[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by Oneiric

You probably didn't need to use your system at all this summer with all of the rain we had.
Pop up sprinklers often start to leak around the gasket when they get older. Corner lots have a lot more turf.
The problem with wafer rain sensors in Florida is that 2 hrs. after a downpour, the intense heat dries out the wafers and the system is ready to water again. If you don't live her full time, you can't turn off your system manually for a day or two.

If the rain sensor is working properly it will shut off the system . There is a dial on the sensor that allows you to open or close the vents. Open all the way allows the wafers to dry out quicker and the system to run sooner after a rain. Closed all the way delays how soon the system will run after a rain. Sensors go bad after a few years and need to be replaced. The part is around $30

[bmarasco]

Did I misunderstand? ... You used irrigation water in your hot tub ??

[Llaperle]

Massey told me a few years ago that the “burnt out” look is from too much water. I have only used the sprinklers once this month for 15min.

[TSO/ISPF]

You can ask for a Free 20 gallon flow test once a year from the utility.

VCDD Utilities/Amenities


They will first come out and check that the meter isn't running when there is no water activity. If so, you can ask for the 20 gallon test, which checks the accuracy of your meter.

I found I could read the meter values if I cleaned the thing off. I ran each zone for 1 minute and checked the numbers. From there you can calculate how many gallons of water you use each minute in each zone regardless of sprinkler head type. Might help you understand if you have a undetected leak in one of your zones. I found 1 zone that seems
suspicious and will have to check further. Waiting for a 20 gallon flow test right now. They came out within a day to check the meter. Now I am
waiting for a call back to scheduled the flow test.

[Jolson]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I hope you didn't fill the hot tub with reclaimed irrigation water.

I guess I misspoke. We did not use irrigation water in our hot tub. But thank you for everyone’s concern.

[Guitarman1951]

I have a huge lot and don't use anywhere near that amount of water. I run mine only twice a week with 32 minutes on rotator heads and 14 on fixed heads. I use approximately 10 to 12,000 gallons per month during the very dry months and about 6 to 7,000 or even less during the wet season. Zoysia grass goes nearly dormant in the cold season and just doesn't need that much water. You are definitely over watering.

[Footer]

I switched from Hunter to Rachio in May. Set for 2 days a week. The range gauge never worked well but Rachio monitors the weather for our location and if rain is forecast it won't water. It even adjusts the time per zone. Here's my usage:

May - 18000 gallons - 5 water days
June - 17,000 gallons - 5 water days
July - 5,000 gallons - 1 water day
August - 7,000 gallons - 2 water days
September - 8500 gallons - 2 water days

Before Rachio I had 45,000 gallon months and my lawn didn't even look as good as it does now, which is pretty good. Lot is over 20,000 ft2. I was up north for most of this time so the entire water usage is due to lawn sprinkling. As you can see out of 45 possible water days it only watered 15. The Rachio paid for itself and my monthly internet bill too.

[almondz]

We are on a corner lot, but we don't get a statement that breaks down our irrigation usage vs. our other water usage. Does everyone get a breakdown?

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by almondz

We are on a corner lot, but we don't get a statement that breaks down our irrigation usage vs. our other water usage. Does everyone get a breakdown?

I think it depends on where you live. Go to "districtgov.org", click on "utility bill information" and then "billing account inquiry". There, you can search by address and view almost any Villages water bill, which will include separate irrigation usage for most addresses.

[bakon]

Originally Posted by Footer

I switched from Hunter to Rachio in May. Set for 2 days a week. The range gauge never worked well but Rachio monitors the weather for our location and if rain is forecast it won't water. It even adjusts the time per zone. Here's my usage:

May - 18000 gallons - 5 water days
June - 17,000 gallons - 5 water days
July - 5,000 gallons - 1 water day
August - 7,000 gallons - 2 water days
September - 8500 gallons - 2 water days

Before Rachio I had 45,000 gallon months and my lawn didn't even look as good as it does now, which is pretty good. Lot is over 20,000 ft2. I was up north for most of this time so the entire water usage is due to lawn sprinkling. As you can see out of 45 possible water days it only watered 15. The Rachio paid for itself and my monthly internet bill too.

Did you install or hire someone? Hints or tips? Very interested since we are not there most of time
Thanks

[pcacace]

We watered maybe twice all summer so we had low bills. Maybe you can have a friend who lives close keep an eye on it.

[blgunkel]

Originally Posted by bakon

Did you install or hire someone? Hints or tips? Very interested since we are not there most of time
Thanks

Very easy to do yourself. But you will need wifi for it to work.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by BruggsNC1

I have seen other Villages CDD bills...

My Irrigation Use is no where even close to similar.

Here are my numbers for Irrigation Use for 2020:

May 25,360
June 26,130
July 34,060
August 40,510
September 41,750

I do have a corner lot so there is a little more lawn compared to homes that are all in a row.
I do not live here full time so I can't keep control of turning off the System when it is raining for several days.

But, Gee Whiz !! ........this doesn't seem like it should account for tens of thousands of gallons difference.

I have had them come out and check to see if there is a leak and they say no.

At the end of June, I had our Lawn care place come out and set the System.
(In June, even with 26 thousand gallons the lawn was looking burned out)
He changed it to 3 days a week. Added time in some areas. Took a lot of time off in other areas.
So, this is why the # of gallons increased after June.

How many sprinkler heads do you have in your yard? (I think I have about 36)

So, does this sound like the normal amount for a larger lot (not HUGE lot) ?
Or, is something wrong somewhere?

If you have a corner or larger lot, give me an estimate on how much water you are using. Thanks !

Tons of info for you.........................and what have you determined???


Inquiring minds want to know.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by BruggsNC1

I have seen other Villages CDD bills...

My Irrigation Use is no where even close to similar.

Here are my numbers for Irrigation Use for 2020:

May 25,360
June 26,130
July 34,060
August 40,510
September 41,750

I do have a corner lot so there is a little more lawn compared to homes that are all in a row.
I do not live here full time so I can't keep control of turning off the System when it is raining for several days.

But, Gee Whiz !! ........this doesn't seem like it should account for tens of thousands of gallons difference.

I have had them come out and check to see if there is a leak and they say no.

At the end of June, I had our Lawn care place come out and set the System.
(In June, even with 26 thousand gallons the lawn was looking burned out)
He changed it to 3 days a week. Added time in some areas. Took a lot of time off in other areas.
So, this is why the # of gallons increased after June.

How many sprinkler heads do you have in your yard? (I think I have about 36)

So, does this sound like the normal amount for a larger lot (not HUGE lot) ?
Or, is something wrong somewhere?

If you have a corner or larger lot, give me an estimate on how much water you are using. Thanks !

When you get back you need or observe each station aNd time. If you see water running down Driveway, the Street to drain for 20 mins or so, you’re sprinkler heads May need adjusting to water grass and not the street. Cut back station times where water just runs off. Basically you’re probably watering drain more than you’re yard?

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Tons of info for you.........................and what have you determined???


Inquiring minds want to know.

Water running down the drain