Episode 4: Smart Irrigation, Water Conservation & The After Splash Campaign

In Episode 4 of SprinklerDude’s Podcast, Justin Richards and Tony Wheeler dive deeper into what smart irrigation really means. Is it just a smart controller, or does it include proper design, pressure regulation, check valves, rain sensors, flow monitoring, and ongoing maintenance?

The conversation begins with an introduction to The After Splash, a month-long industry campaign created to keep the conversation about water conservation going beyond Smart Irrigation Month. Justin explains how irrigation professionals, manufacturers, contractors, and homeowners can get involved by sharing their own conservation efforts and helping educate others.

The discussion then shifts into real-world irrigation topics, including:

• What smart irrigation actually is
• Why proper system design matters more than expensive products alone
• The role of rain sensors, weather data, ET programming, and seasonal adjustments
• Hydrawise, Rain Bird LNK2, and Rachio controller comparisons
• Why maintenance is just as important as installation
• Low-head drainage, check valves, and pressure-regulated spray bodies
• LEED, WaterSense, and professional certifications
• The true cost versus long-term return on investing in smart irrigation
• Common mistakes contractors and technicians make in the field
• Why continuing education is one of the most valuable tools an irrigation professional can have

Whether you’re an irrigation technician, contractor, landscape professional, or homeowner looking to understand today’s irrigation technology, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry insights, and honest conversation from two professionals who work with these systems every day.

Learn more about The After Splash and how you can participate:
https://theaftersplash.com

Hunter Industries Training:
https://training.hunterindustries.com/

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