Summer is just a month-and-a-half away. And weather forecasters predict that Austin is in for yet another tinder-dry season. That’s sobering news for a city that’s already under mandatory stage two restrictions for water use.
Austin Water Utility (AWU) imposes hefty fines that start at $475 per violation on anyone who is not in compliance with the city’s strict water conservation policy. This means that if you use irrigation systems for watering your lawns and/or garden, you need to know exactly what constitutes water waste so that you can avoid paying penalties.
AWU defines irrigation system water waste as:
1. Failure to repair a controllable leak
These can include leaks coming from a broken sprinkler head, valve, faucet or pipe.
2. Operating a permanently installed but damaged system
You are in violation of AWU rules if your watering system has:
- a broken head;
- a head that’s missing due to high water pressure; or
- a maladjusted head that sprays water into the street or onto some other impervious surface
3. Allowing water to run off a property for a distance of 50 feet or greater or pool to a depth of greater than ¼ inch
This includes all situations where water intended for irrigation runs onto the street or onto some other impervious surface like a parking lot.
To ensure that you are in compliance with AWU regulations, call the experts at South Austin Irrigation. We can check your system for leaks, adjust or replace sprinkler heads and repair all broken faucets, valves and pipes. Start the upcoming irrigation season out right. Contact South Austin Irrigation and let us help you save water, time and money today!
