The goals:
- To design and implement an integrated irrigation control solution for open spaces, gardens, parks and sports fields
- To reduce water consumption in landscaped areas
- To minimize the use of potable water for irrigating city sports fields
- To comply with state-wide water rationing
- To maintain environmental sustainability
The solution had to allow for (1) remote monitoring and control and (2) providing real-time information to a central computer and mobile devices for water distribution and water use in 81 sites and more than 150 controllers across seven separate areas. Close monitoring of system activity would allow for quick identification of failures or disruptions that cause water leakage.
Data gathered from each site (including weather, rainfall and ET rates) is used to determine how much water is needed. The urban water irrigation control system is programmed to take appropriate action in accordance with prevailing weather conditions (for example, to automatically reduce irrigation in a specific area in response to increased rainfall).
In case of water flow exceeding the preset rates, meters on the irrigation lines notify the ICC software, which in turn automatically shuts down the damaged line. The system then sends an alert to any designated software operator and mobile device.
Due to its scalability, the IRRInet platform allowed seamless expansion in Whittlesea as landscaped areas doubled over the past nine years. The city also expanded the platform to control lighting sports fields during training sessions and at after-hours events.
