Great Neck North residents can win smart sprinkler system

Janelle Clausen

The Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection is teaming up with the Water Authority of Great Neck North to host a lottery for free smart sprinkler systems and a maximum $250 rebate for installation.

The smart sprinkler system is an irrigation system with special sensors monitoring precipitation, soil temperatures and evaporation rates that can be operated and controlled wirelessly.

Each zone in the system can also be programmed to be specific to certain areas based on grass type, shade or sun levels, and how many shrubs there are to help conserve water.

“These Smart Sprinkler Systems can save customers thousands of dollars on their water bills over a lifetime,” Stan Carey, chairman of the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection, said in a letter to Great Neck North customers, “and help protect the environment by reducing stress on Long Island’s sole source aquifer.”

According to Environmental Protection Agency estimates, more than 50 percent of commercial and residential irrigation water goes to waste because of bad system design, evaporation and overwatering.

“Since irrigation represents the most significant water use on Long Island, reducing watering inefficiencies will reduce water waste and further conservation efforts,” LICAP said in a letter regarding the smart sprinkler system lottery.

In order to apply for the lottery, one must reside within the territory of the Water Authority of Great Neck North. This includes the Village of Great Neck, Kings Point, Saddle Rock, Great Neck Estates and Kensington, as well as parts of Great Neck Plaza and Thomaston.

Unincorporated areas north of the Long Island Rail Road are also within the authority’s jurisdiction.

Additionally, one must have a fully functioning irrigation system, agree to keep the smart system in place for at least three years, and allow for some monitoring and inspection from LICAP.

Applications must be submitted to LICAP by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 13. The lottery drawing will take place at the Great Neck House, 14 Arrandale Ave., on April 26 at 6 p.m.

The application can be filled out online and be found at liacquifercommission.com, here on Great Neck Plaza’s website, or at the Water Authority of Great Neck North’s website.

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