Water Conservation and Central Control Masuen Consulting LLC





Water Conservation and Central Control

Focused Project



Project Overview

Along Florida's Treasure Coast you'll find the beautiful city of Port St. Lucie. Formed in 1988, Port St. Lucie's current population is over 150,000 residents and covers approximately 114 square miles.

Port St. Lucie Map

Figure 1: Regional Aerial


The City of Port St. Lucie Public Works Department, a part of the Environmental Services Division, is charged with maintaining all road and canal rights-of-way (60 miles) within the City, in addition to all drainage rights-of-way (158 miles) and miscellaneous special areas (200 acres).


Port St. Lucie Median

Figure 2: Median Plantings

Becker Road Sign

Figure 3: Becker Road Sign



Beginning in the year 2000, the City of Port St. Lucie Public Works Department contracted with Masuen Consulting, LLC to assist with their irrigation needs. Since then, Masuen Consulting has worked methodically to increase the quality of new irrigation installations and control system efficiencies, and manage systems through central control to provide only the water truly needed. This work included a complete analysis of water usage, irrigation audits, inspections, permitting assistance, new city codes and specifications, and public educational courses. Masuen Consulting guided the conversion of all older public works irrigation systems to central control and now monitors the Rain Bird Maxicom system. Based on the success of implementing the central control conversion, the city asked Masuen Consulting for guidance on where to invest in new, more efficient pump stations and when to explore the use of alternate water sources.



Percolation Testing

Figure 4: Percolation Testing

Pump and Controls Enclosure

Figure 5: Pump and Controls Enclosure



The overall cumulative result has been remarkable as suggested by the award of a Water SIP grant in 2008 from the local water management district, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Subsequently, in 2010 Masuen Consulting petitioned SFWMD for a variance from the standard 2 days per week watering schedule. No such variances had been awarded previously by SFWMD. A variance would allow the weather and soil moisture sensor-based control system to operate to its maximum capability. In 2011, SFWMD granted the City of Port St. Lucie this variance. Here is a general guideline of Masuen Consulting's involvement with the City:

  • 2000: The City of Port St. Lucie contracted with Masuen to assist with irrigation water use issues
  • 2000 through 2010: Masuen worked methodically to increase the efficiency of existing irrigation systems and bring existing systems online through central control
  • 2008: South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) awarded Port St. Lucie a Water SIP grant
  • 2010: Upon Masuen petition, SFWMD granted Port St. Lucie their only current variance of 2 days per week watering
  • 2011 to present: Masuen currently manages all sites using Rain Bird Maxicom computerized central control and has pioneered the simultaneous use of soil moisture sensors with weather stations to develop irrigation schedules in the city

In 2010, the City of Port St Lucie used only 36% of its allocated annual water. Prior to Masuen’s management annual water use usually exceeded this allotment.


2010 Irrigation Water Use

The System

Statistics

  • 1 central control computer tied to an online workstation
  • Online workstation presenting graphic interpretations of all information and issuing alerts
  • 47 controllers
  • 878 zones
  • 22 rain cans
  • 19 primary pump stations
  • 4 recharge pump stations
  • 15 metered (reclaimed or potable) sources
  • 14 soil moisture sensors

PSL City Map

Energy Savings

Water use in the City of Port St. Lucie is 36% less then what is currently allocated, which means the city is using 64% less energy than it would take to pump 100% of the allocation. Research indicates that it costs roughly $6.00 of electricity to pump 1000 gallons . This equates to an estimated savings of $145,000 per year in energy costs alone.


  • 38,521,900 gallons of water were allocated to Port St. Lucie in 2007
  • It takes 5 kW (7 HP) to pump 100 GPM of water at 80 PSI so in 1 hour, it will take 300 kWH and pump 6000 gallons of water
  • Average Cost per kWH: $.12, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration
  • Energy Cost per 1000 gallons pumped: $6.00
  • Energy Cost at 100% allocation: $231,131.40
  • The average permit holder exceeds their allocation
  • Port St. Lucie Public Works uses @ 36% per year
  • $231,131.40 * .36 = $83,207.30
  • $147,924.10 Saved in energy alone per year

    • 2010 Energy Savings

    Time Savings

    The city of Port St. Lucie estimates savings of $140,000 per year thanks to Masuen's management of the irrigation central control system. These savings are due to the reducation in manpower and costs associated with city-owned vehicles and equipment needed to adjust irrigation controls and inspect zones.


    In the words of our client:

    “Before Masuen, our water use exceeded our annual allotment from the water district. Today with Masuen’s management we use only 36% of our allotment. Due to Masuen’s knowledge and direction, Port St. Lucie is recognized as a leader in water conservation within the State of Florida. I recommend Masuen Consulting to anyone whose true interest is water conservation. If they helped us, they can help you, too.”


    John Dunton

    John Dunton

    Director Environmental Services

    Port St. Lucie Public Works