Media Corner

For Immediate Release
October 23, 2006

"Smart" Water Saving Technology Makes for a Smarter Community

Huntington Park, CA – To give water conservation a boost of the latest in technology, Central Basin Municipal Water District partnered with The Oldtimers Foundation last weekend to distribute 100 Smartline ("smart") sprinkler controllers to residents in the Central Basin service area.

Residents and business owners who signed up for the first giveaway opportunity gathered at the Oldtimers Foundation in Huntington Park to receive a free "smart" controller valued at $350 and attend a training on the installation and operation given by the product manufacturer, Weathermatic.

Through the training, participants learned about the "smart" sprinkler controller and how it gives plants the right amount of water based on the time of year, climate and weather.

The controller weather station also measures ambient air temperature, rain and freeze conditions, to compute the most efficient watering schedule - 365 days a year. This weather-based controller can save the user 20 to 50 percent on water costs annually, while preventing over-watering and runoff.

"This is truly a smart device," said Central Basin Director George Cole, who represents the City of Huntington Park in Division III. "We are excited that the community has taken an interest in conservation and hope that this event has the same impact as our high-efficiency toilet distributions. Nearly half of the supply was distributed. We look forward to giving away the rest at next month's event."

Residents who missed out are invited to attend the next event. Controllers will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on the upcoming "smart" sprinkler controller events, please visit Central Basin's web site at www.centralbasin.org or contact the District's Conservation Coordinator at 310-436-2609.

Attendees should plan on a total of 1 ½ hours for this giveaway event. All participants will receive training on the installation and operation of the "smart" controllers.

The smart controller giveaway is sponsored by Central Basin MWD and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, with grant funding from Proposition 13 through the California Department of Water Resources.