Section 12-F614. LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION AND OUTDOOR FOUNTAINS

Insert new Section 614 in the Plumbing Code to read as follows:

614.1 Landscape irrigation systems.  Irrigation of exterior landscaping shall comply with Sections 614.1.1 and 614.1.2.

 

Exception:  Projects under the jurisdiction of the Residential Code.

 

614.1.1 Water for outdoor landscape irrigation.  In accordance with Section 614.1.2, outdoor landscape irrigation systems shall be designed and installed to reduce potable water use by 50 percent through plant selection, water efficient irrigation technology, the elimination of a permanently installed irrigation system, and/or, where permitted by District regulation or ordinances, with alternate onsite nonpotable water complying with Section 1115 and local regulations.  Designers shall use the EPA Water Sense Interactive Water Budget Tool to determine whether the design meets the 50 percent reduction threshold.

 

Exceptions:  Potable water is permitted to be used as follows:

 

1. During the establishment phase of newly planted landscaping and during periods of drought in excess of 30 days.

 

2. To irrigate food production.

 

3. To supplement nonpotable water irrigation of shade trees provided in accordance with Section 408.2.3 of the Green Construction Code.

 

614.1.2 Irrigation system design and installation.  Where in-ground irrigation systems are provided, the systems shall comply with all of the following:

 

1. The design and installation of outdoor irrigation systems shall be under the supervision of an irrigation professional accredited or certified by an appropriate local or national body.

 

2. Landscape irrigation systems shall not direct water onto building exterior surfaces, foundations or exterior paved surfaces.  Systems shall not generate runoff.

 

3. Where an irrigation control system is used, the system shall be one that regulates irrigation based on weather, climate or soil moisture data, or time of day.  The controller shall have integrated or separate sensors to suspend irrigation events during rainfall.

 

4. Irrigation zones shall be based on plant water needs with plants of similar need grouped together.  Turfgrass shall not be grouped with other plantings on the same zone.

 

 

authority

Section 10 of the Construction Codes Approval and Amendments Act of 1986 (Act), effective March 21, 1987 (D.C. Law 6-216; D.C. Official Code § 6-1409 (2012 Repl.)) and Mayor’s Order 2009-22, dated February 25, 2009, as amended.

source

Final Rulemaking published at 61 DCR 3169 (March 28, 2014 – Part 2); as corrected by Errata Notice published at 61 DCR 5246 (May 23, 2014).

EditorNote

The District of Columbia Plumbing Code (2013), referred to as the “Plumbing Code,” consists of the 2012 edition of the International Plumbing Code as amended by the District of Columbia Plumbing Code Supplement (2013) (12 DCMR F). The International Plumbing Code is copyrighted by the International Code Council and therefore is not republished here. However, a copy of the text may be obtained at: http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ipc/2012/index.htm?bu=IC-P-2012-000004&bu2=IC-P-2012-000019.