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New Irrigation Rules Effective January 1, 2009
As mandated by the Texas Legislature, the City of Arlington
recently approved Ordinance 08-108 creating a landscape
irrigation program that includes permitting, minimum design standards,
and inspections for all new and expanded lawn irrigation systems.
The new ordinance requires irrigation permits for new installations
and additions of sprinkler heads and/or zone valves to existing
irrigation systems. An irrigation permit is not required if you
are replacing a sprinkler head with a new sprinkler head in the same
location.
Because 50% of all treated water is used for irrigation and it
is estimated that up to half of that water is lost to leaks,
evaporation, and runoff, the new rules will help meet the projected
water demands of the State of Texas in the future. Efficient
irrigation systems combined with the proper seasonal
watering schedule can save a significant amount of water and money.
The landscape irrigation program will be managed through the One Start
Center by the Building Inspections department. To view the new
irrigation rules scroll down to "Irrigation Ordinance" under "Current
adopted codes and ordinances" here:
Codes and Ordinances.
Remember:
Seasons Change and So Should Your Watering Schedule
No Outdoor Watering 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
Year Round
What is the difference between conservation planning and drought
management?
The City of Arlington and
the City's primary water supplier, Tarrant Regional Water District,
work closely together to develop and implement water conservation
and drought management plans to make possible an adequate supply of
water today and in the future. Although a water conservation
and drought management plan may appear to be the same, there are
differences between the plans that benefit the community and region
when put into practice.
Water Conservation Plan
Implemented full-time; permanent
Long-term response to efficient water use and supply
Drought Contingency Management Plan
Implemented during times of crisis, such as droughts
Short-term response to a water supply shortage
As annual and seasonal
climate varies, it is important to have an on-going water
conservation plan in place to better be prepared for drought
conditions in the future. The City of Arlington is dedicated
to the practice and promotion of the efficient use of our valuable
water supply and encourages all residents to be mindful of their
water usage.
City Council Approves Amendments to Lawn and
Landscape Irrigation Requirements
Watering
Nixed Ten to Six Year-Round
Effective Saturday, December 23, 2006 the City will implement
year-round watering restrictions. Except for hand watering and
the use of soaker hoses, it shall be unlawful for any person to
irrigate, water, or cause or permit the irrigation or watering of any
lawn or landscape located on premises owned, leased, or managed by
that person between the hours of 10:00AM and 6:00PM.
Rain
and Freeze Sensor Requirements
(1) Effective January 1, 2007 all irrigation systems
installed within the City must be equipped with rain and freeze
sensors in number and type established and published by the Director of Utilities.
This requirement applies to all commercial and
residential properties.
(2) Any irrigation system installed before January 1, 2007, may not be
operated after March 4, 2007 without being equipped with rain and
freeze sensors in number and type established and published by the
Director of Utilities. This
retrofitting requirement does not apply to a
single family residential or duplex property, or an individually metered townhome or condominium unit.
The above amendments were approved by City Council on November 28,
2006. Violations of the ordinance can result in fines up to
$500.
Ordinance 06-109
(pdf)
Approved Rain and
Freeze Sensor List (pdf)
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