Board questions pump capacity, controller options and future expandability

During vendor presentations the board asked whether the existing pump could handle additional zones. One contractor reported the current system pumps about 50 gallons per minute; another bidder recommended a pump upgrade to accommodate more zones. Members noted a booster or new pump might cost several thousand dollars and would affect funding decisions.

Capital Well and Rain Scape represented different technical approaches. Capital Well proposed a Hydrawise (Wi‑Fi) controller with a flow meter and a decoder two‑wire system; the board heard that some controllers quoted can expand to 54 zones, providing capacity for future fields. Rain Scape said the Hydrawise faceplate can be added later for about $400, allowing remote monitoring without a major upfront expense. The board weighed future expandability against present cost and potential maintenance of additional Wi‑Fi infrastructure.