Irrigation Meters
Customers may install an irrigation meter to measure water that does not enter the sanitary sewer system such as lawn irrigation or filling a swimming pool. Sewer charges are not applied to water measured on this irrigation meter. Irrigation meters can be used with outside hose faucets and/or irrigation systems.
Irrigation Water and Meter Rates
- Water usage is charged at a rate of $5.12 per 1,000 gallons, plus tax.
- A 5/8" irrigation meter is $122.69
- A 1" irrigation meter is $231.63
- Jumpers are only allowed to test the water line, then they must be removed immediately. A fine will be issued if a jumper is found.
Irrigation Meter Installation Process - Meters connected to outside water faucets
Irrigation Meter Installation Process - Meters connected to an irrigation system
To ensure the proper installation and processes are followed, call (515) 727-7772 or (515) 278-0822 before installing an irrigation system.
Information needed
When the design of the proposed system is complete and before installation begins, please provide us with the following information:
- Complete Irrigation Permit Form for Sprinkler. The majority of the information will come from the sprinkler contractor, but it is the customer's responsibility to provide this information to the Johnston Water Department.
- A $40 installation permit obtained and paid for at Johnston City Hall.
- Installation by a licensed plumber, who holds a permit with the City of Johnston
- One copy of the site plan or other drawing showing the design of the system and the area to be irrigated.
- The water flow rate of the largest irrigation circuit, in gallons per minute.
- The precipitation rate, in inches per hour, of the most commonly used sprinkler head.
- Size of water meter and piping designed to be used on the system.
- The make and model number of the backflow preventer to be used.
- To schedule a meter installation, call 727-7772.
This information will allow us to evaluate that the proper size meter is being installed and to determine that the system is designed to prevent backflow. If a meter is purchased for outdoor faucets only, and is later upgraded to an irrigation system, no credit for the smaller meter is available.
Backflow Prevention Requirements
All residential and commercial plumbing, including backflow preventers, shall be installed by a licensed plumber. Two types of prevention devices are allowed, which is determined by where the backflow prevention device can be installed. If it can be installed at an elevation higher than the highest sprinkler head in the system, a vacuum breaker can be used for backflow prevention. If this is not possible, a reduced pressure principle-type device should be installed. No other types of backflow prevention devices are acceptable.
Backflow Testing Requirements
Testing of the backflow device is required annually. The test must be performed at the same time every year by a certified backflow tester. The City has outsourced the monitoring of the Backflow testing to Backflow Solutions, Inc. The tester must enter the report on their website at
www.bsionlinetracking.com . Failure to have the backflow device tested annually will result with disconnection of water service to your residence.
Water Metering
Standard drawings provide information on water meter dimensions and setting requirements. Note that a deduct-type water meter setting is not permitted. Water meters should be located in an appropriate building, not in a meter pit - water meter pits are not allowed. Consideration may be given on a case-by-case basis, upon written application by the owner of the proposed irrigation system.
Inspection
Johnston Water Works staff will inspect the water meter setting and the piping leading to the water meter for compliance with the Johnston Water Works' Standard Specifications. The backflow preventer will be inspected for compliance.
Last updated
December 20, 2011
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