Water Protection

Catch Irrigation Leaks Before They Show Up on Your Water Bill

Most irrigation systems run underground and out of sight. When something goes wrong — a stuck valve, broken line, or slow drip leak — water can run unnoticed for weeks. The Controlled Rain Water Protection Plan monitors irrigation flow and alerts our team when abnormal water use is detected, helping identify potential problems early.

Rising Water Costs Make Irrigation Leaks More Expensive

Water rates across the Phoenix metro area have increased in recent years as cities respond to drought conditions, infrastructure costs, and long-term Colorado River supply concerns.

Several Valley communities have already implemented rate increases. For example, Gilbert homeowners recently experienced significant water rate increases, with additional adjustments taking effect this year.

Because most residential water use in Arizona happens outdoors, irrigation issues often have the largest impact on a homeowner’s water bill.

The Water Protection Plan helps detect abnormal irrigation water use early, helping reduce the risk of wasted water and unexpected bill increases.

Why Irrigation Problems Often Go Unnoticed

Outdoor irrigation accounts for the majority of residential water use in Arizona.

Unlike plumbing inside the home, irrigation systems run automatically and are largely hidden underground. When a problem develops, it often continues unnoticed until the next water bill arrives.

Common irrigation failures include:

  • stuck valves
  • broken drip lines
  • cracked lateral pipes
  • controller programming issues

Even small irrigation problems can waste thousands of gallons of water over time.

What an Irrigation Leak Can Cost

Because irrigation systems run automatically, problems can continue for weeks before they are noticed.

Typical examples include:

  • Small drip leak — $30–$80 per month in wasted water
  • Stuck valve or broken emitter line — $100–$300 per month in excess water use
  • Mainline break — $500+ potential water bill spike if left undetected

The Water Protection Plan helps detect abnormal water use early so problems can be addressed before they escalate.

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How the Water Protection Plan Works

The program combines smart irrigation technology with professional monitoring and service support.

Step 1 – Water Risk Assessment

Every property begins with a $49 Water Risk Assessment.

During this visit we evaluate:

  • irrigation system condition
  • controller compatibility
  • monitoring feasibility
  • overall water risk exposure

If monitoring is installed, the $49 assessment is credited toward installation.

Step 2 – Smart Monitoring Installation

If your system qualifies, we install monitoring equipment that allows irrigation water use to be tracked and analyzed.

Installation typically includes:

  • smart irrigation controller
  • flow monitoring sensor
  • system wiring and integration
  • calibration and testing

Typical installation ranges from $600–$1,200 depending on system configuration.

Hardware installation is separate from the monthly plan.

Financing options may be available.

Step 3 – Monitoring and Alert Review

Once installed, your irrigation system is monitored for abnormal water usage.

If unusual activity is detected:

  • the system generates an alert
  • Controlled Rain reviews the alert during business hours
  • you are contacted if the activity appears abnormal

Members also receive a quarterly monitoring summary showing system status and alerts.

Water Protection Plans

Water Watch

$29 per month

Monitoring and early detection. Includes:

  • irrigation flow monitoring

  • abnormal flow alerts

  • business-day alert review

  • homeowner notification if abnormal activity is detected

  • reduced service call fee

  • quarterly monitoring summary

Most Popular

Water Protect

$59 per month

Monitoring plus routine professional irrigation oversight. Includes everything in Water Watch plus:

  • quarterly onsite irrigation inspections

  • seasonal irrigation schedule adjustments

  • preferred same-visit repair pricing

  • quarterly monitoring summary

  • 10% discount on repairs

Lawn & Plant Health

$119 per month

Water management combined with plant health support. Includes everything in Water Protect plus:

  • fertigation system management

  • seasonal nutrient dosing

  • irrigation optimization for plant health

  • fertilizer included

Requires fertigation system installation

Start With a Water Risk Assessment

The first step is simple.

Schedule a $49 Water Risk Assessment, and our technician will evaluate your irrigation system and determine whether monitoring is appropriate for your property.

If monitoring is installed, the assessment cost is credited toward installation.