http://www.sanantonioia.org/index.html The San Antonio Irrigation Association (SAIA) is an organization of irrigation professionals that include contractors, suppliers, and architects, as well as other interested groups or individuals within the San Antonio and surrounding area. The SAIA’s primary focus is to provide up-to-date information to its members and others. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:25:42 GMT Web Easy by Avanquest Software http://www.sanantonioia.org/index.html http://www.sanantonioia.org/irrigation_assoc001p00.gif Backflow Preventer properly installed (12 inches below grade) Test and Maintenance Report for Backflow Preventer Master valve installed, minimum SCH 40 to master valve. Master valve must have flow control. Rain shutoff device installed Separate zones for shrubs and grass Swing joints or flex pipe at heads Check valves for low head drainage on slopes Waterproof wire connections at valves Letter of compliance http://www.sanantonioia.org/index.html Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:25:42 GMT Creative Web Designs http://www.sanantonioia.org/index.html#1 The State of Texas requires a licensed irrigator (LI) or an exempted individual to sell, design, install, maintain, alter, repair, service or inspect an irrigation system – or consult in these activities. This person has proven competency in proper protection of the potable water supply, hydraulic pipe sizing, head spacing, economic efficiency, and other aspects of the irrigation system, through a thorough testing procedure. The SAIA recommends, and state law requires that you deal only with a state licensed irrigator. You should ask for the contractor’s license number. It should be posted on all vehicles, proposals, plans and contracts. In the State of Texas, contractor license numbers always begin with the letters L I. http://www.sanantonioia.org/index.html Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:25:42 GMT Creative Web Designs http://www.sanantonioia.org/index.html#2 All contracts to install an irrigation system must be in writing and signed by each party and must specify the irrigator’s name, license number, business address, current business telephone numbers, the date that each party signed the agreement, the total agreed price, and must contain the statement, “Irrigation in Texas is regulated by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ), MC-178, P.O. Box 13078, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. TCEQ’s website is www.tceq.state.tx.us. All contracts must include the irrigator’s seal, signature, and date. http://www.sanantonioia.org/index.html Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:25:42 GMT Creative Web Designs http://www.sanantonioia.org/index.html#3 Each municipality in the San Antonio area has it's own codes and ordinances for irrigation system installation. Make sure your contract includes all of the necessary permits and required potable water protection devices. These codes are in place to protect you and to provide a check system. http://www.sanantonioia.org/index.html Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:25:42 GMT Creative Web Designs http://www.sanantonioia.org/index.html#4 Should you take the lowest bid? Statistically, the lowest bid is not always the least expensive in the end. In an attempt to save money, poor service or installation may cost more in the future by having to replace or rebuild a poorly designed and/ or poorly installed irrigation system. In fact, it may cost you more than you saved. Remember, you are installing an investment for you and your landscape to benefit from. It must be done correctly the first time. http://www.sanantonioia.org/index.html Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:25:42 GMT Creative Web Designs http://www.sanantonioia.org/index.html#5