What is the science behind WaterDex?
Think of the WaterDex remote control as a wireless Water Budget dial. Just as the Water Budget dial found on many timers, the wireless WaterDex dial may be adjusted from 0% to 100%. After installing WaterDex, the sprinkler timer is adjusted to the typical July/August settings which represent a Water Budget of 100%. The science behind WaterDex is in how to properly determine which value the WaterDex remote dial should be set.
One method for determining how to set your WaterDex is by implementing the Watering Index principal. The Watering Index principal is based on EvapoTranspiration (ET) and was developed by Mr. John Wynn of The State of California Department of Water Resources. Simply stated, the Watering Index Value is the current ET value for your area as a percentage of the highest average ET value over the previous 10 years. Once calculated, adjusting the WaterDex dial to the Watering Index Value is a simple way of adjusting your sprinkler system to local weather conditions.
Thanks to Spatial CIMIS (http://www.cimis.water.ca.gov/cimis/cimiSatSpatialCimis.jsp) within the State of California we now have daily ET values at a 2 sq. km resolution for the entire State. By visiting the WaterDex website at http://www.waterdex.com/myindex.html and entering your zip code, your Watering Index is instantly and automatically calculated for you. Or, you may also choose to register to have your weekly Watering Index automatically e-mailed or sent via text message to your mobile phone once per week.
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