Anatomy of the Non-Potable Water Irrigation System & Reclaimed Water Chemistry

Kirk MillerRain Bird Area Specification Manager, Pacific Northwest

The Intelligent Use of Water™

Today’s Objectives

Review of potable and non-potable water sources

Compare tap water and reclaimed water constituents

Understand the important planning factors for irrigation systems using reclaimed water

Anatomy of a non-potable water irrigation system

Potable and Non-Potable Water Sources

Types of Water

Note: These are typical applications in the U.S. Any water type can be treated and disinfected to meet drinking water standards – which occurs in many parts of the world.

YNRiver Water

YNRunoff Water

YNReverse Osmosis Water

YNFiltered Water

NYWell Water

YNSea Water

YNBrackish Water (mix of fresh and sea)

YNReclaimed or Recycled Water

NYPotable, Drinking, or Tap Water

Typically Non-Potable

Typically Potable

What is Reclaimed Water?“Cleaned” wastewater

Final product of a multi-stage advanced water treatment process

Ideal for irrigation ─ nitrogen and phosphorus remaining in the water provide excellent fertilizer for ornamental plants and grass

Unsuitable for human or house pet consumption ─ Exceptions exist where reclaimed water is potable

Sometimes called recycled water

Drinking Water and Reclaimed Water Constituents

Typical Potable Water Constituents

Water

Chlorine disinfectant (maximum 4 ppm)

Disinfectant By-Products (DBPs)

Fluorine (often added)

Minerals

Naturally occurring local constituents: radon, sulfur, limestone, etc.

Primary EPA Drinking Water Specifications: Mandatory

Secondary EPA Drinking Water Specifications: Voluntary

Reclaimed Water GuidelinesState of California Title 22 Reclaimed Water Definition is a widely recognized benchmark covering requirements for:– Microbial presence– Odor– Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

No clear limit on chlorine disinfectantsAverages are used ─ actual constituents fluctuate greatly as systems are “shocked” with treatment chemicalsConstituents difficult to enforcePractical matters govern use – pumps need to workCertain reclaimed waters not allowed for reuse – for example, dye factory dischargeNumerous and varied Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)Numerous volatiles generated in reclamation

Reclaimed Water Differences from Drinking Water

Reclaimed water quality varies within the guidelines

Reclaimed water generally has more constituents such as salts and minerals, which can make it harder than the drinking water

Reclaimed water treatment chemicals can spike significantly when systems are shocked early in the day to disinfect the water line carrying the reclaimed water

Why Use Reclaimed Water?Certain types of reclaimed water can be used for irrigation of food crops and spray irrigation of orchards and vineyardsReuse conserves waterReuse matches water quality with water useHigh-quality groundwater is reserved for drinking and bathingReclaimed water saves moneyReclaimed water rates are less than local drinking water rateReclaimed water use helps assure that a community will have water supplies to meet their current and future needs

Reclaimed Water Use Guidelines Recommended by Utilities

DO:Post signs on the property indicating reclaimed water is in use

Water at night or when the potential for human contact is low

Prevent water from ponding or running off onto other properties

Avoid overspray onto areas where food is prepared or eaten

Wash with soap and drinking water if you come in contact with reclaimed water

Use purple indicators on irrigation equipment using reclaimed water

Advise all landscape and irrigation maintenance personnel that reclaimed water is used

Reclaimed Water Use Guidelines Recommended by Utilities

DO NOT:Allow human or house pet consumption (unless disinfected and specified by a utility)

Connect reclaimed water to the drinking water system

Bathe in reclaimed water

Use in swimming pools and spas

Use in aquariums

Use for heating and cooling equipment

Connect to fountains

Wash vehicles, play equipment, driveways, sidewalks, and structures

Important Planning Factors for Irrigation Systems Using Reclaimed Water

Reclaimed Water Transfer Line Potential Issues

Reclaimed water constituents can build-up within a water transfer line

Lines are “shocked” with chemicals to assure low level of microbial build-up

Reclaimed water can leave aftereffects from at least three sets of constituents:

─ Minerals and salts

─ Sulfur by-products such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfuric acid

─ Disinfection By-Products (DBP’s) such as trihalomethanes

Reclaimed Water Long-Term EffectsSome soil long-term build-up effects can be reversed to some degree, except for some salts

Some turf grass is being produced with high tolerance to salts and minerals

A variety of chemicals are often used to balance the presence of reclaimed water constituents

The long-term effects of water constituents on water transfer lines and irrigation equipment generally cannot be reversed

Reclaimed water lines and irrigation products are irreversibly affected by chemicals used to clean them

Reclaimed Water Summary

Reclaimed water use conserves water resourcesReclaimed water use helps keep costs downReclaimed water constituents vary widely depending on the locally available water supplies, and much more than drinking water constituentsReclaimed water and its use have some guidelines but they are not very specificMunicipalities often require labeling of reclaimed water lines and irrigation equipmentSince reclaimed water constituents vary widely, chemicals are often used to adjust their constituents, especially the organic build-upEffect of reclaimed water and chemicals used to maintain a reclaimed water line leave a lasting irreversible effect on irrigation products

Anatomy of a Non-Potable System

4 Key Areas for Non-Potable Irrigation Products

4. Emission Devices

3. Valves

2. Central Controls1. Pump Stations

1. Pump Stations for On-Site Water Sources

1. Pump Stations

For pressure and flow from on-site water source:CHIE Series: Low flow (up to 80 gpm) for irrigation and water features

Integrated Plug-n-Pump: Up to 300 gpm VFD single pump and multi-pump stations with enclosure. New D-Series, DP-Series & DPX-Series

Engineering Pumping Solutions: Engineered VFD pump station solutions custom designed for your irrigation system requirements

Pumps will be covered in more detail in the next session and the next series

2. Central Control Systems

2. Central ControlsWater use reporting by water type ─ potable and non-potable ─ is often required by local water authorities

Central Control systems with water-use reporting capabilities are important in locations where reporting is mandatory

Central Control offers features that eliminate over-watering and run-off that are undesirable in non-potable water applications:– ET-based scheduling– Flow management– Rain shut-off– Cycle + Soak

Central Controls with Water Saving and Water Use Reporting Functions

Multi-Site

Maxicom2

IQ

Single-Site

SiteControl

Larger Sites,Fully-AutomaticOperation

Smaller Sites,Semi-AutomaticOperation

NEW

3. Valves for Non-Potable Water Applications

Valves Built for Reclaimed WaterValve diaphragms are especially prone to a shorter life under the harsh chemical conditions of non-potable, reclaimed water

Specify valves with diaphragms and components that are engineered to be chlorine and chemical resistant

PESB-R Series Valves EFB-CP-R Series Valves

PESB-R Series ValvesA true reclaimed water irrigation valve

Handles chlorine and other chemicals found in reclaimed water systems

Construction of heavy-duty, glass-filled nylon

Resists clogging and features a patented scrubber to actively fight dirt, algae and other particles from blocking the pilot flow

Models: – 100-PESB-R 1“– 150-PESB-R 1½“– 200-PESB-R 2“– 100-PESB-R-WK– 150-PESB-R-WK– 200-PESB-R-WK

Conversion Kits

EFB-CP-R Series ValvesRed brass body and bonnet for longer life and more rugged performance at 200 psi

Contamination-proof, self-flushing screen that cleans itself and resists debris build-up in dirty water applications

Rubber diaphragm and plastic scrubber components molded of chlorine- and chemical-resistant materials

Long life and superior performance in high pressure applications

Models: – 100-EFB-CP-R 1"– 150-EFB-CP-R 1½"– 200-EFB-CP-R 2"

Non-Potable, Dirty Water ApplicationsScrubber or self-flushing filter prevents debris build-up and clogging

Built-in scrubber (S) scrapes the filtration screen to clean grit and plant material common in non-potable, dirty water from ponds or lakes

PESB Series Valves:100-PESB 1“

150-PESB 1½“200-PESB 2"

BPES Series Valves:

300-BPES 3“

EFB-CP/EFB-CP-R Series Valves:100-EFB-CP 1“

150-EFB-CP1½“200-EFB-CP 2"

Valves with Purple Handles for Non-Potable Water Identification

Model Valves

PGA-NP-HAN1 1” and 1½” PGA Valves

PGA-NP-HAN2 2” PGA Valves

PEB-NP-HAN1 1” PEB and PESB Valves

PEB-NP-HAN2 1½” & 2” PEB and PESB Valves

EFB-GB-NP-HAN GB and EFB-CP Valves

BPE-NP-HAN 3” BPE and BPES Valves

Valve Boxes with Purple Lidsfor Non-Potable Identification

RoundVB-7RNDP

VB-10RNDP

StandardVB-STDP

JumboVB-JMBP

4. Emission Devices and Accessories

New Swing Pipe for Reclaimed Water

New SPX-FLEXRW flexible swing pipe specifically engineered for use with reclaimed water

Purple strip for non-potable identification

SPX-FLEXRW100

Sprinklers for Non-Potable, Dirty Water Applications

Impact Sprinklers are proven to be grit tolerant from non-potable, dirty water sources such as ponds or lakes

Also resistant to attack by harsh water

Recommended for slopes and non-turf areas– 2045-PJ Maxi-Bird™:½" riser-mounted full-

or part-circle– 20B-ADJ: ½" riser-mounted full-circle – 25BPJ-ADJ Series: ½¾" riser-mounted

full- or part-circle – 35-A-TNT: ¾" riser-mounted full- or part-

circle– 65PJADJ-TNT: 1" riser-mounted full- or

part-circle

2045-PJ Maxi-Bird™

Sprays and Rotors with Purple Covers for Non-Potable Water Identification

Purple Covers for Spray Heads

1800 NPCAP 1800 Sprays

US-NP UNI-Sprays

PA-8S-NP Plastic Shrub Adapter

Purple Covers for Rotors

3500 NP Cover

5000/5000 Plus NP Cover

5505 NP Cover

Falcon 6504 NP Cover

7005 NP Cover

8005 NP Cover

Low-Volume and Direct-to-Root Non-Potable Water Identification

Purple Landscape Dripline

LD-P

Root Watering Series

RWS-P

The Intelligent Use of Water™

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