(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.
Air gap
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.
Atmospheric vacuum breaker
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.
Backflow prevention
means the mechanical prevention of reverse flow, or backsiphonage, of nonpotable water from an irrigation system into the potable water source.
Backflow prevention assembly
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.
Completion of irrigation system installation
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.
Consulting
means the act of providing advice, guidance, review or recommendations related to landscape irrigation systems.
Cross-connection
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.
Design
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.
Design pressure
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.
Double check valve
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.
Emission device
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.
Employed
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.
Head-to-head spacing
means the spacing of spray or rotary heads equal to the manufacturer’s published radius of the head.
Health hazard
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.
Hydraulics
means the science of dynamic and static water; the mathematical computation of determining pressure losses and pressure requirements of an irrigation system.
Inspector
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.
Installer
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).
Irrigation inspector
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.
Irrigation plan
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.
Irrigation services
means selling, designing, installing, maintaining, altering, repairing, servicing, permitting, providing consulting services regarding, or connecting an irrigation system to a water supply.
Irrigation system
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.
Irrigation technician
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).
Irrigation zone
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.
Irrigator
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.
Irrigator-in-charge
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.
Landscape irrigation
means the science of applying the necessary amount of water to promote or sustain healthy growth of plant material or turf.
License
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.
Main line
means a pipe within an irrigation system that delivers water from the water source to the individual zone valves.
Maintenance checklist
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.
Major maintenance, alteration, repair, or service
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.
Master valve
means a remote control valve located after the backflow prevention device that controls the flow of water to the irrigation system main line.
Matched precipitation rate
means the condition in which all sprinkler heads within an irrigation zone apply water at the same rate.
New installation
means an irrigation system installed at a location where one did not previously exist.
Pass-through contract
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.
Potable water
means water that is suitable for human consumption.
Pressure vacuum breaker
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.
Reclaimed water
means domestic or municipal wastewater which has been treated to a quality suitable for beneficial use, such as landscape irrigation.
Records of landscape irrigation activities
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.
Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly
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.
Static water pressure
means the pressure of water when it is not moving.
Supervision
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.
Water conservation
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.
Zone flow
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.
Zone valve
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:
(A) 
There is an unobstructed physical separation; and
(B) 
The distance from the lowest point of the water supply outlet to the flood rim of the fixture or assembly into which the outlet discharges is at least one (1) inch or twice the diameter of the water supply outlet, whichever is greater.
(2) 
Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies may be used if:
(A) 
The device is installed at a minimum of twelve (12) inches above ground in a location that will ensure that the assembly will not be submerged; and
(B) 
Drainage is provided for any water that may be discharged through the assembly relief valve.
(3) 
Pressure vacuum breakers may be used if:
(A) 
No backpressure condition will occur; and
(B) 
The device is installed at a minimum of twelve (12) 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.
(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;
(6) 
Location and type of each:
(A) 
Controller; and
(B) 
Sensor (for example, but not limited to, rain, moisture, wind, flow, or freeze);
(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)