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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Tempest

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

Irrigation costs
 

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. i

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.

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..

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.

No one answered wuestion
 

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

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.

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.

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