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District of Saanich

Standards for Landscape Irrigation Systems

MARCH 2015

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL ....................................................................................................................................................... 4

1. Scope of work.................................................................................................................................... 4

2. Quality Assurance ............................................................................................................................. 4

3. Site Conditions .................................................................................................................................. 4

4. Owner or Representative .................................................................................................................. 5

5. Regulations........................................................................................................................................ 5

Alternate Materials ....................................................................................................................................... 5

Materials ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

1. Sprinklers .......................................................................................................................................... 5

2. Control Valves ................................................................................................................................... 5

3. Isolation Valves ................................................................................................................................. 6

4. Tree watering devices ....................................................................................................................... 6

5. Controllers ......................................................................................................................................... 6

6. Wire ................................................................................................................................................... 6

7. Backflow prevention devices ............................................................................................................ 7

8. Pipe - Poly Vinyl Chloride .................................................................................................................. 7

9. Fittings ............................................................................................................................................... 7

10. Cement and Primer ....................................................................................................................... 7

11. Valve Box ....................................................................................................................................... 7

12. Sleeving ......................................................................................................................................... 7

DESIGN .......................................................................................................................................................... 8

1. Sprinklers .......................................................................................................................................... 8

2. Pipe ................................................................................................................................................... 8

3. Zoning................................................................................................................................................ 8

4. Control .............................................................................................................................................. 9

5. Pressure Control ............................................................................................................................... 9

6. Winterizing ........................................................................................................................................ 9

7. LowVolume Micro Irrigation ............................................................................................................. 9

8. Control Wire ...................................................................................................................................... 9

INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................................. 10

9. Excavation and Backfill .................................................................................................................... 10

10. Pipe ............................................................................................................................................. 10

11. Valves and Valve Boxes ............................................................................................................... 11

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12. Sprinklers .................................................................................................................................... 11

13. Tree watering devices ................................................................................................................. 11

14. Wire ............................................................................................................................................. 12

15. Backflow Prevention ................................................................................................................... 12

16. Controller .................................................................................................................................... 12

17. Turf valves / Quick Coupling valves ............................................................................................ 12

18. Sleeving ....................................................................................................................................... 12

SITE MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................................... 13

INSPECTION AND TESTING .......................................................................................................................... 13

1. Inspection ........................................................................................................................................ 13

2. Testing ............................................................................................................................................. 13

3. Deficiencies ..................................................................................................................................... 13

POST-INSTALLATION MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................................... 14

1. ............................................................................................................................................................. 14

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GENERAL

1. Scope of work

(a) Obtain or prepare a scaled design of the proposed irrigation system, which meets the approval of the

owner’s representative.

(b) Obtain properly informed agreement from the owner’s representative as to the inclusion or not of

desirable features in the design which are site specific.

(c) Supply and install the components required to provide a properly operating irrigation

system to cover the applicable landscape.

(d) Ten (10) days prior to the scheduled work, the contractor will provide the Saanich Parks Division

representative with a set of professionally designed and drafted irrigation documents at the same scale as

the project design plans with a complete list of materials from water supply to irrigation heads.

(e) A suitably scaled, as built drawing shall be provided at the completion of the project. All

Components of the irrigation system shall be shown as installed, with clear measurements from an

identifiable reference point to the location of the controller and its circuit breaker, master valve, zone

valves, main water connection, blow out connection, pump and its electrical connections, and any other

similar features.

(f) Contractor will provide a laminated copy attached to each controller a zone map indicating type of zone

station numbering.

2. Quality Assurance

(a) All irrigation work shall be done by suitably experienced and qualified irrigation contractor, having trained

and competent personnel for the scope of the work. Utilizing staff certified by the IIABC in disciplines as

certified Irrigation Technician Level 1 or 2

(b) A written guarantee of the installed system shall be provided to the owner covering workmanship and

materials for a minimum of one year.

(c) Installation of low voltage wiring requires contractor to have low voltage electrical certificate, as certified

by the BC Electrical Safety Branch.

3. Site Conditions

(a) Contractor to be responsible for the location of all utilities buried cables, pipes, etc., prior to

any trenching.

(b) Contractor and employees will follow W.C.B regulations.

(c) Adjust the design as necessary, together with Saanich Parks Division representative to suit existing site

conditions and grades before proceeding with work.

(d) Protect from damage as necessary, existing landscape features, plant material, structures, this work in

progress, and the work of other trades.

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4. Owner or Representative

(a) Prior to commencement of any involvement with an irrigation project, identify the person or persons

properly authorized to make project decisions.

(b) Saanich Parks Division representative will inspect job site daily or more frequently as requested.

5. Regulations

(a) Contractor will be responsible for all permits and licensees applicable to the work (plumbing, electrical

etc.) to be done. Permits or copy of will be on the work site for inspection by Saanich Parks Division

representative.

Alternate Materials

(a) The formal approval of Saanich Parks Division representative is required prior to the use of material that is

different from those shown.

Materials

1. Sprinklers

(a) All sprinklers will be new with the size, manufacturer, and features as shown in the design

(b) The relevant manufacturer recommendations must be followed in the selection and application of each

sprinkler being- used.

(c) Sprinklers to be used will be.

(d) 1) Rainbird 1800 series 1804-PRS for lawn 1812-PRS gardens or landscape areas.

Rainbird 1804-SAM-PRS and 1812-SAM-PRS in areas where low head drainage could be a

problem.

2) Rainbird 3504-PC series for small turf areas; 3504-PC-SAM where low head drainage could be a

problem.

3) Rainbird 5505-SS series for medium lawn areas.

4) Rainbird 8005-SS series for large turf areas.

2. Control Valves

(a) All control valves will be new with the size, manufacturer, and features as shown in the design

(b) The relevant manufacturer recommendations must be followed in the selection and application of each

control valve being used.

(c) Electric control valves will be Rainbird PEB series c/w PRS-D pressure regulating module if required. Sized

according to manufacturer recommendations.

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3. Isolation Valves

(a) All isolation valves shall be new with the size, manufacturer, and features as shown in the design or

approved equal

(b) Valves 1/2" through 1 " will be brass ball or gate valves.

(c) Valves 11/2” and 2” will be crane gate valves.

4. Tree watering devices

(a) For watering of individual trees on blvd’s and in lawn areas Hunter PLD-06-18-17mmID Drip-line, 0.6GPH

emitter inserted at 18” spacing. An Arkal disc filter 80 mesh sized to manufactures recommendations one

per water source inside a 1419 Carson Pro valve box for servicing. Installed to Saanich parks

specification. (Tree irrigation-drip line system Ir-100)

5. Irrigation Controllers

(a) All controllers shall be new with the size, manufacturer, and features as shown in the design.

(b) All controllers shall be C.S.A. approved for use in the mounting- location selected.

(c) Controller will be Rainbird ESP-xxSAT-LW sized to have a minimum of two extra zones for future.

(d) Controller will include Rainbird Link Radio Modem kit RMK450NARR programmed to Saanich frequency.

Saanich will provide suitable antenna.

(e) If the landscape area is for establishment only and will be terminated in 3-5 years the controller used will

be a rainbird ESP-Me series or an approved by Saanich parks representative equal.

(f) DC controllers will only be used if approved by Saanich parks representative.

6. Wire

(a) All power wiring and its associated components shall conform to local code.

(b) All wire shall be sized and specified as shown in the design.

Class 2 irrigation wire

(c) Single conductor control wire shall be C.S.A. approved minimum 14# TWU for direct burial.

(d) All wire inside conduit will be RW-90 stranded copper minimum 14#

(e) White wire shall only and always be used as the common wire.

(f) All class two wiring connectors shall be 3M direct bury splice kit and assembled according to the

manufacturer recommendations.

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7. Backflow prevention devices

(a) All backflow prevention devices shall be Watts 007 DCVA or 009 RPBD with the size, manufacturer, and

features as shown in the design.

(b) All devices used must be C.S.A. and B.C.W.W.A. approved for the application and must meet or exceed

the local plumbing requirements.

(c) Backflow device will be installed to meet current plumbing code.

8. Pipe - Poly Vinyl Chloride

(a) All pipes shall be in new, extruded from virgin materials and continuously and permanently marked with

the manufacturers name, material, size, and pressure rating.

(b) Series 200 SDR-21 in 3/4" and 1", and Series 160 SDR-26 in 1 1/4" and larger. Size as indicated on plan.

(c) Schedule 40 P.V.C. for all main line piping; or as indicated on plan.

9. Fittings

(a) Fittings for P, V.C. pipe shall be Schedule 40 PVC suitable for solvent welding or threaded connections,

(b) Nipples and male adaptors will be Schedule 80.

(c) Fittings for Polyethylene pipe may be compression style or insert fitting with strength at least equal to the

pipe used complete with stainless steel clamps.

(d) Threaded connections of PVC to metal shall have male threads on the PVC schedule 80 and female

threads on the metal.

10. Cement and Primer

(a) The cement and primer combination shall be as recommended by the manufacturer to be suitable for the

materials and application, when used as directed, and meet local codes.

11. Valve Box

(a) All valve boxes shall be new Carson Pro and of the size and type as listed below.

Minimum valve box sizes are:

Carson Pro 1324 – (One 11/2” or 2” Watts Double Check Valve c/w winterization connection.)

Carson Pro 1220 – (One 1” or ¾” Watts Double Check Valve c/w winterization connection.)

Carson Pro 1419 – (One 1 ½ “or 2‘valve) or (Two I” valves)

Carson Pro 1220 – (Two 1 ½” or 2” valves) or (Four 1” valves)

Carson Pro 910 boxes will not be used.

12. Sleeves

(a) Sleeve material shall be schedule - 40 P.V.C. unless the circumstances of its installation require a stronger

material to ensure its survival during on going construction activity by other trades.

(b) Sleeves shall be sized to be minimum twice the size of the pipe being protected.

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DESIGN

An irrigation system must apply a consistent, even, measurable amount of water to the landscape over a period of

time. It is necessary that the system design consider water cost and conservation, long term durability and

maintenance cost, safety issues, aesthetic issues, and site specific requirements. Irrigation water will be kept to a

minimal on all hard surface areas and take into consideration any possible microclimate conditions. The relative

importance of these considerations will vary from project to project and require the attention of a qualified and

experienced designer. The Saanich Parks Division representative before installation will approve the design.

1. Sprinklers

(a) The maximum spacing shall be equal to the radius of throw (head to head with appropriate allowance for

wind if applicable.

(b) The selection of pop-up or riser style sprinklers must consider safety, maintenance, risk of vandalism, and

appearance on the site.

(c) Pop-up or riser height must consider the related plant material, its growth potential, interfering,

landscape features, and arrive at a solution which provides optimum coverage for as long as possible.

(d) All sprinklers must be suitably adjustable and located so as to keep the water within the landscaped area

and minimize overthrow.

(e) Sprinklers with built in check valves must be used when low head drainage will create a problem.

(f) Sports fields and public parks shall be equipped with sprinklers with rubber covers in turf areas.

2. Pipe

(a) The velocity of flow in any piping must not exceed 5 feet per second.

(b) Pipe routing must take site elevation changes into consideration to minimize low head drainage.

(c) Selection of the strength and / or flexibility of the pipe material and its installation criteria must consider

site specific requirements such as frost, traffic, soil depth etc.

(d) Pipe sizing and routing must include pressure loss calculations to ensure that the required pressure will be

delivered under all circumstances.

(e) All main line piping will be schedule 40 PVC.

(f) Lateral lines shall be SDR-21 or SDR-26 PVC pipe.

3. Zoning

(a) All sprinklers grouped into a zone must have the same precipitation rates, matched through the arcs of

coverage.

(b) The potential for low head drainage must be minimized for each zone.

(c) The areas of the landscape that have different water requirements must be identified and a

determination made as to the significance of these differences and whether they require separate zoning.

The type of plant material and its location on site (sun exposure and natural drainage), and varying soil

and slope conditions must be considered.

(d) The pressure variation within each zone from the first to the last head must not exceed 10%.

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4. Control

(a) Controllers must be C.S.A. approved, suitable for their mounting location, and sufficiently flexible to allow

for and encourage optimum operation of the designed system in all circumstances.

Rainbird ESP-xxSAT-LW sized with minimum two extra zones for future.

If the landscape area is for establishment only and will be terminated in 3-5 years the controller used will

be a rainbird ESP-Me series or an approved by Saanich parks representative equal.

DC controllers will only be used if approved by Saanich parks representative.

(b) Rain sensors or flow meters are a desirable enhancement (Owner will recommend type and

manufacturer if required)

(c) Valves must meet the pressure and flow requirements of the zone being controlled.

(d) A master valve is required at point of connections.

3. Pressure Control

(a) The design must include suitable regulation of the pressure throughout the irrigation system.

(b) The pressure at every head must be within the range recommended by the manufacturer of the

head/nozzle combination being used.

4. Winterizing

(a) The system design must make the water connection and all the system components safe from winter

freezing damage.

(b) A suitable and convenient blow out at the point of connection is the most desirable method of purging

the system of water.

(c) Automatic drain valves will not be used.

5. Low Volume Micro Irrigation

(a) Any low volume irrigation included in a system must be separately zoned.

(b) Filtration and pressure control as recommended by the manufacturer of the low volume devices must be

provided together with suitable controller capabilities.

6. Control Wire

(a) Control wire must be minimum 14# gauge CSA approved.

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INSTALLATION

Prior to beginning the installation, the exact location of lines, valves, and heads must be coordinated with planting

locations to avoid conflict and damage during the course of the work. All sprinkler locations are to be staked and

grades checked for all components.

7. Excavation and Backfill

(a) The following coverage to finished grade is required over the piping:

Commercial Landscape – 12-14 inches (300-350 mm)

Public Parks and Sports Fields -16 to 18 inches (400 - 450mm)

Sleeving under Roadways -18 to 24 inches (450 to 600 mm)

Sleeving in Landscape - Depth of Pipe

(b) All trenches shall be as straight as possible with a level, uniform slope to the bottom.

(c) Main line pipe will be bedded in 1-inch (25-mm) sand and back filled to 2 inches (50 mm) of cover with

sand. (or other suitable material approved by district of Saanich parks representative)

(d) Backfill material shall be free of rocks and / or other unsuitable materials that could damage the pipe or

create unusual settlement problems.

(e) Backfill material around the swing joints and under the heads shall be of a suitable type so as to allow

appropriate movement under impact.

(f) Trenches for multiple pipes will be of sufficient width to maintain 1-2 inches (25-50 mm) separation

between pipes laid on the same plane. (Not stacked)

8. Pipe

(a) Visually inspect each pipe prior to installation, removing any dimpled or otherwise damaged sections.

(b) Lay the pipe in a straight line between fittings, placing it on firm soil at all points in the trench.

(c) Multiple pipes may occupy the same trench provided that a minimum of 2 inches (50mm) horizontal

separation can be maintained and the pipes are all on the same plane.( Not Stacked)

(d) All solvent welding is to be done in careful compliance with the manufacture recommendations with

particular attention to cleanliness, air temperature, moisture, and curing time. Excess cement must be

removed from all joints.

(e) As the pipe layout in the design is diagrammatic, care must be taken during the installation to size the

pipe to keep the velocity of flow at less than 5 feet per second.

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9. Valves and Valve Boxes

(b) All valve boxes shall be installed flush with finished grade.

(c) All valves shall be installed so the flow control is vertical and centered in the box so as to be easily

accessible for servicing,

(d) All valve boxes shall be installed with adequate clearance above the pipe and on a firm base so as not to

contact the pipe with settlement or upon being depressed.

(e) Valve boxes shall be supported and of a type of material such as to be able to support the weight of

expected traffic.

(f) Minimum valve box sizes are:

Carson Pro 1324 – (One 11/2” or 2” Watts Double Check Valve c/w winterization connection.)

Carson Pro 1220 – (One 1” or ¾” Watts Double Check Valve c/w winterization connection.)

Carson Pro 1419 – (One 1 ½ “or 2‘valve) or (Two I” valves)

Carson Pro 1220 – (Two 1 ½” or 2” valves) or (Four 1” valves)

Carson Pro 910 boxes will not be used.

10. Sprinklers

(a) An adjustable swing joint assembly that is the same size as the sprinkler inlet shall connect all pop-up

sprinklers to the pipe.

(b) A swing joint assembly shall be a PVC triple swing, joint consisting of a Schedule 40 street elbow ( MIPT x

FIPT), a 12” Schedule 80 nipple, and two Schedule 40 street elbows at the head end. Two wraps of Teflon

tape for all threaded connections.

(c) All sprinklers shall use a P.V.C. triple swing, joint ( no marlex )

(d) Swing joint assemblies for valve in head sprinklers shall have Acme threads and a 0 ring sealing

mechanism.

(e) The bottom street elbow of the swing joint assembly shall be connected to an outlet on the side of the

lateral line pipe and the nipple shall be of sufficient length to be installed at an approximate 45 degree

angle when the sprinkler is mounted at finished grade.

(f) All pop-up sprinklers shall be installed flush and level with the finished grade and not higher than any

adjoining hard surface from which there must be at least a 2”separation to allow for edging.

(g) All stationary shrub risers shall be installed with a PVC triple swing joint connected to the side of the

lateral line pipe and a Schedule 80 nipple that is long enough to suit the plant material.

(h) All piping must be thoroughly flushed prior to the installation of sprinklers and nozzles, which on large

zones will require progressive flushing.

(i) Pop up sprinklers with two inlets use the bottom inlet only.

11. Tree watering devices

(a) For watering of individual trees on blvd’s and in lawn areas Hunter PLD-06-18-17mmID Drip-line, 0.6GPH

emitter inserted at 18” spacing. An Arkal disc filter 80 mesh sized to manufactures recommendations one

per water source inside a 1419 Carson valve box for servicing. Installed to Saanich parks specification.

(Tree irrigation-drip line system Ir-100)

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12. Class 2 Wiring

(a) All wiring shall be installed to meet local electrical codes.

(b) All wiring shall be protected by being bundled and taped at 5-foot (1.5m) intervals and installed beneath

the irrigation piping or in appropriately sized conduit if run independently.

(c) All wire splices must be contained in a valve box.

(d) Sufficient extra wire shall be left in each valve box such that the splice may be lifted 12” above grade, such

extra wire to be neatly coiled.

(e) White wire shall only be used as the common wire and other colors used shall be consistent from valve to

controller.

(f) Direct bury wire will be single strand TWU-40 minimum #14 gauge.

(g) Wire used in conduit will be stranded RW-90 minimum #14 gauge

(h) All wire connections will be done with 3M direct bury splice kit

(i) All wiring installed in conduit will be installed below irrigation pipe and covered with a minimum of 50mm

(2”) of sand for separation.

13. Backflow Prevention

(a) Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed according, to the local plumbing code.

(b) All cross connection control devices installed must be sized to accommodate the flow requirements

present and successfully tested after installation by an active certified Cross Connection Control Specialist.

Copy of the test to be given to the Saanich Parks Division representative.

14. Controller

(a) The controller shall be firmly mounted at approximate eye level inside an aluminum box 16”W x 20”H x

8”D C/W with a ½” raised panel, hinge and hasp lockable and weather resistant, with all wiring done in

the controller or an approved junction box; or a metal kiosk

(b) The installation of any rain / moisture sensing equipment shall be noted on the controller and the location

of the controllers circuit breaker indicated unless obvious.

15. Turf valves / Quick Coupling valves

(a) All turf valves / quick coupling valves installed in the landscape shall be mounted on a suitably sized swing

joint, either solidly supported by clamping to an angle iron or rebar stake.

16. Sleeves

(a) All sleeves in soil shall be installed and backfilled with the same considerations for protection of the

material as if it where water pipe. Compaction shall be to the same standard, as the adjoining

undisturbed soil and the sleeves shall project at least 12” on either side of the hard surface being crossed.

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SITE MAINTENANCE

1. The job site shall be kept in a neat, clean, and orderly condition at all times during the installation process.

2. All scrap and excess materials are to be regularly removed from the site and not buried in trenches.

3. Trenching, lying of pipe and backfilling shall be continuous so that the amount of open trench at the end

of each workday is minimized. Any open trench or other excavations shall be barricaded and marked with

high visibility flagging tape.

INSPECTION AND TESTING

1. Inspection

(a) Inspection requirements

1st inspection Sleeving and open trench electrical conduit

2nd inspection Open trench main line

3rd inspection Open trench lateral line

4th inspection Irrigation system, controller and coverage test

(b) No backfilling will be done without approval by Saanich Parks Division representative.

(c) Saanich Parks Division representative will inspect job site daily or more frequently as requested.

(d) Upon completion of the irrigation system installation, all pressure regulation, arcs, distances of throw,

sprinkler locations and height, controller zones, etc., must be adjusted so as to optimize the operation of

the system and make it ready for inspection and testing.

(e) Inspection will be carried out by Saanich Parks Division representative to ensure that the work has been

done in a neat and workman like fashion, and meets the intent of the installation standards previously

agreed upon, in all important aspects.

2. Testing

(a) The test will require that the system be operated sequentially with the controller, in the presence of the

Saanich Parks Division representative.

(b) The purpose of the test is to ensure that the system adequately covers the landscape to be irrigated and

meets the design criteria previously agreed upon.

3. Deficiencies

(a) Any deficiencies noted during the inspection and testing will be rectified promptly and signed off by the

owner’s representative.

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POST-INSTALLATION MAINTENANCE

1. Start up

(a) Spring start up usually early march.

(b) Bleed mainline and each zone to remove air.

(c) Test each zone for proper coverage.

(d) Test backflow preventer, send a copy of test results to parks irrigation tech.

(e) Adjust sprinklers to proper height and angle.

(f) Repair or replace all components that are broken or not operating properly.

(g) Program irrigation controller if necessary.

2 By weekly

(a) Test each zone for proper coverage.

(b) Repair or replace all components that are broken or not operating properly.

(c) Adjust irrigation program to promote a healthy landscape.

3 winterize

(a) Shut off water at point of connection.

(b) Using an air compressor purge all water from main and all lateral lines.

(c) Repair any obvious leaks.

(d) Drain backflow device making sure that all ball valves are drained as well.

(e) Turn controller to the off position.

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