HOA irrigation flow sensors turn Hydrawise from a scheduling app into a leak early-warning system. For associations, the expensive failure mode is not a brown lawn—it is a valve stuck open overnight that floods a garage, undermines a slope, or spikes the water bill before anyone walks the site.
Hub: HOA irrigation controller upgrade. Example meter: HC-100-FLOW.
What flow monitoring gives the board
- High-flow alerts when a main or lateral breaks
- Low-flow clues when a valve fails to open or a filter clogs
- Station-level evidence for landscaper accountability
- Faster emergency shutoff when paired with a master valve
Where to install first
- Highest-GPM turf loops and slope zones
- Sites with prior flood or erosion history
- Controllers that already run Hydrawise (facepack or Pro-HC/HPC/HCC)
- Meter locations with room for a proper spool and straight pipe
Wireless transmitter/receiver kits help when the meter is far from the cabinet—see our Hydrawise wireless flow accessories in the Hydrawise brand catalog.
Master valve pairing
Flow alerts are stronger with a normally-closed master valve Hydrawise can shut. Without it, staff still get notified but water may continue until someone arrives. Include master valve status in the audit.
Board packet language
“Approve flow metering on Controllers A/B this fiscal year to reduce unattended break risk and support the water budget reporting program.” Attach one past incident cost if available—boards respond to avoided claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need a flow meter on every controller?
Start with the wettest and highest-risk sites. Expand after the first rainy/dry season proves the alert workflow.
Will flow meters stop all leaks?
They detect abnormal flow; plumbing quality and valve health still matter. Think detection + response, not magic.
Can residents see flow alerts?
Usually no—keep alerts with the landscaper and property manager. Summarize closed tickets in the monthly water report.
Next step
Add flow SKUs to your Quote Center list with controller models. Continue reading water budget reporting and common-area Hydrawise.
