City of Johnston, Iowa

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Irrigation Meters

Irrigation

Will be charged at a rate of $4.06 per 1,000 gallons; plus tax.

Irrigation Meters
Irrigation meters save the cost of sewer charges when using water outside. Irrigation meters can be used with outside hose faucets and/or irrigation systems.

For irrigation meters that will be connected to outside water faucets, click here to download the "Irrigation Permit Form for Hose".
For irrigation meters that will be connected to an irrigation system, click here to download the "Irrigation Permet Form for Sprinkler". (The majority of the information will come from the sprinkler contractor, but it is the customer's responsibility to provide this information to the Johnston Water Department.)

There is a permit required for an irrigation system installation that must be purchased prior to work beginning. The permit fee is $40.00 per installation, and is included on the sprinkler form. To schedule this meter installation, please call 727-7772. To pay for this meter or obtain a permit please visit City Hall.

Information needed by Water Works
When the design of the proposed system is complete and before installation begins, please provide us with the following information:

A plumbing permit by a licensed plumber as well as an installation permit obtained at City Hall.
One print of the site plan or other drawing showing the design of the system and the area to be irrigated.
The water flow rate of the largest irrigation circuit, in gallons per minute.
The precipitation rate, in inches per hour, of the most commonly used sprinkler head.
Size of water meter and piping designed to be used on the system.
The make and model number of the backflow preventer to be used.

This information will allow us to evaluate that the proper size meter is being installed and to determine that the system is designed to prevent backflow. If a meter is purchased for outdoor faucets only, and you later upgrade to an irrigation system no credit for the smaller meter is available.

Backflow Prevention Requirements
All Residential and Commercial plumbing, including backflow preventers shall be installed by a licensed plumber. Either of two types of prevention devices are allowed, depending on whether the backflow prevention device can be installed at an elevation higher than the highest sprinkler head in the system. If the device can be installed so it is at least one foot higher than the highest sprinkler head, a vacuum breaker can be used for backflow prevention. If this is not possible, backflow prevention must be provided by a reduced pressure principle-type device. No other types of backflow prevention devices are acceptable.

Water Metering:
Standard Drawings provide information on water meter dimensions and setting requirements. Note that a deduct-type water meter setting is not permitted.

Water meters should be located in an appropriate building, not in a meter pit. Water meter pits are not allowed. Consideration may be given on a case-by-case basis, upon written application by the Owner of the proposed irrigation system.

Inspection
The Johnston Water Works will inspect the water meter setting and the piping leading to the water meter for compliance with the Johnston Water Works' Standard Specifications. We will check the backflow preventer for compliance with the paragraph above.

Questions
If you have any questions, please call us at (515) 727-7772 or (515) 278-0822. We want your project to go smoothly.

A 1" IRRIGATION METER IS $275.73, A 5/8" METER IS $171.19.

JUMPERS ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO TEST THE LINE THEN MUST BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY. A FINE WILL BE ISSUED IF A JUMPER IS FOUND.

Download Application for Irrigation Meter or Irrigation System(HOSE). The cost on application may vary due to price changes
Download Application for Irrigation Meter or Irrigation System(SPRINKLER). The cost on application may vary due to price changes

Click here to submit a complaint or request for service.