Water fitting controller

The controller has a detection device (1) with at least one transmitter (2) and receiver (3), with which the presence of a user can be detected, whereby evaluation electronics perform intensity selective evaluation of the detection signal. The controller switches between a normal or operating mode, in which the water throughput is controlled depending on the user, and a programming or special mode, depending on the detected intensity level. The controller has a time switch which sets the controller from normal mode to changeover or special mode after a defined time at the defined intensity level. The required intensity level is fixed so that it is achieved when an object, e.g. the user's hand, is brought near (6) the detector.