Irrigation standards for Irving Residents go into effect Jan. 1

All irrigation systems in Irving are required to comply with new standards, based on state requirements, by Jan. 1. This includes the installation of rain and freeze sensors. The city’s irrigation ordinance was adopted to focus on water conservation and to help ensure its future availability. New systems must:

• Not spray on structures such as fences or retaining walls
• Not have spray heads located within 4 inches of surfaces such as sidewalks or buildings
• Not spray if landscaping is less than 4 feet in width (use bubblers or drip systems)
  

In addition, residents are reminded that it is a violation to:     

• Irrigate during precipitation or freezing temperatures (rain, snow, etc.)
• Water areas such as sidewalks or streets
• Irrigate with a broken or missing sprinkler head
• Allow system leaks or problems that waste water

New irrigation systems should be designed and installed by a licensed irrigator. Homeowners may continue to install their own systems, but must comply with state regulations. The installation of a new system requires a permit and payment of the associated fee. Because of the new state inspection requirements, the fee has been increased to $100 for residential systems and $150 for commercial systems. A city permit is not required to install sensors on existing irrigation systems. For more information, call Water Utilities at (972) 721-2281.