Free “Smart” Sprinkler Controller Exchange for Santa Monica Residents

Santa Monica residents may be eligible to receive a free “smart” controller for their landscape irrigation systems through a unique program created to introduce the latest in water-savings technology.

City residents wishing to exchange their old controller for a free state-of-the-art model must reserve a space to be eligible. The controller swap will take place on Saturday, March 31, 2007 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Santa Monica Pier (across from Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.).

“Smart controllers take the guesswork out of figuring out a lawn watering schedule,” said Andy Hui, who manages Metropolitan’s regional water efficiency programs.

“These state-of-the-art devices monitor your garden or landscape’s environmental conditions and water your plants accordingly," Hui said. "One study showed water savings of up to 40 gallons per household per day, or about 10 percent of total water use.”

Hui noted the following rules for the exchange:

* Only 150 controllers will be distributed to pre-qualified, registered participants.
* Residents without a reservation, without their old controller or without a copy of their water bill will be turned away.
* The exchange event will include a half-hour training workshop.
* Reservations may be made by calling, toll free, 866.728.3229

The smart controller giveaway is sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the City of Santa Monica, and Heal the Bay, with grant funding from Proposition 13 through the California Department of Water Resources.

This event is part of a regional effort to heighten awareness of smart controllers and other new water-saving devices now being rebated by Metropolitan and its member agencies.

For more information, log onto www.bewaterwise.com, a Web site sponsored by Metropolitan and the Family of Southern California Water Agencies.