Help Uphold the Law

When it comes to irrigation, do you know the law?

A licensed, Texas irrigator is required by law to comply with the standards established by the rulings of the Texas Water Code. These standards have been set to insure the protection of our potable water sources and maintain the highest level of conservation to our most important resource – water.

To become a licensed irrigator or installer, one must pre-qualify by completing a commission-approved course prior to sitting for the licensing exam.
Anyone exempt from the licensing requirements must comply with the standards set out in Chapter 34 of the Texas Water Code.
Every person holding a certificate of registration is required to display it at his / her place of business and document that the certificate is current.
Beginning in 1997, the yearly license renewal will not only require the payment of the regular renewal fee, but also proof of completing 8 hours of commission approved continuing education credits.
A licensed irrigator must sign his / her legal name and affix the imprint of his / her authorized seal or rubber stamp to all professional documents and accept all responsibility for those documents and the work pursuant to the documents.
In the event that a local code or regulations are absent when installing an irrigation system, a proper backflow device must be installed.
TCEQ strongly recommends that all irrigation systems be designed, installed, maintained, repaired, and serviced in a manner that will promote water conservation.
An irrigator must comply with the minimal standards set forth in the rules for spacing of all types of heads, water pressure, wind derating, precipitation rates in various zones of the state, depth coverage of pipe, and wiring of all irrigation systems.
If it is determined that an irrigator is in violation of the Texas Water Code, Chapter 34, or related rules of the commission, the executive director may initiate a formal enforcement action that could cause loss of license, suspension, or an assessment of an administrative penalty.
Any advertisement or business card must have the irrigator’s license number included. Any vehicles used for installation, repair, or service must list the irrigator’s license number on both sides.
A customer must be given a written guarantee for materials and labor furnished in the installation of all new irrigation systems.
All written contracts and bills to install irrigation systems must include the statement “Irrigation in Texas is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087.” If there is no written agreement, a written document with the above statement must be given to the other party.

This information is brought to you by the Texas Turf Irrigation Association. As concerned Texans, help us to maintain the professional standards that will keep Texas and our water safe. (Not a member)