The reply from the scientist who is working for Argonne

 After reviewing the slide decks, here are my primary feedback:

1. The lawn sprinkler issue

This is well-identified technical and operational challenge. It is a practical problem. APP-based device improves operation. You are looking for low cost efficient operation packages that addresses as many problems identified as possible.

a.       So far most devices listed address only one issue – stop irrigating when it begins raining. This is the first problem identified with the current lawn sprinkler system.

b.      Better operation would be irrigating based on soil moisture and weather forecasting – for which sensors would be installed in the lawn and the APP need to have live connection with weather forecasting.

c.       Cell phone operation – no problem with this.

d.      Cost – as low as possible.

I would suggest to dig a little deeper to address other issues related to lawn sprinkler water waste identified in the first slide. How to irrigate when it is needed. Water needs varies with grass types. The irrigation scheduling should be customized to the grass type water needs, together with soil moisture, and weather.

How to reduce irrigation water to the pavement and side walk?

How to change the sprinkler system design so that it distributed evenly if needed? Most likely it should be distributed unevenly depending on the water demand form the grass type in the soil type of the specific area in the lawn.

And so on and so forth.