Equipment and Performance Standards
Water Smart Contractor Program
SNWA requires landscape contractors who enroll in the Water Smart Contractor Program to meet these equipment and performance standards:
| 1. | All landscapes and irrigation work performed pursuant to a contract will comply with applicable laws and codes in effect at the time of installation. |
| 2. | Irrigation systems, if properly maintained, can be operated according to the schedule provided by the contractor, without creating flow or spray that leaves the property and without violating local days of the week and time of the day watering restriction after an approved 30-day water use exemption has expired. |
| 3. | Upon request, a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (provided as a consultant or have one employed on staff). |
| 4. | On all new landscape installations, separate control zones (valves) will be used for each type of watering device, and drip emitters will be operated separately from sprinkler heads. (This provision may be waived for landscape retrofits by mutual agreement between contractor and customer.) |
| 5. | Sprinkler heads for turf grass will have a 4" or greater pop-up height on grass. Sprinkler heads will have matched precipitation nozzles. |
| 6. | A minimum setback distance of 3 feet will be maintained between spray irrigation and all hardscapes (structures, buildings, walls, sidewalks, public rights of ways). |
| 7. | Spray irrigated turf areas shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide in every dimension. |
| 8. | Drip irrigation systems will be equipped with a pressure regulator, filter, flush end assembly and any other appropriate components. Components will be located in accessible valve boxes. The system must be free of leaks and malfunctions upon conveyance to the client. Each drip emitter must be rated at 20 gallons per hour (gph) or less. If part of a lawn is converted, the sprinkler system must be properly modified to provide adequate coverage to the remaining lawn without spraying the converted area. |
| 9. | Irrigation controllers installed by a contractor will have a minimum of the following features:
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| 10. | A seasonal watering schedule for each zone will be provided. |
| 11. | An owner's manual will be provided for all irrigation controllers installed and for any other components necessary. |
| 12. | Non-turf areas will include a minimum 2-inch layer of mulching material. All mulches and surface treatments will be permeable to air and water. |
| 13. | A one-year written limited warranty will be offered. (Terms of the warranty are at the discretion of the contractor). |
| 14. | All maintenance contracts must contain the following provisions:
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