(a)
Purpose.
The purpose of these rules and regulations
is to provide minimum standards to conserve water, support the city’s
drought contingency plan, and improve the overall quality of life
for the citizens of the city by regulating and controlling the design,
construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation
and maintenance or use of irrigation systems.
(b)
Exceptions.
The following systems are exempt from this
article provided such systems are not directly or indirectly connected
to a public water supply:
(1)
An irrigation system that is an on-site sewage disposal system, as
defined by V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code section 355.002 [366.002];
or
(2)
An irrigation system used on or by an agricultural operation as defined
by V.T.C.A., Agriculture Code section 251.002; or
(3)
An irrigation system connected to a groundwater well used by the
property owner for domestic use.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-39)
The following words and terms, when used in this article, have
the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
means a complete physical separation between the free-flowing
discharge end of a potable water supply pipeline and an open or non-pressure-receiving
vessel.
means an assembly containing an air inlet valve, a check
seat, and an air inlet port. The flow of water into the body causes
the air inlet valve to close the air inlet port. When the flow of
water stops the air inlet valve falls and forms a check against backsiphonage.
At the same time it opens the air inlet port allowing air to enter
and satisfy the vacuum. Also known as an atmospheric vacuum breaker
backsiphonage prevention assembly.
means the mechanical prevention of reverse flow, or backsiphonage,
of nonpotable water from an irrigation system into the potable water
source.
means any assembly used to prevent backflow into a potable
water system. The type of assembly used is based on the existing or
potential degree of health hazard and backflow condition.
means when the landscape irrigation system has been installed,
all minimum standards met, all tests performed, and the irrigator
is satisfied that the system is operating correctly.
means the act of providing advice, guidance, review or recommendations
related to landscape irrigation systems.
means an actual or potential connection between a potable
water source and an irrigation system that may contain contaminants
or pollutants or any source of water that has been treated to a lesser
degree in the treatment process.
means the act of determining the various elements of a landscape
irrigation system that will include, but not be limited to, elements
such as collecting site-specific information, defining the scope of
the project, defining plant watering needs, selecting and laying out
emission devices, locating system components, conducting hydraulics
calculations, identifying any local regulatory requirements, or scheduling
irrigation work at a site. Completion of the various components will
result in an irrigation plan.
means the pressure that is required for an emission device
to operate properly. Design pressure is calculated by adding the operating
pressure necessary at an emission device to the total of all pressure
losses accumulated from an emission device to the water source.
means an assembly that is composed of two independently acting,
approved check valves, including tightly closed resilient seated shut-off
valves attached at each end of the assembly and fitted with properly
located resilient seated test cocks. Also known as a double check
valve backflow prevention assembly.
means any device that is contained within an irrigation system
and that is used to apply water. Common emission devices in an irrigation
system include, but are not limited to, spray and rotary sprinkler
heads, and drip irrigation emitters.
means engaged or hired to provide consulting services or
perform any activity relating to the sale, design, installation, maintenance,
alteration, repair, or service to irrigation systems. A person is
employed if that person is in an employer-employee relationship as
defined by Internal Revenue Code, 26 United States Code Service, section
3212(d), based on the behavioral control, financial control, and the
type of relationship involved in performing employment related tasks.
means the spacing of spray or rotary heads equal to the manufacturer’s
published radius of the head.
means a cross-connection or potential cross-connection with
an irrigation system that involves any substance that may, if introduced
into the potable water supply, cause death or illness, spread disease,
or have a high probability of causing such effects.
means the science of dynamic and static water; the mathematical
computation of determining pressure losses and pressure requirements
of an irrigation system.
means the building official or authorized representative
charged with the administration and enforcement of these standards.
As used in this article, the terms “inspector,” “irrigation
inspector” and “building official” shall have the
same meaning.
means a person who actually connects an irrigation system
to a private or public raw or potable water supply system or any water
supply, who is licensed according to title 30, Texas Administrative
Code, chapter 30 (relating to occupational licenses and registrations).
means the building official or authorized representative
charged with the administration and enforcement of these standards.
As used in this article, the terms “inspector,” “irrigation
inspector” and “building official” shall have the
same meaning.
means a scaled drawing of a landscape irrigation system which
lists required information and the scope of the project, and represents
the changes made in the installation of the irrigation system.
means selling, designing, installing, maintaining, altering,
repairing, servicing, permitting, providing consulting services regarding,
or connecting an irrigation system to a water supply.
means an assembly of component parts that is permanently
installed for the controlled distribution and conservation of water
to irrigate any type of landscape vegetation in any location, and/or
to reduce dust or control erosion. This term does not include a system
that is used on or by an agricultural operation as defined by V.T.C.A.,
Agricultural Code section 251.002.
means a person who works under the supervision of a licensed
irrigator to install, maintain, alter, repair, service or supervise
installation of an irrigation system, including the connection of
such system in or to a private or public, raw or potable water supply
system or any water supply, and who is required to be licensed under
title 30, Texas Administrative Code, chapter 30 (relating to occupational
licenses and registrations).
means a subdivision of an irrigation system with a matched
precipitation rate based on plant material type (such as turf, shrubs,
or trees), microclimate factors (such as sun/shade ratio), topographic
features (such as slope) and soil conditions (such as sand, loam,
clay, or combination) or for hydrological control.
means a person who sells, designs, offers consultations regarding,
installs, maintains, alters, repairs, services or supervises the installation
of an irrigation system, including the connection of such system to
a private or public, raw or potable water supply system or any water
supply, and who is required to be licensed under title 30, Texas Administrative
Code, chapter 30.
means the irrigator responsible for all irrigation work performed
by an exempt business owner, including but not limited to obtaining
permits, developing design plans, supervising the work of other irrigators
or irrigation technicians, and installing, selling, maintaining, altering,
repairing, or servicing a landscape irrigation system.
means the science of applying the necessary amount of water
to promote or sustain healthy growth of plant material or turf.
means an occupational license that is issued by the state
commission on environmental quality under title 30, Texas Administrative
Code, chapter 30 to an individual that authorizes the individual to
engage in an activity that is covered by title 30, Texas Administrative
Code, chapter 30.
means a pipe within an irrigation system that delivers water
from the water source to the individual zone valves.
means a document made available to the irrigation system’s
owner or owner’s representative that contains information regarding
the operation and maintenance of the irrigation system, including,
but not limited to: checking and repairing the irrigation system,
setting the automatic controller, checking the rain or moisture sensor,
cleaning filters, pruning grass and plants away from irrigation emitters,
using and operating the irrigation system, the precipitation rates
of each irrigation zone within the system, any water conservation
measures currently in effect from the water purveyor, the name of
the water purveyor, a suggested seasonal or monthly watering schedule
based on current evapotranspiration data for the geographic region,
and the minimum water requirements for the plant material in each
zone based on the soil type and plant material where the system is
installed.
means any activity that involves opening to the atmosphere
the irrigation main line at any point prior to the discharge side
of any irrigation zone control valve. This includes, but is not limited
to, repairing or connecting into a main supply pipe, replacing a zone
control valve, or repairing a zone control valve in a manner that
opens the system to the atmosphere.
means a remote control valve located after the backflow prevention
device that controls the flow of water to the irrigation system main
line.
means the condition in which all sprinkler heads within an
irrigation zone apply water at the same rate.
means an irrigation system installed at a location where
one did not previously exist.
means a written contract between a contractor or builder
and a licensed irrigator or exempt business owner to perform part
or all of the irrigation services relating to an irrigation system.
means water that is suitable for human consumption.
means an assembly containing an independently operating internally
loaded check valve and an independently operating loaded air inlet
valve located on the discharge side of the check valve. Also known
as a pressure vacuum breaker backsiphonage prevention assembly.
means domestic or municipal wastewater which has been treated
to a quality suitable for beneficial use, such as landscape irrigation.
means the irrigation plans, contracts, warranty information,
invoices, copies of permits, and other documents that relate to the
installation, maintenance, alteration, repair, or service of a landscape
irrigation system.
means an assembly containing two (2) independently acting
approved check valves together with a hydraulically operating mechanically
independent pressure differential relief valve located between the
two (2) check valves and below the first check valve.
means the pressure of water when it is not moving.
means the on-the-job oversight and direction by a licensed
irrigator who is fulfilling his or her professional responsibility
to the client and/or employer in compliance with local or state requirements.
Also a licensed installer working under the direction of a licensed
irrigator or, beginning January 1, 2009, an irrigation technician
who is working under the direction of a licensed irrigator to install,
maintain, alter, repair or service an irrigation system.
means the design, installation, service, and operation of
an irrigation system in a manner that prevents the waste of water,
promotes the most efficient use of water, and applies the least amount
of water that is required to maintain healthy individual plant material
or turf, reduce dust, and control erosion.
means a measurement, in gallons per minute or gallons per
hour, of the actual flow of water through a zone valve, calculated
by individually opening each zone valve and obtaining a valid reading
after the pressure has stabilized. For design purposes, the zone flow
is the total flow of all nozzles in the zone at a specific pressure.
means an automatic valve that controls a single zone of a
landscape irrigation system.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-40)
(a)
License required.
Any person who installs, maintains,
alters, or repairs an irrigation system connected to the water supply
within the city or the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction,
commonly referred to as the ETJ, must hold a valid license, as defined
by title 30, Texas Administrative Code, chapter 30 and required by
V.T.C.A., Texas Occupations Code chapter 1903, or as defined by chapter
365, title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code and required by V.T.C.A.,
Texas Occupations Code chapter 1301.
(b)
Exceptions.
A homeowner is not required to be licensed
in accordance with V.T.C.A., Occupations Code title 12, section 1903.002(c)(1)
if he or she is performing irrigation work in a building or on premises
owned and occupied by the person as the person’s home. A home
or property owner who installs an irrigation system must meet the
standards contained in title 30, Texas Administrative Code, chapter
344 regarding spacing, water pressure, spraying water over impervious
materials, rain or moisture shut-off devices or other technology,
backflow prevention and isolation valves. See V.T.C.A., Occupations
Code section 1903.002 for other exemptions to the licensing requirement.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-41)
No irrigator shall obtain a permit to install, maintain, alter, or repair an irrigation system connected to the water supply within the city or the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction without first registering his or her irrigator license with the city. Application for registration shall be made on forms provided by the building official. If the building official determines that such application for registration is complete, and the applicant holds a valid irrigator license as required in section 4.12.003, then the building official shall approve the registration.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-42)
(a)
Permit required.
Any person who, installs, maintains,
alters, or repairs an irrigation system connected to the city water
system within the city limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction of
the city is required to obtain a permit from the city. Any plan approved
for a permit must be in compliance with the requirements of this article;
shall bear the irrigator’s seal, signature, and date of signing;
and shall include a statement of compliance with the Texas Occupations
Code, the Texas Water Code, title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code,
and any other applicable state statute or state commission on environmental
quality rule.
(b)
Exceptions.
(1)
Maintenance and repairs to existing irrigation systems which do not
include removal or replacement of a backflow prevention device, or
any piping or components between the water meter and the backflow
prevention device.
(2)
A permit shall not be required to install, maintain, alter, or repair
an irrigation system within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the
city if such system is connected to a water supply system other than
city public water supply. All other applicable provisions of this
article shall apply.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-43)
(a)
Any
irrigation system that is connected to the potable water supply must
be connected through a backflow prevention method approved by the
state commission on environmental quality (TCEQ). The backflow prevention
device must be approved by the American Society of Sanitary Engineers;
or the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research,
University of Southern California; or the International Plumbing Code;
or any other laboratory that has equivalent capabilities for both
the laboratory and field evaluation of backflow prevention assemblies.
The backflow prevention device must be installed in accordance with
the laboratory approval standards or, if the approval does not include
specific installation information, the manufacturer’s current
published recommendations.
(b)
If
conditions that present a health hazard exist, one of the following
methods must be used to prevent backflow:
(1)
An air gap may be used if:
(2)
Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies may be
used if:
(3)
Pressure vacuum breakers may be used if:
(4)
Atmospheric vacuum breakers may be used if:
(A)
No backpressure will be present;
(B)
There are no shut-off valves downstream from the atmospheric vacuum
breaker;
(C)
The device is installed at a minimum of six (6) inches above any
downstream piping and the highest downstream opening. Pop-up sprinklers
are measured from the retracted position from the top of the sprinkler;
(D)
There is no continuous pressure on the supply side of the atmospheric
vacuum breaker for more than twelve (12) hours in any twenty-four
(24) hour period; and
(E)
A separate atmospheric vacuum breaker is installed on the discharge
side of each irrigation control valve, between the valve and all the
emission devices that the valve controls.
(c)
If
there are no conditions that present a health hazard, a double check
valve backflow prevention assembly may be used, and shall be installed
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If a double
check valve is installed below ground:
(1)
Test cocks shall be plugged, except when the double check valve is
being tested;
(2)
Test cock plugs shall be threaded, watertight, and made of non-ferrous
material;
(3)
A Y-type strainer shall be installed on the inlet side of the double
check valve;
(4)
There shall be a minimum six (6) inch clearance between any fill
material and the bottom of the double check valve to allow space for
testing and repair;
(5)
There shall be space on the side of the double check valve to test
and repair the double check valve;
(6)
The double check valve shall be twelve (12) inches minimum below
grade;
(7)
Double check boxes shall be eighteen (18) inches minimum deep with
a pea gravel base at least four (4) inches deep; and
(8)
Double check boxes shall not be placed with any public right-of-way
and shall be as near as possible to the water meter.
(d)
If
an existing irrigation system without a backflow prevention assembly
requires major maintenance, alteration, repair, or service, the system
must be connected to the potable water supply through an approved,
properly installed backflow prevention method before any major maintenance,
alteration, repair, or service is performed.
(e)
If
an irrigation system is connected to a potable water supply through
a double check valve, pressure vacuum breaker, or reduced pressure
principle backflow assembly and includes an automatic master valve
on the system, the automatic master valve must be installed on the
discharge side of the backflow prevention assembly.
(f)
The
irrigator shall ensure the backflow prevention device is tested by
a licensed backflow prevention assembly tester prior to being placed
in service, and after repairs or relocations, and the test results
provided to the building official and the irrigation system’s
owner or owner’s representative within ten (10) business days
of testing of the backflow prevention device.
(g)
If
a health hazard exists, the irrigation system owner shall ensure the
backflow prevention device is tested by a licensed backflow prevention
assembly tester at least annually and the test results provided to
the building official within ten (10) business days of testing of
the backflow prevention device.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-44)
(a)
Before
any chemical is added to an irrigation system connected to the potable
water supply, the irrigation system must be connected through a reduced
pressure principle backflow prevention assembly or air gap.
(b)
Connection
of any additional water source to an irrigation system that is connected
to the potable water supply can only be done if the irrigation system
is connected to the potable water supply through a reduced pressure
principle backflow prevention assembly or an air gap.
(c)
Irrigation
system components with chemical additives induced by aspiration, injection,
or emission system connected to any potable water supply must be connected
through a reduced pressure principle backflow device.
(d)
If
an irrigation system is designed or installed on a property that is
served by an on-site sewage facility, as defined in title 30, Texas
Administrative Code, chapter 285, then:
(1)
All irrigation piping and valves must meet the separation distances
from the on-site sewage facilities system as required for a private
water line in title 30, Texas Administrative Code, section 285.91(10);
(2)
Any connections using a private or public potable water source that
is not the city’s potable water system must be connected to
the water source through a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention
assembly as defined in title 30, Texas Administrative Code, section
344.50; and
(3)
Any water from the irrigation system that is applied to the surface
of the area utilized by the on-site sewage facility system must be
controlled on a separate irrigation zone or zones so as to allow complete
control of any irrigation to that area so that there will not be excess
water that would prevent the on-site sewage facilities system from
operating effectively.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-45)
(a)
All irrigation systems shall be designed, installed, maintained, altered, repaired, serviced, and operated in a manner that will promote water conservation as defined in section 4.12.002.
(b)
No
existing or new irrigation system shall be designed, installed, maintained,
or operated in a manner that:
(1)
Causes a substantial amount of water to fall upon impervious areas
instead of upon the lawn or landscape, or excessive irrigation, such
that a constant stream of water overflows from the lawn or landscape
onto a street or drainage area;
(2)
Causes an irrigation system or other lawn or landscape watering device
to continue to operate during any form of precipitation;
(3)
Causes an irrigation system or other lawn or landscape watering device
to continue to operate within the corporate limits of the city when
the temperature is below thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit;
(4)
Has any broken or missing sprinkler heads; or
(5)
Has not been properly maintained in a manner that prevents the waste
of water.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-46)
(a)
An
irrigator shall prepare an irrigation plan for each site where a new
irrigation system will be installed. A paper or electronic copy of
the irrigation plan must be on the job site at all times during the
installation of the irrigation system. A drawing showing the actual
installation of the system is due to each irrigation system owner
after all new irrigation system installations. During the installation
of the irrigation system, amendments to the original plan may be authorized
by the licensed irrigator if the amendment from the plan does not
diminish the operational integrity of the irrigation system, or violate
any requirements of this article. Such amendments shall be clearly
indicated on the irrigation plan.
(b)
The
irrigation plan must include complete coverage of the area to be irrigated.
If a system does not provide complete coverage of the area to be irrigated,
it must be noted on the irrigation plan.
(c)
Where
applicable, irrigation plans used for construction must be drawn to
scale. The plan must include, at a minimum, the following information:
(1)
The irrigator’s seal, signature, and date of signing;
(2)
All major physical features and the boundaries of the areas to be
watered;
(3)
A north arrow;
(4)
A legend;
(5)
The zone flow measurement for each zone;
(7)
Location, type, and size of each:
(A)
Water source, such as, but not limited to a water meter and point(s)
of connection;
(B)
Backflow prevention device;
(C)
Water emission device, including, but not limited to, spray heads,
rotary sprinkler heads, quick-couplers, bubblers, drip, or micro-sprays;
(D)
Valve, including but not limited to zone valves, master valves, and
isolation valves;
(E)
Pressure regulation component; and
(F)
Main line and lateral piping;
(8)
The scale used; and
(9)
The design pressure.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-47)
(a)
Manufacturer’s limitations.
No irrigation design
or installation shall require the use of any component, including
the water meter, in a way which exceeds the manufacturer’s published
performance limitations for the component.
(b)
Spacing of emission devices.
(1)
The maximum spacing between emission devices must not exceed the
manufacturer’s published radius or spacing of the device(s).
The radius or spacing is determined by referring to the manufacturer’s
published specifications for a specific emission device at a specific
operating pressure.
(2)
New irrigation systems shall not utilize above-ground spray emission
devices in landscapes that are less than forty-eight (48) inches not
including the impervious surfaces in either length or width and which
contain impervious pedestrian or vehicular traffic surfaces along
two (2) or more perimeters. If pop-up sprays or rotary sprinkler heads
are used in a new irrigation system, the sprinkler heads must direct
flow away from any adjacent surface and shall not be installed closer
than four (4) inches from a hardscape, such as, but not limited to,
a building foundation, fence, concrete, asphalt, pavers, or stones
set with mortar.
(3)
Narrow paved walkways, jogging paths, golf cart paths or other small
areas located in cemeteries, parks, golf courses or other public areas
may be exempted from this requirement if the runoff drains into a
landscaped area.
(c)
Water pressure.
Emission devices must be installed to
operate at the minimum and not above the maximum sprinkler head pressure
as published by the manufacturer for the nozzle and head spacing that
is used. Methods to achieve the water pressure requirements include,
but are not limited to, flow control valves, a pressure regulator,
or pressure compensating spray heads.
(d)
Piping.
Piping in irrigation systems must be designed
and installed so that the flow of water in the pipe will not exceed
a velocity of five (5) feet per second for polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
pipe.
(e)
Irrigation zones.
Irrigation systems shall have separate
zones based on plant material type, microclimate factors, topographic
features, soil conditions, and hydrological requirements.
(f)
Matched precipitation rate.
Zones must be designed and
installed so that all of the emission devices in that zone irrigate
at the same precipitation rate.
(g)
Spraying water on impervious material.
Irrigation systems
shall not spray water over surfaces made of concrete, asphalt, brick,
wood, stones set with mortar, or any other impervious material, such
as, but not limited to, walls, fences, sidewalks, streets, etc.
(h)
Master valve.
When provided, a master valve shall be
installed on the discharge side of the backflow prevention device
on all new installations.
(i)
PVC pipe primer.
All new irrigation systems that are
installed using PVC pipe and fittings shall be primed with a colored
primer prior to applying the PVC cement in accordance with the plumbing
code.
(j)
Rain or moisture shut-off devices or other technology.
All new automatically controlled irrigation systems must include
sensors or other technology designed to inhibit or interrupt operation
of the irrigation system during periods of moisture or rainfall. Rain
or moisture shut-off technology must be installed according to the
manufacturer’s published recommendations. Repairs to existing
automatic irrigation systems that require replacement of an existing
controller must include a sensor or other technology designed to inhibit
or interrupt operation of the irrigation system during periods of
moisture or rainfall.
(k)
Isolation valve.
All new irrigation systems must include
a lockable isolation valve between the water meter and the backflow
prevention device.
(l)
Depth coverage of piping.
Piping in all irrigation systems
must be installed according to the manufacturer’s published
specifications for depth coverage of piping.
(1)
If the manufacturer has not published specifications for depth coverage
of piping, the piping must be installed to provide minimum depth coverage
of six (6) inches of select backfill, between the top of the pipe
and the natural grade of the topsoil. All portions of the irrigation
system that fail to meet this standard must be noted on the irrigation
plan. If the area being irrigated has rock at a depth of six (6) inches
or less, select backfill may be mounded over the pipe. Mounding must
be noted on the irrigation plan and discussed with the irrigation
system owner or owner’s representative to address any safety
issues.
(2)
If a utility, man-made structure, or roots create an unavoidable
obstacle, which makes the six (6) inch depth coverage requirement
impractical, the piping shall be installed to provide a minimum of
two (2) inches of select backfill between the top of the pipe and
the natural grade of the topsoil.
(3)
All trenches and holes created during installation of an irrigation
system must be backfilled and compacted to the original grade.
(m)
Wiring irrigation systems.
(1)
Underground electrical wiring used to connect an automatic controller
to any electrical component of the irrigation system must be listed
by Underwriters’ Laboratories as acceptable for burial underground.
(2)
Electrical wiring that connects any electrical components of an irrigation
system must be sized according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
(3)
Electrical wire splices which may be exposed to moisture must be
waterproof as certified by the wire splice manufacturer.
(4)
Underground electrical wiring that connects an automatic controller
to any electrical component of the irrigation system must be buried
with a minimum of six (6) inches of select backfill.
(n)
Separation from potable water system.
Water contained
within the piping of an irrigation system is deemed to be non-potable.
No drinking or domestic water usage, such as, but not limited to,
filling swimming pools or decorative fountains, shall be connected
to an irrigation system. If a hose bibb (an outdoor water faucet that
has hose threads on the spout) is connected to an irrigation system
for the purpose of providing supplemental water to an area, the hose
bibb must be installed using a quick coupler key on a quick coupler
installed in a covered purple valve box and the hose bibb and any
hoses connected to the bibb must be labeled “Non-Potable, Not
Safe for Drinking.” An isolation valve must be installed upstream
of a quick coupler connecting a hose bibb to an irrigation system.
(o)
Licensed technician required.
A licensed irrigator or
a licensed irrigation technician shall be on-site at all times while
the landscape irrigation system is being installed. When an irrigator
is not on-site, the irrigator shall be responsible for ensuring that
a licensed irrigation technician is on-site to supervise the installation
of the irrigation system.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-48)
Upon completion of the irrigation system, the irrigator or irrigation
technician who provided supervision for the on-site installation shall
be required to complete the following items:
(1)
A
final walk-through with the irrigation system’s owner or the
owner’s representative to explain the operation of the system;
(2)
The
maintenance checklist on which the irrigator or irrigation technician
shall obtain the signature of the irrigation system’s owner
or owner’s representative and shall sign, date, and seal the
checklist. If the irrigation system’s owner or owner’s
representative is unwilling or unable to sign the maintenance checklist,
the irrigator shall note the time and date of the refusal on the irrigation
system’s owner or owner’s representative’s signature
line. The irrigation system owner or owner’s representative
will be given the original maintenance checklist and a duplicate copy
of the maintenance checklist shall be maintained by the irrigator.
The items on the maintenance checklist shall include but are not limited
to:
(A)
The manufacturer’s manual for the automatic controller, if
the system is automatic;
(B)
A seasonal (spring, summer, fall, winter) watering schedule based
on either current/real time evapotranspiration or monthly historical
reference evapotranspiration (historical ET) data, monthly effective
rainfall estimates, plant landscape coefficient factors, and site
factors;
(C)
A list of components, such as the nozzle, or pump filters, and other
such components; that require maintenance and the recommended frequency
for the service; and
(D)
The statement: “This irrigation system has been installed in
accordance with all applicable state and local laws, ordinances, rules,
regulations or orders. I have tested the system and determined that
it has been installed according to the irrigation plan and is properly
adjusted for the most efficient application of water at this time.”
(3)
A
permanent sticker which contains the irrigator’s name, license
number, company name, telephone number and the dates of the warranty
period shall be affixed to each automatic controller installed by
the irrigator or irrigation technician. If the irrigation system is
manual, the sticker shall be affixed to the original maintenance checklist.
The information contained on the sticker must be printed with waterproof
ink.
(4)
The
irrigation plan indicating the actual installation of the system must
be provided to the irrigation system’s owner or owner’s
representative.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-49)
(a)
The
licensed irrigator is responsible for all work that the irrigator
performed during the maintenance, alteration, repair, or service of
an irrigation system during the warranty period. The irrigator or
business owner is not responsible for the professional negligence
of any other irrigator who subsequently conducts any irrigation service
on the same irrigation system.
(b)
All
trenches and holes created during the maintenance, alteration, repair,
or service of an irrigation system must be returned to the original
grade with compacted select backfill.
(c)
Colored
PVC pipe primer solvent must be used on all pipes and fittings used
in the maintenance, alteration, repair, or service of an irrigation
system in accordance with the plumbing code.
(d)
When
maintenance, alteration, repair or service of an irrigation system
involves excavation work at the water meter or backflow prevention
device, a lockable isolation valve shall be installed, if an isolation
valve is not present.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-50)
Reclaimed water may be utilized in landscape irrigation systems
if:
(1)
There
is no direct contact with edible crops, unless the crop is pasteurized
before consumption;
(2)
The
irrigation system does not spray water across property lines that
do not belong to the irrigation system’s owner;
(3)
The
irrigation system is installed using purple components;
(4)
The
domestic potable water line is connected using an air gap or a reduced
pressure principle backflow prevention device, in accordance with
title 30, Texas Administrative Code, section 290.47(f) (relating to
appendices);
(5)
A
minimum of an eight (8) inch by eight (8) inch sign, in English and
Spanish, is prominently posted on/in the area that is being irrigated,
that reads, “RECLAIMED WATER - DO NOT DRINK” and “AGUA
DE RECUPERACION - NO BEBER”; and
(6)
Backflow
prevention on the reclaimed water supply line shall be in accordance
with the plumbing code.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-51; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code)
A licensed irrigator is responsible for providing advertisements,
contracts, and warranties that comply with the requirements of the
Texas Occupations Code, the Texas Water Code, title 30 of the Texas
Administrative Code, and any other applicable state statute or state
commission on environmental quality rule.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-52)
A licensed irrigation inspector shall enforce this article and
shall:
(1)
Verify
that the appropriate permits have been obtained for an irrigation
system and that the irrigator and installer or irrigation technician,
if applicable, are licensed;
(2)
Inspect
the irrigation system and backflow prevention device for compliance
with the requirements of this article;
(3)
Investigate
complaints related to installation, maintenance, alteration, repairs,
or service of an irrigation system and advertisement of irrigation
services;
(4)
Maintain
records according to this article; and
(5)
Disconnect,
or cause to be disconnected, the water source to any irrigation system
which is in violation of this article.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-53)
Any item not covered by this article and required by law shall
be governed by the Texas Occupations Code, the Texas Water Code, title
30 of the Texas Administrative Code, and any other applicable state
statute or state commission on environmental quality rule.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-54)
The required fee for the granting and issuance of a permit for the construction or alteration of any irrigation system shall be as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code.
(Ordinance 2014-008, sec. 2, adopted 4/14/14; 1988 Code, sec. 25-55; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code)
