Sustainability

Hayward offers discounted smart sprinkler controllers amidst drought

September 27, 2022

Despite the recent rain, California’s drought continues, and Stage 2 water shortage restrictions remain in effect, including limiting residential irrigation to three evenings per week. To assist, the City recently added the Rachio 3 Smart Irrigation Controller to its suite of conservation incentive programs—providing Hayward customers a $180 discount on the normally $280 device.

The Rachio 3 Smart Irrigation Controller is compatible with most sprinkler systems, and boasts average savings of 20 percent to 30 precent on customer water bills by automatically turning your system off based on need. It can also be used to create tailored schedules and make automatic weather adjustments to keep in line with Hayward’s current water use restrictions. Additionally, it provides the ability to control your sprinklers from your mobile device or other smart technologies, like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Homekit, Nest, and more.

Hayward customers can purchase the controller at the discounted price of $100 + tax by submitting the application found here. As a reminder, per current water use restrictions, residential customers may only irrigate between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., three days per week. For additional drought restrictions, resources, and conservation incentive programs, visit www.hayward-ca.gov/drought.