Overview

WeatherTRAK is HydroPoint's comprehensive smart irrigation management system that uses advanced weather data, local sensor data, and site-specific information to optimize irrigation scheduling and water usage. The system consists of three integrated components: the WeatherTRAK Central cloud service, a line of smart irrigation controllers, and the WeatherTRAK mobile app. Together, these components work seamlessly to automate, control, and manage irrigation across single sites or large portfolios of properties.

How WeatherTRAK Works

The WeatherTRAK system combines multiple data sources to deliver precise irrigation control. The controller uses site-specific details you program—including soil type, plant type, slope, and sun exposure—along with HydroPoint's daily evapotranspiration (ET) weather data. WeatherTRAK Central automatically calculates the exact amount of water needed and schedules watering at the optimal time, while respecting your configured water windows and local watering restrictions.

This scientific approach to irrigation management can reduce water use by up to 50 percent compared to user-operated runtimes or simple timer-based systems.

Installation and Setup

The WeatherTRAK controller is designed for straightforward installation and configuration. The system does not require involvement from an IT department, and there is no need to set up or maintain a local weather station. Programming the controller is simple, requiring only the input of zone-specific details for each irrigation area on your property.

Key Benefits

Maximum Water Savings

WeatherTRAK's scientific irrigation method delivers significant water conservation. By using evapotranspiration data combined with site-specific plant, soil, and environmental factors, the system applies water only when needed and in the precise amounts required. This approach can achieve up to 50 percent water savings compared to traditional irrigation methods that rely on manual runtime adjustments or basic timers.

Increased Organizational Efficiency

WeatherTRAK enables irrigation managers to oversee large numbers of controllers, stations, and sites with unprecedented ease. The system allows remote management from anywhere, eliminating the need for constant site visits.

Key efficiency features include the ability to run stations remotely while on-site for testing purposes, and the capability to adjust runtimes across thousands of stations simultaneously. These features save hours of tedious manual labor and eliminate hundreds of trips to site locations.

Asset Mapping and Team Collaboration

The asset mapping feature enables teams to work together more effectively by sharing site data in real time. Team members can maintain notes, documents, and photos within the system, ensuring everyone always has access to the latest site information. This centralized information repository improves communication and reduces the risk of outdated or conflicting information.

Comprehensive Reporting

WeatherTRAK offers over 30 different report types that can generate almost any information needed about an irrigation system. These reports provide contractors with the data they need to perform their jobs more effectively and give property owners confirmation that their irrigation systems are operating properly. Reports support better decision-making and provide documentation for compliance and performance tracking.

Financial Benefits and Return on Investment

WeatherTRAK represents an investment that delivers ongoing returns month after month through time savings, cost savings, and healthier landscapes. Based on water savings alone, the typical return on investment for a WeatherTRAK solution is less than three years.

Even for properties where water is not a direct cost, the project ROI can still be achieved quickly through time and labor savings. Teams become more efficient, allowing landscapes to be better maintained with the same staff size. When irrigation is managed properly, damage to hardscapes and plants from leaks and overwatering is minimized, reducing repair and replacement costs.

With water costs rising faster than any other utility, implementing a smart irrigation system provides long-term financial protection and predictability.

Budget Manager and Performance Tracking

The WeatherTRAK Budget Manager makes it easy to monitor a site's water performance over time and track progress toward financial goals. The tool provides visibility into water usage patterns and savings trends.

For Performance Management customers, HydroPoint provides a customized savings report every quarter, documenting exactly where the site stands in terms of water conservation and cost savings.

Risk Reduction and Liability Management

Improperly monitored irrigation systems can create numerous problems, including wet and slippery sidewalks, flooded landscapes, erosion, and water damage to pavements and buildings. WeatherTRAK helps landscape maintainers avoid these issues and the associated liabilities.

The system's alert capabilities enable irrigation managers to avoid overwatering mistakes and stay on top of system problems including leaks, pipe breaks, broken sprinkler heads, and electrical issues. Alerts are sent via email or text message, ensuring rapid notification of any problems.

Water Flow Sensors and Continuous Monitoring

WeatherTRAK water flow sensors provide irrigation managers with continuous visibility into site conditions. These sensors act as "eyes on the site" at all times, enabling any alert to be investigated and resolved as quickly as possible. This continuous monitoring capability significantly reduces the time between when a problem occurs and when it is addressed, minimizing water waste and property damage.

Mobile and Remote Access

The WeatherTRAK mobile app puts irrigation control in the palm of your hand, whether you're in the office or on the road. The system is powered by the highly secure HydroPoint cloud infrastructure, providing reliable access from any location while maintaining data security.

Enhanced Corporate Image and Sustainability

WeatherTRAK smart irrigation supports corporate sustainability goals in multiple ways. Whether the objective is to reduce water consumption or decrease carbon footprint, the system helps organizations meet their environmental targets while maintaining an attractive, world-class landscape. WeatherTRAK demonstrates that water conservation and curb appeal are not mutually exclusive—both can be achieved simultaneously.

Customer Base and Support

Thousands of customers across diverse sectors currently use WeatherTRAK to save time, money, and water. The system is trusted by cities, schools, communities, corporations, and retailers. WeatherTRAK offers options to match the needs of any site, regardless of size or complexity.

HydroPoint continuously develops new features throughout the year, ensuring the system evolves to meet changing customer needs. The company provides industry-leading support to all WeatherTRAK customers, backing the technology with responsive service and expertise.

Video Walkthrough

Video originally published December 2019.

If you have questions, here are 3 ways to get answers:

1. Search within this WeatherTRAK knowledgebase

2. Visit the WeatherTRAK support page

3. Call 800-362-8774 or email support@hydropoint.com, hours are Mon-Fri 3:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT and Sat 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT.

For more information visit: www.hydropoint.com.