SA Water's smart irrigation initiative has won an award. 

The project took home the top prize in the Industrial and Primary Production category at the 2021 iTnews Benchmark Awards.

The smart irrigation scheme has been running for about two years, helping the South Australian community maintain cool, green open spaces that build healthy communities, while also providing cost and water saving benefits .

This is achieved through the use of real-time data from an integrated system of soil moisture probes, daily weather forecasts and smart water meters, with information provided to water users through a weekly irrigation schedule to optimise water efficiency.

Smart irrigation systems are currently installed in 25 council public spaces and playgrounds around Adelaide, allowing the councils who manage these areas to determine the right amount of water to use, at the right time.

The system was created after research identified that many public green open spaces were being over-watered by around 20 per cent. Subsequent studies have shown smart irrigation can reduce ambient temperature by five to 10 degrees.

SA Water General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation Anna Jackson said the recent award win recognises the team’s work innovatively combines simple digital tools to drive better outcomes for customers and the community.

“Through a combination of the smarts of our people and emerging smart technology, we are providing more efficient and affordable services now and into the future,” Ms Jackson said.

“By supporting green infrastructure and the intelligent use of water, we can help to cool urban areas and reduce the impact of heatwaves and climate change.

“It also improves community liveability, simply by encouraging people to get outside more, even during summer months.”

SA Water is looking to expand the technology to more locations around South Australia, including regional areas.