AWWA SOURCES55600

In many parts of the country, the landscape irrigation industry is largely unregulated, aside from some basic health and safety requirements. Texas is one of the few states that does have standards for irrigation design and a requirement for backflow prevention, the standards are not rigorous and there is little enforcement and spotty compliance. In Austin, irrigators currently are required to follow only the minimal state guidelines. Backflow prevention devices must be installed, and although they are supposed to be tested at when they are installed, there is no follow-up testing. A survey of backflow prevention devices on irrigation systems at city parks and local schools showed a failure rate of 63 percent. The City has recognized a need to correct this potential health threat and is currently working to revise the irrigation permit system. The Water Conservation Program is considering incorporating design requirements into the permitting system that would further conservation efforts. These requirements would include rain shutoff devices, controllers that are programmable to the City's suggested five-day summer watering schedule, check valves, and head spacing for head to head coverage. This paper details not only the proposed requirements but also examines the process of developing the new regulations and the participation by several stakeholder groups, including the water utility and irrigators.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

01/01/2002

Number of Pages:

3

File Size:

1 file , 140 KB