Lawn Irrigation

Lawn Irrigation Systems

Lawn irrigation systems, often incorrectly referred to as ‘sprinkler systems’, are growing increasingly more popular.  With proper installation and usage, these systems are an effective way to control your water usage, conserve water and keep your lawn and gardens pristine during the spring, summer and into fall.

It is important to hire a reputable company to ensure your lawn irrigation system is properly installed – meeting all town codes and ordinances.

Here are a few helpful hints and suggestions:

  • Hire a reputable lawn irrigation company to make sure your lawn is properly irrigated and watered.
  • Ask for a referral of the irrigation company and ask the referral if their irrigation system was properly installed.
  • Rain Sensors are required on every lawn irrigation system.  Make sure they are installed on your system.
  • Test your lawn irrigation system’s watering distance so that water is not hitting your house, going into the street or beyond your property and lawn.
  • A Backflow Prevention Device is required, needs to be installed by a professional licensed plumber and must be tested annually (only DCV requires annual testing). It is not required to have both a PVB and a DCV for a lawn irrigation system…only one device is necessary.

Here are a few more tips about watering your lawn:

  • Water your lawn early in the morning or at night to avoid excess evaporation.
  • Walk across your lawn. If you see footprints in the grass, it’s time to water.
  • Even numbered addresses and non-numbered homes can water on even numbered days; odd numbered addresses can water on odd numbered days, as per Nassau County Ordinance.
  • Nassau County Ordinance prohibits watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Consumers with lawn irrigation systems are reminded that under Section 5-1.31 of the New York State Sanitary Code, the installation and annual testing of Backflow Prevention Devices ARE MANDATORY.

This New York State Department of Health regulation was put into place for the protection of the public drinking water supply.