Rain Sensor Requirements

What are rain sensor devices?
Rain sensors shut off sprinkler systems when preset amounts of rainfall have been received. They can be adjusted to shut off sprinkler systems when 1/4 to 1 inch of rainfall has been received.

Where are they installed?
Generally on the roof but can be anywhere that is unobstructed to receive rainfall and be out of reach of sprinklers.

How should they be set?
Setting the device to shut off when 1/2 inch has been received is recommended with a 2-day a week watering cycle.

How do I know the devices is working?
You can turn the sprinklers on and then squirt the device with a hose. After the preset amount has been received the sprinkler will shut off.

Will the rain sensor return my system to its 2-day a week schedule?
Yes, modern rain sensor devices interrupt the connection when the preset amount of rainfall has been received and reconnect the sprinkler system with the your timer once the device dries out.

Where is the rain sensor requirement written?
Florida law requires installation of rain
sensors devices on all automatic irrigation systems since May of 1991.
State statute
Florida Water Law Statute requiring rain sensors on all new systems
Title XXVIII Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, And Use Chapter 373 Water Resources
373.62 Water conservation; automatic sprinkler systems.--Any person who purchases and installs an automatic lawn sprinkler system after May 1, 1991, shall install, and must maintain and operate, a rain sensor device or switch that will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred.
History.--s. 7, ch. 91-41; s. 7, ch. 91-68; s. 6, ch. 2001-252

Volusia County code requiring rain sensors on older sprinkler systems
Ordinance 2000-34 now in Chapter 50 of the Volusia County Code.
Section 50-316 (c) All automatic landscape irrigation systems shall be equipped with rain sensor devices, within eighteen months from the effective date of this ordinance. (Oct 5, 2000 so 18 months later is April 4, 2002)

Are older systems exempt?
Volusia County's water conservation ordinance extended the sensor installation requirement to include all pre-‘91 systems. This ordinance took effect on April 4, 2002.

Can I get a free rain sensor?
The Volusian Water Alliance member utilities, in an award-winning program funded in part by the St. Johns River Water Management District, have given away 3331 rain sensors since March 2000. Attendance of an irrigation efficiency workshop was required for receipt of the free rain sensor. The rain sensor giveaway is basically over for this fiscal year (until after October) and Alliance member utilities will probably embark upon other giveaway programs next year instead of rain sensors. If you were unable to obtain a free rain sensor, you can purchase one for $15-30 at an irrigation supply store as listed here. Home supply stores also carry some models of rain sensor devices.

What will happen if I do not install a rain sensor device?
Enforcement will be first through warnings.

What is the purpose of this ordinance?
Volusia County is looking to a future of water supply shortages, and the biggest discretionary use of water is lawn irrigation using automatic sprinkler systems. Rain sensor devices are considered an important water saving device in Florida where the season of most irrigation coincides with the rainy season.

Will the rain sensor device save me money?
In a four-month rainy season, one irrigation event per week might be saved or 16 events total. Suggestions on how to calculate the amount of money you use in lawn irrigation and suggestions on how to reduce that use are currently being developed by the Volusian Water Alliance in conjunction with the Florida Irrigation Society. Please check back for more information.

Does the rain sensor requirementa apply to private wells? to reclaimed water?
It does apply to private wells, and you will save electricity and wear and tear on your pump as well as prevent overwatering. For applicability for reclaimed water customers, consult your utility.

Are the older kind of rain sensor with a cup to collect water legal?
Yes, if they are functioning.



updated July 10, 2002