Grand Rapids Community College is making progress on its sustainability goals by installing wireless irrigation systems all around campus. The Tassell MTEC Campus was the test site for the first system during the summer of 2024. After successful testing, the system is live at most of Main Campus, with all locations scheduled for completion in 2025.
What’s a Wireless Irrigation System?
A wireless irrigation system helps reduce outdoor water use by delivering only what’s needed, when it’s needed. Key components include a smart controller, adaptive weather monitoring, flow meters and an inline master valve. The system can be managed remotely from a smartphone or tablet, giving users the ability to start, stop and monitor watering from anywhere.
Why it Matters
- Saves water: Tassell MTEC reduced water use by 63% compared to the previous year.
- Saves money: That reduction led to $2,800 in savings last year at that campus alone.
- Smart leak detection: The system detects issues like a broken sprinkler head or leaks and automatically shuts off to prevent waste.
- Weather-based adjustments: Connected to a local weather monitoring station, the system adjusts watering schedules based on wind, rainfall and temperature forecasts.
- Conserving resources campus-wide: Campus-wide, the new system is expected to reduce water use by at least 40%,depending on weather conditions. This will save two to three million gallons of water each year and nearly $10,000 annually.
Flow Meter
Master Valve
Wireless Irrigation Clock