Contact:
Judy Parker, APR
770.206.1477, office
Tisa Moore
770.206.1473, office
For Immediate Release
City of Sandy Springs Requires New Irrigation Systems to Have Rain Sensor Shut Offs
Release Date: 4/14/2010
The City of Sandy Springs recently passed an ordinance that now requires all new commercial and residential irrigation systems have a rain sensor shut-off and/or freeze sensor shut-off valve installed.
The goal of the ordinance is to promote water conservation by establishing water rules for year round water conservation, to promote the efficient use of water, to reduce or eliminate the waste of water in the City and to enable implementation of the City’s water shortage contingency measures.
The Mayor and Council recognize through water conservation and efficiency, other cities have achieved significant reductions in water use, and the City can benefit from setting water conservation benchmarks and goals.
A “rain sensor shut-off switch” means an electronic device that detects and measures rainfall amounts and overrides the cycles of an irrigation system so as to turn off the system when the predetermined amount of rain has fallen or the temperature has fallen below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (zero degrees Celsius). This does not apply to irrigation systems of golf course or any other systems dependent on a nonpublic water sources.
Inspections for the sensors will be conducted at the final site inspections of permitted projects. Residential and commercial properties installing new irrigation systems will need to submit a plumbing permit.
For more information on the City of Sandy Springs or the Sandy Springs Community Development Department, visit www.sandyspringsga.org or call 770-730-5600.
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