Date
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Time
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Location Name
KICC M109/110 (Level 1)
Name
Impacts of Address-Based Irrigation Scheduling in Luxury Residential Developments
Track
Metering-Billing
Description

As urbanization and population growth continues to reshape landscapes in Middle Tennessee, upscale residential developments are creating a common challenge for some water utilities during summer months – simultaneous activation of automatic irrigation systems leading to unprecedented peaks in water demand. The resultant strain on existing water infrastructure often results in localized low pressure and increased operating costs, impacting the overall efficiency of water distribution systems. This presentation delves into a comprehensive investigation conducted by Smith Seckman Reid, in collaboration with the City of Brentwood. Focused on a recent 263-acre development of 153 custom luxury home sites, our study analyzed the impact of implementing a voluntary, address-based irrigation scheduling strategy aimed at mitigating water demand peaks and improving system resilience. The proposed solution involves residents agreeing to a structured irrigation schedule based on the last digit of their house number. Homes with even-numbered addresses would irrigate on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while those with odd-numbered addresses would irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Our presentation will outline the findings of this investigation, including: 1. Data Analysis: A detailed examination of historical water demand data collected during peak periods, assessing the existing strain on water infrastructure and system pressure fluctuations. 2. Implementation Strategy: Insights into the recommended address-based irrigation schedule and its potential impact on alleviating peak water demand scenarios. 3. Residential Engagement: Strategies for community outreach and homeowner cooperation in adopting the proposed irrigation schedule, emphasizing the collective benefit and sustainable water use. 4. Operational Efficiency: Evaluation of the system's ability to cope with demand variations, including the impact on energy consumption and pump station performance during peak and off-peak periods. 5. Environmental Impact: Discussion on potential water conservation benefits, reduced strain on the electrical grid, and the broader environmental implications of adopting such an innovative approach. By presenting this investigation, we aim to provide municipal stakeholders, water utility professionals, and urban planners with valuable insights into a proactive and sustainable solution for managing water demand associated with automatic irrigation systems. The outcomes of this study are not only pertinent to the Middle Tennessee context but also offer a model for other regions with similar demographics facing the same challenges in water resource management and infrastructure optimization.