Important Irrigation Announcement

Over the past several weeks, neighbors have been noticing erratic irrigation of their lawns. This is annoying, particularly in our hot and dry weather. The problem has been determined to be a balky irrigation controller – the same one we have been dealing with for years. Finally, the controller has permanently failed. It has an electrical and software problem, our Brightview contractors do not know how to fix it, and the manufacturer has stopping servicing it, because it is so old and no longer popular in Central Texas. Therefore, it needs to be replaced.

The Board is reluctant to do this, because of the cost. However, we have just approved a bid from Brightview Landscape Services to immediately begin installing a Rain Bird controller, a popular Central Texas lawn watering system with parts easily available, and with an excellent service record. The system and installation will be financed by a bank loan to allow our budget to absorb a manageable monthly cost.

It is important for our neighbors to understand that there will be no irrigation until the controller is upgraded. Therefore, please make sure you use hand-watering on your lawn and plants during this time! Hose-end automatic sprinklers, according to Austin watering regulations, can be used on Tuesdays from midnight to 10 am, and 7 pm – midnight the same day.

This project is urgent for our owners and for our landscape contractors as well, so Brightview is making this a top priority for installation. They estimate the project to be completed in 1-2 weeks, at which time our badly-needed irrigation schedule will be restored. This is a top-notch system that can be controlled and monitored off-site by our landscaping irrigation team, so that they will be able to detect and stop leaks and will be able to provide regular accurate run records for the Board.

During installation, there will be no lawn or landscaping breach, since the replaceable sensors for the controller are in existing zone valve containers around the neighborhood. During the next 1-2 weeks, you might see workers in colored vests in your front or back yard. Please allow these workers easy access to your yard (unlock gates, restrain pets, etc.). We will let you know when the work begins, and we will have weekly updates as the work progresses.

There is more rain predicted for this week, so let’s hope this is a good time to get the controller upgraded. Please be aware that the Board plans to complete landscaping in the common areas behind the parking pads and other areas in the neighborhood as soon as the weather gets cooler and as our HOA budget allows.

Thank you all for your understanding and patience!