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Irrigreen's New Smart Irrigation System Promises Smart Watering Without the Hassle—Almost
!Image 3: WIRED WIRED @Christopher Null
One Sentence Summary
The 2026 update to Irrigreen's smart irrigation system introduces drip irrigation support and refined sprinkler heads, though it remains a complex, professional-grade installation requiring significant infrastructure upgrades.
Summary
Irrigreen, known for its unique 'water-printing' technology that uses precise water beams to minimize waste, has released its 2026 iteration. This update addresses a major historical limitation by adding support for drip irrigation valves alongside its third-generation sprinkler heads. While the technology is arguably the most advanced in the smart irrigation market, the system remains demanding, requiring comprehensive plumbing and electrical upgrades. The author emphasizes that despite the potential for DIY, the complexity of the hardware and the risks associated with underground installation make professional installation highly recommended.
Main Points
* 1. Advanced 'water-printing' technology enables precise irrigation control.Unlike traditional sprayers, Irrigreen uses thin beams of water to target specific areas, significantly reducing water waste and improving coverage efficiency. * 2. The 2026 update expands compatibility to include drip irrigation.By adding support for drip irrigation valves, the system now addresses a critical efficiency gap, allowing users to integrate more water-conservative methods alongside its signature sprinkler technology. * 3. High barrier to entry due to complex installation requirements.The system necessitates a complete overhaul of existing plumbing and electrical infrastructure, making it a significant investment that is best handled by professional installers rather than DIY enthusiasts.
Metadata
AI Score
80
Website wired.com
Published At Today
Length 241 words (about 1 min)
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Conceived by one of the inventors of inkjet printing, Irrigreen launched years ago as a disruptor in the smart sprinkler space with its clever “water-printing” technology, which fires off thin beams of water instead of an en masse spray, allowing for better control over where water goes and less waste. It’s since been copied by others, but it’s still arguably the most technologically advanced watering system on the market.
Alas, Irrigreen has always come with one big caveat: It’s designed only for sprinklers, not drip irrigation, which is far more efficient. It also requires a wholesale upgrade to use it properly: New plumbing and new electrical are both required to work with its unique sprinkler heads.
For 2026, Irrigreen has not only updated that sprinkler head to its third iteration, it has also added a long-time-coming feature in the form of support for its own drip irrigation valve. I received a kit that included both types of devices for evaluation.
Call Before You Dig
Irrigreen must be installed underground, and while you can DIY an Irrigreen setup, I really wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re a seasoned plumbing pro. The base system is a confusing mess of tubing, wiring, connectors, and gear that requires a bit of know-how to set it all up. As well, any time I’m burying pipes in the ground, I greatly prefer having a professional involved to ensure everything is watertight when it’s all done.
Photograph: Chris Null
!Image 5: WIRED WIRED @Christopher Null
One Sentence Summary
The 2026 update to Irrigreen's smart irrigation system introduces drip irrigation support and refined sprinkler heads, though it remains a complex, professional-grade installation requiring significant infrastructure upgrades.
Summary
Irrigreen, known for its unique 'water-printing' technology that uses precise water beams to minimize waste, has released its 2026 iteration. This update addresses a major historical limitation by adding support for drip irrigation valves alongside its third-generation sprinkler heads. While the technology is arguably the most advanced in the smart irrigation market, the system remains demanding, requiring comprehensive plumbing and electrical upgrades. The author emphasizes that despite the potential for DIY, the complexity of the hardware and the risks associated with underground installation make professional installation highly recommended.
Main Points
* 1. Advanced 'water-printing' technology enables precise irrigation control.
Unlike traditional sprayers, Irrigreen uses thin beams of water to target specific areas, significantly reducing water waste and improving coverage efficiency.
* 2. The 2026 update expands compatibility to include drip irrigation.
By adding support for drip irrigation valves, the system now addresses a critical efficiency gap, allowing users to integrate more water-conservative methods alongside its signature sprinkler technology.
* 3. High barrier to entry due to complex installation requirements.
The system necessitates a complete overhaul of existing plumbing and electrical infrastructure, making it a significant investment that is best handled by professional installers rather than DIY enthusiasts.
Key Quotes
* It's still arguably the most technologically advanced watering system on the market. * Irrigreen has not only updated that sprinkler head to its third iteration, it has also added a long-time-coming feature in the form of support for its own drip irrigation valve. * The base system is a confusing mess of tubing, wiring, connectors, and gear that requires a bit of know-how to set it all up.
AI Score
80
Website wired.com
Published At Today
Length 241 words (about 1 min)
Tags
Smart Home
Irrigation
Hardware
IoT
Sustainability
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