Irrigation water RATES

[edjoe326]

Why are the irrigation water rates so much higher that reg. water ? Did we not pay for the infra-structure to build the system with the BOND when we purchased ? I have a corner lot which is slightly bigger than the average lot but to keep the grass green it would cost upwards of $200 a month . No wonder there are so many burnt out lawns ! Being from N.Y. I am use to being ripped off , but don't think we don't know it ! Why is the cost of this system so high to maintain ?

[retiredguy123]

On a per gallon basis, irrigation water is a lot cheaper than potable water. You pay a per gallon rate for the potable water, but that amount is doubled because they also charge the same amount for sewer water, based on the amount of potable water you used.

[dewilson58]

Why are the irrigation water rates so much higher that reg. water ? Did we not pay for the infra-structure to build the system with the BOND when we purchased ? I have a corner lot which is slightly bigger than the average lot but to keep the grass green it would cost upwards of $200 a month . No wonder there are so many burnt out lawns ! Being from N.Y. I am use to being ripped off , but don't think we don't know it ! Why is the cost of this system so high to maintain ?


$200/Mth??.............you are over watering.....any size lot.


How many gallons are you using??....How many times per week are you watering??...How long of runtimes for sprays & rotors??



Maybe a leak.

[Toymeister]

Potable water is subject to oversight, certainly by Governmental officials which, at the very least, would act upon mass public outrage.

Irrigation water, now that is just a bill. The only help you will get is 'suck it up buttercup'.

[Stu from NYC]

When we were first here somehow the system was set for 45 minute watering 3 days a week.

We cut it down to 15 minutes and lawn looks great and cost of irrigation water a lot cheaper.

Could probably reduce to 2x a week but like the looks of our lawn and shrubs so leaving it alone

[retiredguy123]

$200/Mth??.............you are over watering.....any size lot.


How many gallons are you using??....How many times per week are you watering??...How long of runtimes for sprays & rotors??



Maybe a leak.
At $200 per month, he is using about 89,000 gallons, or about 3,000 gallons per day.

[Topspinmo]

Why are the irrigation water rates so much higher that reg. water ? Did we not pay for the infra-structure to build the system with the BOND when we purchased ? I have a corner lot which is slightly bigger than the average lot but to keep the grass green it would cost upwards of $200 a month . No wonder there are so many burnt out lawns ! Being from N.Y. I am use to being ripped off , but don't think we don't know it ! Why is the cost of this system so high to maintain ?

You’re probably watering the street drain more than you’re yard? Adjust sprinkler heads and evaluate time of each station. If you’re watering for 30 mins and have 15 mins of run off guess where you watering money going? Down the storm drain.

[CWGUY]

When we were first here somehow the system was set for 45 minute watering 3 days a week.

We cut it down to 15 minutes and lawn looks great and cost of irrigation water a lot cheaper.

Could probably reduce to 2x a week but like the looks of our lawn and shrubs so leaving it alone

:icon_wink: If anyone is interested...... the rule is 2x a week.

http://www.thevillageswaterwisdom.com/cdd-1-13-irrigation-schedule/ :ho:

[Bilyclub]

Why are the irrigation water rates so much higher that reg. water ? Did we not pay for the infra-structure to build the system with the BOND when we purchased ? I have a corner lot which is slightly bigger than the average lot but to keep the grass green it would cost upwards of $200 a month . No wonder there are so many burnt out lawns ! Being from N.Y. I am use to being ripped off , but don't think we don't know it ! Why is the cost of this system so high to maintain ?

Wait until you get contractor quotes for things around the house.

[gatorbill1]

My sprinklers have been off for 2 months and lawn looks same as neighbors that are watering 2-4 days a week. Doesn't look bad.

[dewilson58]

:icon_wink: If anyone is interested...... the rule is 2x a week.

http://www.thevillageswaterwisdom.com/cdd-1-13-irrigation-schedule/ :ho:


Badges??.........we don't need no stinking badges.

[crash]

:icon_wink: If anyone is interested...... the rule is 2x a week.

http://www.thevillageswaterwisdom.com/cdd-1-13-irrigation-schedule/ :ho:

If you water twice a week for 30 minutes or 3 times a week for 15 minutes you will use the same amount of water but your plants will be much happier with the 3 times a week. Our soil is so sandy the water does not stick around very long in the soil.

[villagetinker]

OP, you may need to have a technician look at your controller, a few months ago I had a high bill (37,000 gallons), had the reading checked, etc. I then manually checked each zone for leaks, broken sprinkler heads for all 36 sprinklers, found 2 that were not spraying correctly, and none broken or leaking. Called tech, he found that some how I had 3 (or 4) watering programs running so I was watering about 12 times per week! He completely deleted all the programs, and reprogrammed then fixed the sprinklers and i am back to normal usage for this time of year.

[Stu from NYC]

:icon_wink: If anyone is interested...... the rule is 2x a week.

http://www.thevillageswaterwisdom.com/cdd-1-13-irrigation-schedule/ :ho:

Thanks will change to 2x.

[egmcaninch]

On a per gallon basis, irrigation water is a lot cheaper than potable water. You pay a per gallon rate for the potable water, but that amount is doubled because they also charge the same amount for sewer water, based on the amount of potable water you used.

Mine isn't $200 a month, but it has definitely increased. I water twice a week, for the length of time that was set when I moved in 2 years ago. Not sure why the increase...and I have asked.

[Malsua]

OP, you may need to have a technician look at your controller, a few months ago I had a high bill (37,000 gallons), had the reading checked, etc. I then manually checked each zone for leaks, broken sprinkler heads for all 36 sprinklers, found 2 that were not spraying correctly, and none broken or leaking. Called tech, he found that some how I had 3 (or 4) watering programs running so I was watering about 12 times per week! He completely deleted all the programs, and reprogrammed then fixed the sprinklers and i am back to normal usage for this time of year.

I replaced my old Hunter conventional timer with the WIFI version. It is super easy to set the programs and see reports of when it actually runs. You can also watch it in real time, start or stop a zone, etc. from your phone. Since it's computer connected, you don't have to worry about rain gauges since it uses your local weather to not irrigate when rain has happened or is expected to happen. I love it.

It's also super easy to install. It's literally one wire for each zone and a ground. Maybe an extra for the master valve if you have it. Takes like 10 minutes to replace. I cannot recommend it enough. A 6 zone WIFI controller is under $200. 12 zone not that much more.

[mikeritz53]

Why are the irrigation water rates so much higher that reg. water ? Did we not pay for the infra-structure to build the system with the BOND when we purchased ? I have a corner lot which is slightly bigger than the average lot but to keep the grass green it would cost upwards of $200 a month . No wonder there are so many burnt out lawns ! Being from N.Y. I am use to being ripped off , but don't think we don't know it ! Why is the cost of this system so high to maintain ?

Get an Irrigation company out, there must be a Leak(s) to have it that high. I have a Pool which requires adding water, a Cul-de-Sac lot with 12 Zones and my bill is never over $100.

[KRM0614]

Why are the irrigation water rates so much higher that reg. water ? Did we not pay for the infra-structure to build the system with the BOND when we purchased ? I have a corner lot which is slightly bigger than the average lot but to keep the grass green it would cost upwards of $200 a month . No wonder there are so many burnt out lawns ! Being from N.Y. I am use to being ripped off , but don't think we don't know it ! Why is the cost of this system so high to maintain ?
Villages bought the water company cash and raised the rates 20-25% plus taxes. You just noticed ? The water cost 100% more per ga than I paid up north. It’s not worth it

[skip0358]

Just looked at my bills for the last 12 months only time mine was higher is the 1 1/2 months when I had the new lawn put in the backyard. Base hasn't gone up either. Been here since 09 only other time the bill was higher is when the time took a lightning strike and I had to replace the unit.

[Altavia]

I replaced my old Hunter conventional timer with the WIFI version. It is super easy to set the programs and see reports of when it actually runs. You can also watch it in real time, start or stop a zone, etc. from your phone. Since it's computer connected, you don't have to worry about rain gauges since it uses your local weather to not irrigate when rain has happened or is expected to happen. I love it.

It's also super easy to install. It's literally one wire for each zone and a ground. Maybe an extra for the master valve if you have it. Takes like 10 minutes to replace. I cannot recommend it enough. A 6 zone WIFI controller is under $200. 12 zone not that much more.

Installed the Orbit B-Hyve also, automatically adjusts for soil and sprinkler head type, actual and forecast rain. $89 on Amazon so payback will be quick.

Orbit b•hyve (https://bhyve.orbitonline.com/)

Here's a local weather station in Monarch Grove that can be accessed for local data.

Tempest (https://tempestwx.com/station/24103/)

Also installed a Flume to monitor water usage, automatically notifies is usage exceeds a level you preset. Rapidly detects broken sprinkler heads.

Flume - Intelligent Leak Detection & Water Management (https://flumewater.com/)

[Ndomines]

BALONEY I have a very large corner lot and have never paid that much for irrigation. The lawns in my neighborhood are fairly new and large as well. They are all very nice except for a few. What I have noticed is that some folks need to talk to their landscapers or the irrigation company or even the lawn chemical application companies in order to overcome their arrogance and ignorance. iWhy are the irrigation water rates so much higher that reg. water ? Did we not pay for the infra-structure to build the system with the BOND when we purchased ? I have a corner lot which is slightly bigger than the average lot but to keep the grass green it would cost upwards of $200 a month . No wonder there are so many burnt out lawns ! Being from N.Y. I am use to being ripped off , but don't think we don't know it ! Why is the cost of this system so high to maintain ?

[Wizie1949]

My irrigation has been off most of the time and still used a lot of water. I have the sprinkler guy coming to check. I think a leak has got to be the problem for Stu from New York also

[Stu from NYC]

My irrigation has been off most of the time and still used a lot of water. I have the sprinkler guy coming to check. I think a leak has got to be the problem for Stu from New York also

Just after we moved here tried to understand the irrigation control and quickly realized I had no clue.

Had the Massey rep out and he adjusted system for 3x per week in March as we were not getting much rain.

Next thing I knew had water bill for $ 150 irrigation water.

Discussed with our landscaper who took a look at the setting and showing me was running 45 minutes for each zone.

He cut it back to 15 minutes and pricing has been reasonable. Per someone elses comment on thread should only do 2x and did that yesterday so cost should be 1/3 lower down the road.

[retiredguy123]

Just after we moved here tried to understand the irrigation control and quickly realized I had no clue.

Had the Massey rep out and he adjusted system for 3x per week in March as we were not getting much rain.

Next thing I knew had water bill for $ 150 irrigation water.

Discussed with our landscaper who took a look at the setting and showing me was running 45 minutes for each zone.

He cut it back to 15 minutes and pricing has been reasonable. Per someone elses comment on thread should only do 2x and did that yesterday so cost should be 1/3 lower down the road.
I would suggest you go to the Hunter website and print out the manuals for your controller and solar sensors. Then, you can set the programs yourself. I have found that very few landscapers, including Massey, understand how the controller operates. When they come to my house, I give them a quiz, which they almost always fail.

[Stu from NYC]

I would suggest you go to the Hunter website and print out the manuals for your controller and solar sensors. Then, you can set the programs yourself. I have found that very few landscapers, including Massey, understand how the controller operates. When they come to my house, I give them a quiz, which they almost always fail.

Good suggestion thank you.

At one point found a tutorial on u tube for it and at the end of a 6 minute session we decided we understood this less than before.

At which point we got Massey involved. Our landscaper does seem to have a good handle on this but we should learn it for outselves..

[Homer49]

I replaced my old Hunter conventional timer with the WIFI version. It is super easy to set the programs and see reports of when it actually runs. You can also watch it in real time, start or stop a zone, etc. from your phone. Since it's computer connected, you don't have to worry about rain gauges since it uses your local weather to not irrigate when rain has happened or is expected to happen. I love it.

It's also super easy to install. It's literally one wire for each zone and a ground. Maybe an extra for the master valve if you have it. Takes like 10 minutes to replace. I cannot recommend it enough. A 6 zone WIFI controller is under $200. 12 zone not that much more.

Interested in this - what model did you buy? Pro-HC 600i? Did you add the flow meter to it? From reading on their website it sounds like adding the flow meter would give you a useful heads-up if you have a broken sprinkler head or valve/pipe leaks.

[Bob Morisette]

why are rates so high when we paid the bond to pay for this. I think its because times change and nothing ever is what was told two or four years ago but I'll bet no one can give a definitive answer except the commissioners and you know you won't get an answer here for that b

[Dgizzi]

If you water twice a week for 30 minutes or 3 times a week for 15 minutes you will use the same amount of water but your plants will be much happier with the 3 times a week. Our soil is so sandy the water does not stick around very long in the soil.
Right. We water less but more days. It’s hot right now and I paid a lot for my flowers, palms I’m not letting them die and I get sun all day. But still our bill isn’t that much. He needs to set his timers.

[smurphy]

why are rates so high when we paid the bond to pay for this. I think its because times change and nothing ever is what was told two or four years ago but I'll bet no one can give a definitive answer except the commissioners and you know you won't get an answer here for that b

The bond paid for the initial acquisition and installation of the water, sewer and other systems. Your water bill pays for the water you use and the system upkeep.

[blueash]

If you water twice a week for 30 minutes or 3 times a week for 15 minutes you will use the same amount of water ....

You might want to check your math before you turn in your paper for grading.

[Stu from NYC]

You might want to check your math before you turn in your paper for grading.

funny

[MorTech]

You are maintaining your lawn improperly. You are no doubt trying to grow Empire Zoysia on top of 4 inches of thatch (like most people). The roots are meandering around the thatch instead of being 8 inches into the ground. This will cause the grass to go dormant after only a day or 2 of hot/dry weather because the roots are shallow. Mow the lawn to 2 inches so the thatch layer wont pile up. Once you have in-ground root system, you will find you only need to water one inch once per week.

[Spsmith444]

When we were first here somehow the system was set for 45 minute watering 3 days a week.

We cut it down to 15 minutes and lawn looks great and cost of irrigation water a lot cheaper.

Could probably reduce to 2x a week but like the looks of our lawn and shrubs so leaving it alone
Most if not all deed restrictions only allows for watering 2 days a week.

[Stu from NYC]

Most if not all deed restrictions only allows for watering 2 days a week.

Seems like a lot of people around where we live do it 3 or more times a week.

In any case we are now at 2x.