Sprinklers & Secondary Irrigation

Are you considering using secondary irrigation to water your lawn? Or are you installing a new sprinkler system or modifying your existing sprinkler system? If so, please review this information or ask your contractor who will be installing or modifying your sprinkler system to become familiar with this information.

Several subdivisions in the City of Chubbuck have been built to provide secondary pressurized irrigation water to each lot for watering lawns. This water is delivered from the Fort Hall Irrigation canal system by a pump station through pipes in the street to a connection point in each lot. As these systems are started for the first time or you are connecting your sprinkler system to the supply line, there are several steps you need to complete to keep yourself safe and ensure your sprinkler system works as intended. If your house does not have access to secondary pressurized irrigation water, much of the information below still applies to you.

Step 1 – Verify there are no leaks

As the pump station is first started, you will need to monitor the area around the irrigation water service/supply line in your yard to make sure there are no leaks. Each system was tested for leaks at the time when it was constructed, but as it has been unused for some time, it is important to notify the City if any unusual water is noticed. The irrigation service line typically ends at valves inside a green irrigation box that was originally placed behind the sidewalk. Photos of two typical boxes are found belowfor reference. If you notice water in this area, please call the city at (208) 237-2430 ext. 145.

Step 2 – Obtain a Plumbing Permit

Prior to connecting your automatic sprinkler system to the irrigation service line, a plumbing permit is required for the installation or modification of the required backflow prevention device. Where the secondary irrigation water comes from the canal system, it could be a potential harm to residents if your sprinkler system is not installed correctly. To help protect your drinking water, a backflow prevention device is required to prevent “cross-connection” between the drinking water system and the secondary irrigation system. A permit is required to ensure that these critical components are installed properly. The permit can be obtained by contacting the City’s permit office at (208) 417-7176 or by CLICKING HERE. The fee for the permit is minimal at only $15. A permit is required for every sprinkler system, including those that just utilize drinking water.

Step 3 – Install and Test an Approved Backflow Prevention Device

As mentioned in Step 2 above, the proper installation and testing of an approved backflow prevention device is critical in protecting the City’s drinking water. Once you have obtained the permit, you can install the device in accordance with state regulations and manufacturer’s requirements. An approved backflow prevention device is required for every sprinkler system, including those that just utilize drinking water. Following installation, the device is required to be tested by a certified tester and the results must be submitted to the City. Following the initial installation, the backflow prevention device must be tested annually and when any modifications are made, to ensure the device is operating correctly. The results of the annual test must be provided to the City. Failure to install and test an approved backflow prevention device may result in your drinking water supply being shut off to protect the city’s water system. A detail showing the typical installation of the backflow prevention device can be found here: Standard Drawing 902A

Step 4 – Connect your Sprinkler System to the City Irrigation Service Line

After you have installed an approved backflow prevention device, your sprinkler system can be connected to the secondary irrigation supply line if one is available. That connection will need to be made inside the City’s irrigation box that is referred to in Step 1 above. No changes to the existing valves can be made as those are required for proper operations. The connection to the City’s service line must be made in accordance with City requirements as shown on the City’s Standard Drawings 902A and 902C which can be found here:

Standard Drawing 902A

Standard Drawing 902C

Once connected, you may begin to utilize the secondary irrigation water to supply your sprinkler system. For important operation instructions, see Standard Drawing 902C referenced above.

We are fortunate to be able to utilize Fort Hall Irrigation water as it helps reduce demand on our limited drinking water resources. With your help, we can continue to provide low-cost irrigation water to you and your neighbors. Your assistance and cooperation with this matter moving forward is greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Water Department at clusk@cityofchubbuck.us or 208-237-2430 ext. 145.