Why aren’t hoses limited like sprinkler systems?

Some customers wonder why it’s okay to hand-water with a hose and shut-off nozzle on any day, but not okay to water with a sprinkler system set to only water landscaped areas for a specific amount of time?

Hand-watering with a hose and shut-off nozzle allows for more targeted watering. While a sprinkler system may only water for a specific amount of time, it may cover a larger area that has portions that do not need to be watered and may water longer than needed. Hand-watering conserves water because users are able to target only what needs irrigation and stop when enough water has been applied.