Sec. 138-192. Irrigation standards.
(a) Purpose. To conserve water resources and promote the use of reclaimed water sources by establishing requirements for design, installation and maintenance of automatic irrigation systems.
(b) Applicability. These standards shall apply to:
(1) New development. All new development where automatic underground irrigation of landscape areas is required per Chapter 146, Unified Development Ordinance, including all common area landscape tracts, tree lawns, private common open space and private parks.
a. Individual residential lots. The individual lots of single-family detached homes, two-family homes, and single-family attached duplex homes shall be required to comply only with equipment requirements and the final construction observation requirements of this section.
(2) Replacement of existing irrigation systems. Existing irrigation systems being replaced, modified or expanded pursuant to Chapter 146, Unified Development Ordinance.
Existing irrigation systems that are operating in an efficient manner and are not found to be wasting water as found in section 138-190 are exempt from these standards when performing routine maintenance, component up-grades, and repairs.
(c) Landscape plans. All landscape plans required by Chapter 146, Unified Development Ordinance, shall carry a notation requiring compliance with these standards.
(d) Irrigation design plan. Prior to the installation of the irrigation system, Aurora Water shall approve a design plan prepared by a designer that complies with the system requirements specified in this section. The irrigation design plan shall accurately and clearly identify:
(1) Property boundaries.
(2) Locations, model and size of all components of the irrigation system.
(3) Detailed drawings of all major components of the irrigation system.
(4) Static water pressure at the point of connection.
(5) Flow rate, zone number, application rate (inches per hour), and design operating pressure for each zone or station on the controller.
(6) Backflow preventer.
(7) The square footage of turf and planting beds on the plans.
(8) Pressure loss worksheet.
(9) Calculation of water usage in gallons for the year.
(10) Irrigation schedule.
(11) Clearly displayed registered landscape architect or certified irrigation designer stamp or registration number.
Submittal of irrigation plans shall be concurrent with the submittal of civil plans or if no civil plans are required with application for a building permit.
The design of irrigation systems shall be based on approved landscape plans. Amendments to landscape plans shall require amendments to the irrigation plan(s).
(e) Designer qualifications. The irrigation designer shall be a certified irrigation designer (commercial) as regulated by the irrigation association, or a registered landscape architect with a current license issued by any state.
(f) System requirements. Systems shall be in conformance with the Standards and Specifications Regarding Water, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drainage Infrastructure, as that term is defined in section 138-151 of this chapter.
(1) Run times. Watering shall occur in accordance with the Aurora Water Management Plan approved by city council.
(2) Hydraulics. Hydraulics shall be in conformance with the Standards and Specifications Regarding Water, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Drainage Infrastructure, as that term is defined in section 138-151 of this chapter.
(g) Requirements for reclaimed domestic wastewater. All irrigation systems installed on a site must connect to the reclaimed water system where reclaimed domestic wastewater is available meeting the requirements of the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE), "Reclaimed Domestic Wastewater Control Regulations" and the following guidelines.
(1) Design requirements. Design requirements for irrigation systems that will connect to reclaimed domestic wastewater shall meet the following criteria:
a. Site water containment. Reclaimed domestic wastewater shall be confined to the authorized use area, strictly minimizing runoff and/or ponding of the water. Zone slopes and microclimates to strictly minimize runoff and/or ponding of reclaimed domestic wastewater. Direct and windblown irrigation water spray shall be confined to the site. Precautions shall be taken to ensure that reclaimed domestic wastewater will not be sprayed on any facility or area not designated for application.
b. Pipe marking. Identification shall be one of the following:
1The warning "CAUTION: RECLAIMED WATER – DO NOT DRINK" embossed or stenciled on the pipe at five-foot intervals.
2Purple plastic marking tape the width of the pipe with the warning "CAUTION: RECLAIMED WATER – DO NOT DRINK", and taped to the pipe every 10 feet.
3Install purple-colored pipe.
c. Outlets. All sprinkler heads, quick coupler valves, and other outlets shall have purple-colored tops or rubber covers. Permanent hose outlets are not allowed.
d. Valve boxes. All valve boxes used in the irrigation system shall have purple-colored valve box lids.
e. Irrigation controllers. Irrigation controllers shall be labeled inside and out with "CAUTION: RECLAIMED WATER – DO NOT DRINK". A laminated reduced drawing of the irrigation system shall be kept in the controller cabinet.
f. Backflow prevention. An approved reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention device or an air gap shall be provided at all potable water service connections to reclaimed domestic wastewater use areas.
g. Warning signs. Notification by clearly visible signs shall be provided to inform the public that reclaimed domestic wastewater is being used for irrigation and is not safe for drinking. The notification shall include posting of signs of sufficient size to be clearly read in all application areas and around impoundments with the following wording: ATTENTION: RECLAIMED DOMESTIC WASTEWATER – DO NOT DRINK
Signs should be in the predominant language(s) spoken in the area at the site.
These requirements are based on Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Regulation 84, Reclaimed Domestic Wastewater Control Regulation and American Water Works Association Manual M24, Dual Water Systems.
(h) Enforcement and penalty. Any violation of this section shall be considered a waste of water as defined in section 138-190 and the enforcement provisions of section 138-190 shall apply.
Upon the issuance of any violation the system shall be adjusted within three days of notification for commercial properties and within seven days of notification for residential properties whenever irrigation water falls or runs onto hard surfaces such as sidewalks, streets or driveways. Breakdowns or failures of the irrigation system shall be repaired within three days of notification for commercial properties and within seven days of notification for residential properties to avoid unnecessary wasting of water. Any observed or reported wasting of water may result in penalties as described by section 138-190. (Ord. No. 2023-44, § 18, 9-11-2023; Ord. No. 2015-25, § 15, 6-29-2015; Ord. No. 2005-74, § 1, 10-10-2005; Ord. No. 2004-75, § 1, 12-6-2004)