Rain Sensors

Rain sensors, also called rain shut-off devices, save water in your landscape. These low-cost devices for automatic irrigation systems can detect when recent rainfall has supplied ample water to your landscape and irrigation is not needed.

Florida law requires that all new automatic irrigation systems include rain sensors. And in some counties, existing sprinkler systems must incorporate these devices.

Rain sensors are available wherever irrigation supplies are sold. You can easily install one yourself or hire an irrigation professional to do it.

Rain sensors have many advantages, like conserving water and saving you money. They also reduce wear on your irrigation system, and can prevent plant disease and other problems caused by overwatering.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Conserving Water: Saving Water Using Your Irrigation System
• Soil-moisture Sensors May Produce Big Water Savings for Homeowners, UF Study Shows

UF/IFAS Publications

• Do You Sprinkle in the Rain? (PDF)
• FAWN Factsheet: The Rain Sensor (PDF)
• Home and Garden Column: Rain Sensors (PDF)
• Rain Sensor Brochure (PDF)
• Residential Irrigation System Rainfall Shutoff Devices

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Testing Rain Sensors

Other Sites

• Rain Sensors FAQ--Palm Beach County (FL) Government