that does not already have Wi-Fi capability.

For more information visit http://fortworthtexas.gov/savefwwater/irrigation.