Irrigation System Tips

• The system must be equipped with a backflow prevention device. Such a device will protect the household plumbing from contamination by the fertilizers and pesticides applied to the lawn. An atmospheric breaker is generally sufficient. However the atmospheric breaker device should be located at least one-foot above the highest sprinkler head. Therefore, if your lawn slopes, the device must be located at the high-point.

• Do not install the sprinkler system in the tree lawn or within eight feet of the street. This area is within the public way and the installation of private systems is not permitted.

• Inspect the system regularly to insure that there are no leaks. An unnoticed lawn sprinkler leak can be very expensive!!

• The Town’s Water Use Restriction Bylaw calls for alternate day use of sprinklers during dry weather. Programmable systems should be set in advance to match the Water Use Bylaw: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday for odd number addresses; Wednesday, Friday, Sunday for even house numbers.

• During periods of extended dry weather the Town may need to implement water use restrictions, including prohibitions on the use of automatic sprinkler systems. The use of automatic sprinkler systems will be prohibited during the “Warning” Status of the Town’s Water Use Restriction Bylaw. Only handheld watering will be permitted during the Warning Status.

• Be sure that the system is designed for winterization without compressed air blowbacks into the household plumbing. (Many systems require an air compressor to dewater the system. A water shutoff valve and air-venting valve should be strategically located between the house plumbing and the backflow prevention device.)

• The system should have a ‘rain shut-off’ device to prevent its operation during rain. Also soil moisture devices can be installed to prevent over-irrigation of the lawn. However there is some debate on the reliability of such devices.

• The timer should be set for operation in the near dawn hour, so as to avoid both evaporation losses and fungal damage.

• The system should be designed with enough zones to reduce the water flow requirements. Too much flow can cause ‘noisy’ meters, can lower pressure, and can waste water.

• If your yard is being resodded, consider placement of a thick (12 inch) organic soil and use a grass mixture with native species (i.e. a high % of fine fescues).

• Position and angle all sprinklers so that they irrigate vegetation and not impervious areas.

• Lawns are not suited on slopes of more than 6% (1 foot vertical to 16 feet, or less, horizontal).

• It is best to water only once per week to induce deep root growth. Deeper roots are conducive to a healthier lawn.