A controllable sprinkler includes a sprinkler head having a water discharge nozzle adapted to move between first and second sprinkler head positions via a sprinkler head positioner (such as a water motor), and a sprinkler head position determiner to determine a current sprinkler head position between the first and second positions. A flow control valve controls flow of water from a water supply to the discharge nozzle. A flow control valve positioner establishes a current control valve position of the flow control valve between essentially fully closed and essentially fully open positions. A water flow detector determines an approximation of water emanating from the control valve, and generates a water flow signal. A controller receives a sprinkler head position from the sprinkler head position determiner, and the water flow signal from the water flow detector, and in response sends a control valve control signal to the flow control valve positioner.
