Successful Compliance For Water Regulations With An Irrigation System

Installing and operating an irrigation system professionally comes with plenty of benefits, like consistent and efficient water use, time and cost-saving, increased plant health and property value and so on. Efficient water use and conservation contribute to environmental sustainability as well. But we can’t walk away from that an incorrectly installed system can lead to various negative impacts and breaking the rules is just one of them. However not to comply the recent water regulations can result in legal consequences, fines, or restrictions on water usage.

We suppose you have better things to do then attend on the court.

To avoid these unpleasant consequences, let’s look into to the latest relevant UK law, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. This law replaced the old Water Bylaws nearly a quarter century ago this is the only current standards in this field.

Reporting the installation

Before delving into the facts deeper, the first thing worth to mention that not any kind of irrigation system (other than a handheld hose) can be installed without prior consent of the water authority (local water board). The responsibility lies with the owner to inform and seek consent from the board before initiating the installation process.

Hazards To The Mains Supply

Connecting the irrigation system to the mains water supply may put the water bodies in risk as follows:

Cross-Contamination

If the irrigation system is improperly connected, there’s a risk of cross-contamination between the potable water supply and the irrigation water. This can introduce contaminants, such as fertilizers or pesticides, into the drinking water system, posing health risks.

Water Quality Issues

Improper connections may compromise the quality of water supplied to the irrigation system. Contaminants or impurities from the surrounding environment or non-potable water sources may enter the system, affecting the health of plants and potentially causing clogs or damage to the irrigation equipment.

Environmental Impact

Contaminants introduced into the irrigation system may have adverse effects on the surrounding environment. Runoff containing pollutants can harm local ecosystems and water bodies.

Other Risks To Comply With Water Regulations

Obviously an improper connection may cause issues for you as well, like these:

Reduced System Efficiency

Incorrect connections may lead to pressure variations, inconsistent water flow, or inefficient distribution within the irrigation system. This can result in uneven watering, negatively impacting plant health and the overall effectiveness of the system.

Equipment Damage

The introduction of impurities or contaminants from an improperly connected water supply can damage irrigation equipment, including valves, pipes, and emitters. This can lead to increased maintenance costs and the need for frequent repairs.

Waste of Water

Inefficient connections may result in water wastage through leaks or inefficient distribution. This not only contributes to increased water bills but also contradicts the principles of water conservation and sustainable irrigation practices.

Health Risks for Plants

Poor water quality due to incorrect connections can negatively impact plant health. Plants may suffer from nutrient imbalances, diseases, or reduced growth, leading to an unhealthy and unappealing landscape.

Regarding the possible effects above, the water regulations describe the minimal connection requirement for any type of irrigation system considering the different type of emitters used on the systems. The irrigation solutions are grouped into fluid categories based on certain properties and the acceptable connections are ordered to these categories.

Fluid categories 

	Handheld hose		Drip/porous pipe		Bubblers		Micro sprinklers/field stands			Popup sprinklers
Aplication	Domestic	Non-domestic	Domestic	Commercial	Domestic	Commercial	Domestic		Commercial	Domestic	Commercial
Installed	no		soil level		soil level		150mm+ above surface			buried
Applicators (fertilizer, pesticide, stc.)	yes/no		yes/no		yes/no		no	yes	yes/no	yes/no
Fluid category	3	5	4	5	4	5	3	4	5	4	5

Preventative Equipment For Categories

Double Check valves

Double check valve for fluid category 3

Double check valves are simple mechanical valves that prevent the backflow in the pipework by the pressure on the irrigation side. The valve opens in one direction only and mechanically blocked by an edge to open towards the other direction. If the pressure increased on the outlet (irrigation side), that will push the valve flap to an edge and close the gap. For improved safety, this mechanism is doubled in this valve.

RPZ units

RPZ unit for fluid category 4

As the name of the Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) unit shows it’s meant to reduce the existing water mains pressure further. That’s for establishing a pressure difference between the mains side and the irrigation side on purpose. That makes the available pressure even lower so this solution is not suitable for most of the time.

Air gaps

Airgap AA and AB for fluid category 5

Airgap AD for fluid category 5

As you may have worked out that the air gaps are supposed to interrupt the direct connection between the mains supply and the irrigation system. Obviously the available pressure and flow from mains will be lost by installing this solution. Hence our first task is to rebuild them after the air gap. This is the main reason for installing an irrigation pump.

Consequently, irrigation systems are better to be installed with tank and pump, except in the rear case when there are micro/field stand zones are designed only. Of course when the available pressure is strong enough to operate the sprinklers.

Irrigation systems designed by The Gardener’s Rain follow the latest water regulations. All our quotes contain the necessary connection types, so you don’t have to worry about it.

The good news

But there’s more then one side to a coin. Luckily installing a booster (pump and usually a tank) makes the system independent and scalable to your needs. It’s not just a costly requirement but makes the system design more flexible and expandable.

In summary, following water regulations ensures that irrigation systems operate safely, efficiently, and responsibly. It protects the environment, public health, and the integrity of water supplies while fulfilling legal requirements. Customers and professionals alike should stay informed about and adhere to these regulations to contribute to sustainable water use practices.

• Related Articles

• Preparing For Irrigation Before And During A Landscaping Project

  Thinking forward is always a good strategy and especially is when you are planning to have irrigation system in your newly landscaped garden. This scheduling guide serves some advice regarding the best preparing techniques for installing irrigation ...

• Trenching and backfill by The Gardener's Rain

  This article includes techniques that The Gardener's Rain uses during irrigation system installation process. Other companies may or may not work like this. As mentioned before, part of the pipework and some electrical wires run underground. For ...