A rain sensor will shut off a sprinkler system if it’s raining. The cost of a sensor is less than $175, he said; new ones are wireless so the labor of running a wire is not required.

Rain/freeze sensors aren't the only ones that can help your sprinkler system operate more efficiently. The WaterSense label (and water-saving benefits) can also be applied to soil moisture sensors.

Plano, for example, offers up to a $75 rebate for installing a rain/freeze sensor. In Southlake, water customers who agree to free sprinkler evaluation may get a rebate for making improvements.

CSU also wants to let the community know that they offer rebates for sensors that you can install on your sprinkler system.