As temperatures rise, and lawns green up across the country, outdoor water use surges, especially in spring and summer when irrigation systems kick into gear. For many homeowners, watering the yard is second nature. But in a world where climate patterns are shifting, and resources are under pressure, it’s time to rethink how we manage water at home.
Smart irrigation is emerging as a practical solution for conserving water while maintaining healthy, vibrant landscapes. Rain Bird, a trusted supplier of The Home Depot since 1979, is leading the charge in this space and is a pioneer in irrigation technology. Their mission? To help homeowners use water more intelligently, without compromising on performance.
The Water Challenge
According to the EPA, nearly 30% of daily household water use in the U.S. is devoted to outdoor purposes, with much of it going to lawns and gardens. And yet, a significant portion of that water is wasted due to over-watering, inefficient systems or outdated technology.
Traditional irrigation systems often run on fixed schedules, regardless of weather or soil conditions. Watering can happen even on rainy days or during cooler weeks when plants need less hydration. This strains water supplies, can harm plants and drives up utility bills. As rainfall patterns become less predictable, the need for efficient, responsive irrigation has never been more critical.
What Is Smart Irrigation?
Smart irrigation systems take the guesswork out of watering. Rather than sticking to a set schedule, these systems use real-time weather data and seasonal trends to adjust watering times and amounts automatically. The result is a landscape that gets the right amount of water – no more, no less.
Rain Bird’s smart irrigation products are designed to adapt to conditions like temperature, humidity, wind, and even the specific needs of different plants or soil types. This targeted approach helps reduce waste, lower water bills and promote healthier, more resilient landscapes.
Q&A with Rain Bird: Innovation and Impact
We spoke with a representative, James Harris – Consumer Products Marketing Manager, from Rain Bird to learn more about how smart irrigation supports water conservation, and how everyday homeowners can benefit.
How does water conservation factor into Rain Bird’s product development process?
“Using water intelligently is at the heart of everything we do,” James shared. “Our mission has remained the same since 1933: to provide high-quality, efficient watering solutions for every application. That means designing systems that deliver water only where and when needed, based on a deep understanding of different plants, soils and environments.”
What does ‘The Intelligent Use of Water’ mean for customers?
“For us, it’s about more than just technology. It’s about durability, precision and education. Our smart systems include features like weather-based controllers, flow monitors and pressure-regulated sprays. But we also build our products to last, reducing the need for replacements and repairs. And we offer training and resources to help people make informed decisions about how they water.”
How do Rain Bird smart systems adjust to real-world conditions?
“Our smart controllers use two key features to conserve water automatically. First, Automatic Seasonal Adjust changes watering durations based on daily weather data – cooler days get less water, hotter days get more. Second, Forecasted Rain Delay skips watering when significant rainfall is predicted. These adjustments happen daily, improving both accuracy and efficiency.”
How does this help reduce water waste?
“Most people don’t adjust their irrigation schedules regularly. In fact, many turn their systems on in spring and leave them unchanged all season. That’s where automation shines. Our EPA WaterSense-certified controllers make those adjustments automatically, helping reduce unnecessary watering, especially in cooler, wetter months.”
How does Rain Bird measure the environmental impact of its products?
“Durability is a big part of our sustainability story. We build long-lasting products and incorporate recycled materials where possible. Our systems support healthy landscapes and green spaces, which are vital in both urban and rural areas. We’re also committed to minimizing waste at every stage of the product life cycle.”
Are there regional incentives for switching to smart irrigation?
“Yes! Many municipalities, especially in drought-prone states like California and Colorado, offer rebates for EPA WaterSense-certified products. In some areas, homeowners can get a smart controller for free or at a greatly reduced cost. These incentives make it easier than ever to upgrade and conserve water.”
To learn more about rebates in your area, check out this online Rebate Finder.
Practical Tips for Homeowners
Thinking about upgrading your irrigation system? Here’s how to get started:
- Begin with a smart controller. Installation is often as simple as replacing a thermostat, and many models are compatible with smartphone apps for easy scheduling and control.
- Take advantage of rebates. Check with your local utility provider to see if rebates or discounts are available for smart irrigation products.
- Upgrade other components. Add pressure-reducing spray heads, install drip irrigation in flower beds or switch to high-efficiency nozzles to further optimize your system.
- Perform regular maintenance. Fix leaks, adjust nozzles and fine-tune your schedule seasonally. Small changes can yield big results.
- Water at the right time. Early morning is ideal to minimize evaporation. And on sloped yards, use the cycle-and-soak method to reduce runoff.
The Home Depot + Rain Bird Partnership
Rain Bird has been a valued Home Depot supplier for over four decades, delivering innovative irrigation solutions that help customers water more efficiently and responsibly. Whether you’re upgrading an outdated sprinkler system or installing one for the first time, The Home Depot carries a wide range of Rain Bird products to fit your landscape and your goals.
Smart Controllers: For homeowners ready to take control of their watering schedules, Rain Bird’s app-based smart controllers make it easy to manage your system from anywhere:
- ARC6 6-Zone App-Based Indoor Residential Irrigation Controller – Ideal for smaller yards or garden spaces, this controller allows you to easily set, adjust and monitor watering from your smartphone.
- ARC8 8-Zone App-Based Residential Irrigation Controller – Perfect for medium to large yards, this model provides flexible zone management and advanced water-saving features like Automatic Seasonal Adjust and Forecasted Rain Delay.
Pressure-Regulated Sprays: Reduce water waste and ensure consistent coverage with Rain Bird’s high-efficiency, pressure-regulating sprinkler heads:
- 1800 Series 4 in. Pop-Up High Efficiency PRS Sprinkler (0–360° Adjustable, 8–15 ft.) – Delivers even coverage and conserves water with pressure regulation built in.
- 1800 Series 3 in. Pop-Up PRS Sprinkler (0–360° Adjustable, 8–15 ft.) – A compact version that’s great for smaller lawns and tight spaces, with the same water-saving performance.
Drip Irrigation Solutions: Upgrade beds, containers or patio planters with targeted drip systems that deliver water right where it’s needed:
- 1800 Pop-Up Sprinkler Head to 6-Emitter Drip Irrigation Conversion Kit – Quickly convert an existing pop-up sprinkler head into a drip system without digging or re-routing lines.
- Landscape and Garden Drip Watering Kit – A complete, customizable kit that’s ideal for raised beds, shrubs or borders.
- 40-Piece Patio Plant Watering Kit – Designed specifically for container gardens and hanging plants, this low-flow system keeps patio plants thriving with minimal waste.
Conclusion
Outdoor watering doesn’t have to mean waste. With the right tools and a little planning, homeowners can take control of their irrigation – and their water bills – while supporting healthier landscapes and more sustainable resource use.
Ready to make a change? Explore Rain Bird’s lineup of smart irrigation products at your local Home Depot or learn more at ecoactions.homedepot.com. Every drop counts, and every choice matters.
Buy Now
