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DocumentsAppendixSep 28, 2026Pages 17–28

SCHEDULE 10 IRRIGATION STANDARDS

Original PDF

Sets standards for the design, materials, installation, inspection, and maintenance of irrigation systems associated with development in Langford. It includes equipment specifications and requirements for testing, records, and final acceptance.

7.3 BYLAW NO. 2158 (Background report attached)

Key facts

  • System operating pressure: 50–90 psi
  • Minimum residual pressure: 10 psi
  • Maximum pipe flow velocity: 5 feet per second
  • Systems require inspections by Langford Parks with 2 business days’ notice
  • One-year maintenance period

SCHEDULE 10 IRRIGATION STANDARDS

10. GENERAL

  • (a) Any works performed to, or around, city irrigation infrastructure must notify the City’s maintenance contractor, including exposing any materials that could directly affect the operation of the system if damaged.
  • (b) When comparing this document with referenced documents, the more stringent standard shall be followed unless approved by the Director of Parks.
  • (c) This document and manufactures’ recommendations take precedent over any approved drawings. Please note: In the approved drawings it always references the need to adhere to these standards.
  • (d) The Irrigation Association’s (IA) Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices shall be a guideline for all aspects of irrigation.
  • (e) Third party damages and vandalism during development stages are the responsibility of the developers, builders, or contractors to repair.
  • (f) Avoid disturbing and damaging existing trees, shrubs and other plant material including root systems from construction and installation activities. An arborist shall be present if within critical root zone.
  • (g) Obtain all required permits and approvals prior to beginning the installation.
  • (h) Furnish all labour, materials, equipment, and services necessary for the installation of an irrigation system as specified in this bylaw.

10.1. QUALITY ASSURANCE

  • 10.1.1. All irrigation work shall be done by a suitable experienced and qualified contractor, having trained and competent personnel adequate for the scope of work. Utilizing staff certified in such disciplines as Certified Irrigation Tech (Level 1 or 2) and Certified Irrigation commercial designer are mandatory.
  • 10.1.2. The Contractor shall be a member in good standing of the Irrigation Industry Association of B.C. (IIABC) and have met the qualification standards currently applied to contractors by that organization.
  • 10.1.3. Line voltage wire shall be CSA approved and follow the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC). Line voltage wire must be installed by a certified electrician with the requisite qualifications.
  • 10.1.4. Backflow preventers shall be selected and installed in conformance with CSA B64.10, “Selection and Installation of backflow preventers.”
  • 10.1.5. The contractor shall be responsible for constructing the system in complete accordance with all local codes, ordinances and laws.
  • 10.1.6. The Contractor shall obtain all underground service information and will be responsible to locate all existing services in the vicinity, prior to commencing work.
  • 10.1.7. Prior to beginning installation, verify that the water source / point of connection is sized accordingly and flow rate and pressure meets design criteria.
  • 10.1.8. A guarantee of the installed system shall be provided to the owner covering workmanship and materials during the one-year maintenance period.
  • 10.1.9. The city reserves the right to reject material or work that does not conform to this manual.

10.2. DESIGN GUIDELINES

  • 10.2.1. Irrigation shall be installed in boulevards, medians, traffic circles or as approved by the Direct of Parks. See schedule 14.2.7.
  • 10.2.2. All irrigation designs must be sealed and signed by a certified irrigation designer with current membership in the IA or IIABC.
  • 10.2.3. Irrigation legends shall include all components used in the design, complete with all related technical information.
  • 10.2.4. Irrigation design and build arrangements are not acceptable, unless approved by the Director of Parks.
  • 10.2.5. Separate zones are required for turf, trees, shrubs and annuals
    • 10.2.5.1. Trees located in beds already watered with drip emitter line do not require a separate zone.
    • 10.2.5.2. All sprinklers grouped into a zone must have the same precipitation rates.
  • 10.2.6. Irrigation system to have a dynamic operating pressure between 50 and 90 psi.
  • 10.2.7. Irrigation system to have a minimum 10 psi residual pressure available while the critical station is operating.
  • 10.2.8. The velocity of flow in piping must not exceed 5 feet per second.
  • 10.2.9. Sprinklers / Drip with built in check valves should be used when low head drainage exists.
  • 10.2.10. The design must include suitable pressure regulation throughout the system.
  • 10.2.11. The pressure variation within each zone must not exceed 15%.
  • 10.2.12. Each head/nozzle combination shall follow manufactures recommendations.
  • 10.2.13. Flow rates through meters, backflow prevention devices and valves shall not exceed manufacturer specifications.
  • 10.2.14. Pipe sizing and routing must include pressure loss calculations to ensure that the required pressure will be delivered under all circumstances and that pressure variation within the lateral is at a minimum.
  • 10.2.15. Provide a base irrigation schedule for a week of peak demand showing:
    • 10.2.15.1. Amount of water to be applied.
    • 10.2.15.2. Precipitation rate of the zone.
    • 10.2.15.3. Minutes of run time and number cycle starts.
    • 10.2.15.4. Flow rate of the zone.
    • 10.2.15.5. Seasonal adjust settings.

10.3. MATERIALS / INSTALLATION

10.3.1. Plastic Pipe

  • 10.3.1.1. All PVC pipes shall conform to the requirements of CSA B137.3.
  • 10.3.1.2. Schedule 40 CSA Polyvinyl–Chloride (PVC), for all pressurized lines and installed to a minimum of 450mm below grade to top of pipe in all areas. All mainline piping shall be bedded in sand to a depth of 50mm on top and bottom of pipe.
  • 10.3.1.3. Class 200 CSA Polyvinyl–Chloride (PVC), for all laterals and installed to a minimum of 300mm below grade to top of pipe in all areas. Laterals to be bedded in backfill material free from rocks and other unsuitable material which could damage the pipe or create unusual settling.
  • 10.3.1.4. All main line pipes shall be capped and extended to property boundaries and include a hose-bib in a lockable valve box. Wire for future extension to be neatly coiled with a minimum 30” length. See details P1-P15 for complete installation requirements.
  • 10.3.1.5. All piping within sports fields shall be installed a minimum of 450mm below grade to top of pipe.
  • 10.3.1.6. Pipe greater than 50mm will require concrete thrust blocks and protected from spillover.

10.3.2. Sleeving

  • 10.3.2.1. Sleeving is required where any main or lateral lines cross under a hard surface.
  • 10.3.2.2. Sleeves shall be 150mm Schedule 40 or SDR 28 pipe or as approved by the Director of Parks.
  • 10.3.2.3. Extend Sleeving a minimum of 1m beyond the edge of the pavement of the amenity area.

10.3.3. Glue and Primer

  • 10.3.3.1. WELD-ON P70 primer must be used when gluing pipe. (Bylaw No. 1817)
  • 10.3.3.2. WELD-ON 705 PVC glue must be used after primer. (Bylaw No. 1817)
  • 10.3.3.3. Make all joints and connections tight and in accordance with manufactures recommendations.
  • 10.3.3.4. Ensure that the glue adhesive is appropriate for the ambient temperature at the time of installation and is used in accordance with manufactures recommendations.

10.3.4. Wire

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  • 10.3.4.1. Traditional systems shall use PE jacketed UF rated wiring approved for underground burial.
  • 10.3.4.2. White wire shall only be used as the common wire and other colors used shall be consistent from controller to valve.
  • 10.3.4.3. Where a 2-wire system is required, Maxi Cable shall be used and grounded in accordance with manufactures recommendations.
  • 10.3.4.4. Wire splices shall be 3M DBY/DBR or approved equivalent.
  • 10.3.4.5. All wire splices shall be housed in a valve box that is sufficient in size for the number of wires and labelled. 1 foot of surplus wire must be left for servicing system.
  • 10.3.4.6. Wires are to be buried in mainline trench and taped in the 8 or 4 o’clock positions at ten-foot intervals.
  • 10.3.4.7. Ensure that a green 14-gauge tracer wire is installed for all irrigation lines that do not share a trench with zone wire.
  • 10.3.4.8. Wire shall be in electrical conduit meeting local codes using sweep ells when installed into the controller location.

10.3.5. Drip Irrigation

  • 10.3.5.1. Systems shall be looped (where practical) to improve system hydraulics and mitigate possible contamination of tubing if system is damaged. Emitter run lengths not to exceed manufacturers recommended distances.
  • 10.3.5.2. On slopes, run the tubing on contour to the slope to keep each run of the tubing at approximately the same elevation.
  • 10.3.5.3. Control Zone kits should be utilized to provide filtration and pressure regulation requirements as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • 10.3.5.4. Install flush valves at low point of zones and secured in a 6” valve box.
  • 10.3.5.5. ½’ Ball valves or hose bibbs shall be used.
  • 10.3.5.6. Install air/vacuum relief valves, to minimize ingestion of contaminants into distribution piping, installed in a valve box and located at the high point of zone.
  • 10.3.5.7. All laterals within the elevated area shall be connected with an air relief valve except for emitters that incorporate a check valve and meet manufacturer requirements for proper operation.
  • 10.3.5.8. Rainbird ARV050 or Toro YD-500-34 shall be used.
  • 10.3.5.9. Toro DL2000 (RGP-412) or Rainbirds XFS dripline with 0.9 GPM output shall be used.
  • 10.3.5.10. Emitter line shall be used for all headers and footers. Tubing will conform to the requirements of CSA B137.1 and have a maximum pressure rating of 75 psi.
  • 10.3.5.11. The dripline shall be installed 3-4” deep in soil under mulch, with dripline stakes every 4 feet or as recommended by manufacturer. See Detail P1- P15 for complete installation requirements.
    • 10.3.5.11.1. Toro DL2000 Steel-Soil Staple (SSS-50) or approved equivalent.
  • 10.3.5.12. Dripline fittings shall be compatible insert or compression fittings.
  • 10.3.5.13. All trees will have two emitter loops per tree as follows: (1) 1.82m diameter emitter loop and (1) 0.9m diameter emitter loop per tree, annual plantings will have a 350mm spacing for groundcover and a 450mm emitter line spacing for shrubs.
  • 10.3.5.14. All piping shall be flushed prior to installation of subsurface drip emitter line.

10.3.6. Valves

10.3.6.1. Electric Valves

  • 10.3.6.1.1. Valves should be one size smaller than the lateral pipe or sized as per hydraulic design calculations.

  • 10.3.6.1.2. Valves shall be durable glass filled nylon construction with fabric-reinforced rubber diaphragm.

  • 10.3.6.2. Irritrol 100 series Century Plus series valves, or Rain Bird PEB valves must be used.

    • 10.3.6.2.1. When zone flows are less than 5gpm, Irritrol 700 - .75 or Rainbird LFV series shall be used.
10.3.6.3. Master Valve
  • 10.3.6.3.1. Must be sized to accommodate zone flow parameters.
  • 10.3.6.3.2. Required on all systems.
10.3.6.4. Double Check Valve Assemblies

  • 10.3.6.4.1. Backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed according to the local plumbing code and the Cross Connection Control Manual adopted by the BCWWA.

  • 10.3.6.5. All new devices shall be tested, with a copy of the report being submitted to the Parks department.

    • 10.3.6.5.1. Zurn Wilkins 350XL or approved equivalent shall be used.
10.3.6.6. Isolation valves
  • 10.3.6.6.1. Gate valves shall be bronze body with solid wedge disk, non-rising stem, removable handle, and a resilient rubber ring seal.
  • 10.3.6.6.2. For valves ¾” to 3”, a Toyo Red and White 206A valve shall be used.
  • 10.3.6.6.3. Gate valve to be installed in between water meter and backflow preventer.
10.3.6.7. Pressure Reducing Valves
  • 10.3.6.7.1. If the static water pressure in a lateral zone or the entire system exceeds manufactures recommendations, then a pressure reducing device shall be installed on the mainline or each zone valve that is affected.
  • 10.3.6.7.2. Zurn Wilkins 500XL3 or approved equivalent shall be used.
  • 10.3.6.7.3. Irritrol OmniReg modular pressure regulator or Rainbirds PRS Dial Valve shall be used on zone valves.

10.3.7. Filters

  • 10.3.7.1. Disc Filter: 38mm super 80 mesh Arkal disc filter. Unless the system has a system greater than 500 lineal meters of drip emitter line, then a 50mm Dual HP 80 mesh Arkal disc filter is required.

10.3.8. Irrigation Boxes

  • 10.3.8.1. All valve boxes should be constructed of high-density polyethylene with reinforced covers to handle heavier loads, capable of being extended and have locking capabilities.
    • 10.3.8.1.1. Rainbirds Professional series boxes or approved equivalent shall be used.
  • 10.3.8.2. Boxes should be sized to accommodate any maintenance or repairs to the valves. Valves are not to touch each other, or the valve box sides.
  • 10.3.8.3. Boxes should not be in areas where overland drainage is prevalent.
  • 10.3.8.4. Gravel beds in boxes shall consist of clean, washed, 19mm gravel with an area marginally larger than the box opening. Refer to detail sheets for installation methods.
  • 10.3.8.5. Keep valve boxes off athletic fields or recreation areas where it might impact the use of the area, this includes high traffic, pedestrian or equipment pathways.

10.3.9. Sprinkler Heads

  • 10.3.9.1. Check valves shall be used to control low head drainage on sites with elevation differences.
  • 10.3.9.2. Rotors: Shall be gear driven, minimum 4” pop up (however 6” is preferred), available in both full and part circle configurations with interchangeable nozzles and have adjustment screw for radius throw.
    • 10.3.9.2.1. ½” Rotors – Hunter MP Rotators which shall be installed on approved pressure compensating spray bodies such as Rainbird’s 1804 PRS-45 Series.
    • 10.3.9.2.2. ¾” Rotors – Rainbird 5004 / 5006 series or approved equivalent.
    • 10.3.9.2.3. 1” Rotors: Rain Bird 8005 / Falcon Series or approved equivalent. Stainless steel only on all playfields.
  • 10.3.9.3. Spray Heads: Rain Bird 1800 PRS or Irritrol I-PRO PR series spray bodies.
  • 10.3.9.4. Nozzles: Toro precision (PSN+) with Debris guard or Rainbirds MPR series shall be used
    • 10.3.9.4.1. When using precision nozzles, elevate heads ½” in turf and 1” in beds to eliminate back siphonage of debris. Do not install below soil or mulch level.
  • 10.3.9.5. All sprinklers shall be installed on swing joints using PVC Sch 40 street elbows and PVC Schedule 80 nipples. No Marlex fittings permitted.
  • 10.3.9.6. Rainbirds SA Series Swing assemblies will be approved for Spray bodies only providing the Marlex street elbow is replaced with sch 40 street elbow.

10.3.10. Electrical Enclosures:

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  • 10.3.10.1. Irrigation timer to be located inside kiosks whenever available.
  • 10.3.10.2. Enclosures: to be lockable aluminum, weatherproof, hinge and hasped, mounted securely, minimum 600mm above finished grade. On all installations, the cabinet will be powder coated the same colour as the adjacent streetlight poles. Cabinet size must be sufficient to house the controller and duplex receptacle.
  • 10.3.10.3. Cabinet mounting: cabinet is to be mounted to 100mm square steel tubing – set in concrete base (min. 600mm depth), powder coated colour to match cabinet. Location of post to be 900mm from sidewalk, 3m min. away from intersections and preferably within shrub beds.

10.3.11. Central Control / Controller

  • 10.3.11.1. The IQ4 platform offers monitoring, programming and control features in one interface which helps end users troubleshoot and identify issues. Central control systems make it possible to program, monitor and operate several irrigation systems from one centralized area enhancing efficiency and water management. IQ4 can monitor and adapt system operation and run times in response to weather conditions, providing data analysis and reporting. Components of IQ4 includes computer software, communications equipment, field satellites (Controllers) and sensors.
10.3.11.2. Controllers
  • 10.3.11.2.1. Rainbirds ESP-LXIVM 2-Wire controller with smart valve technology shall be used on all systems with the exceptions listed below.
  • 10.3.11.2.2. Stand-alone sites with no potential expansion and maximum of one turf zone can use Rainbird ESP-ME3.
  • 10.3.11.2.3. Stand-alone sites with multiple turf zones can use Rainbirds ESP-LXME2 controller.
  • 10.3.11.2.4. Sites with no power shall use Rainbirds ESP-BAT-BT controller or as approved by the Director of Parks.
10.3.11.3. Communication equipment
  • 10.3.11.3.1. Rainbird IQ 4G cartridge shall be installed.
    • 10.3.11.3.1.1. SIM cards will be provided by the City of Langford.
    • 10.3.11.3.1.2. Signal strength and location will determine antenna required. The Park’s department will provide product options at time of installation.
  • 10.3.11.3.2. Rainbird Maxi cable shall be used on all 2-wire systems.
  • 10.3.11.3.3. Rainbird PE-IVM series valves to be used on all 2-wire systems.
10.3.11.4. Sensors
  • 10.3.11.4.1. Flow sensor
    • 10.3.11.4.1.1. Rainbirds Ultrasonic flow sensor shall be used.
    • 10.3.11.4.1.2. IVM-SEN required for 2-wire systems.
      • 10.3.11.4.1.2.1. Stand alone systems use Paige Electric P7162D or P7315D shielded cable as per manufactures recommendations.
10.3.11.5. Grounding
  • 10.3.11.5.1. The 2-wire path shall be surge protected and grounded every 500ft or every 15 devices, whichever is smaller, and at every trunk line dead end
    • 10.3.11.5.1.1. A Rainbird IVM-SD line surge protector shall be used
    • 10.3.11.5.1.2. Grounding plates / rod shall use Unique – Intelliconnect10 connectors for up to 6-gauge wire

10.3.12. EXECUTION

10.3.12.1. Inspections

  • 10.3.12.1.1. The contractor must have an approved set of drawings and specifications available at the time of inspections.
  • 10.3.12.1.2. All irrigation systems will require inspections by Langford Parks with 2 business day notice according to the following table 10-1:

TABLE 10-1: Inspection Requirements

Inspection Requirement
1st Inspection Layout Inspection
2nd Inspection Open Trench Main Line & Laterals
3rd Inspection Construction Acceptance
4th Inspection Final Acceptance

10.3.12.2. Layout Inspection

  • 10.3.12.2.1. Verify the location of all sleeving under hard surfaces.
  • 10.3.12.2.2. Verify the location of controller.
  • 10.3.12.2.3. Ensure an isolation valve is located between the meter and DCVA.
  • 10.3.12.2.4. Check to see if any utility conflicts are present and will it impact design and installation of landscape.
  • 10.3.12.2.5. Stake out locations of all components confirming its within project boundaries and make necessary adjustments if landscape elements dictate.
  • 10.3.12.2.6. Ensure final grade does not carry overland water drainage into any valve boxes.

10.3.12.3. Open Trench Inspections for Main and Laterals

  • 10.3.12.3.1. Items that must be exposed and accessible are as follows:
    • 10.3.12.3.1.1. Point of connection
    • 10.3.12.3.1.2. Trench depth and pipe alignment
    • 10.3.12.3.1.3. Main line glue joints
    • 10.3.12.3.1.4. Electrical wiring location and secured to pipe
    • 10.3.12.3.1.5. Bedding material
    • 10.3.12.3.1.6. Main line and wire extended to property boundaries
    • 10.3.12.3.1.7. Separation between pipes if sharing same trench
    • 10.3.12.3.1.8. Heads, swing joints and fittings
10.3.12.3.2. Pressure / Leak Test
  • 10.3.12.3.2.1. Contractor to pressurize the mainline and ensure all air has been purged from the system.
  • 10.3.12.3.2.2. Connect pressure gauge after the point of connection (usually blowout point).
  • 10.3.12.3.2.3. Pressure to be set at 1.5x design pressure.
  • 10.3.12.3.2.4. Contractor to take picture of gauge and send to the inspector.
  • 10.3.12.3.2.5. Inspect all glued joints and valve boxes during test.
  • 10.3.12.3.2.6. Monitor the system for 4 hrs. A drop on the gauge needle indicates a leak that needs to be identified, repaired and retested.
  • 10.3.12.3.2.7. Inspector to meet on site and confirm results.
10.3.12.3.3. Construction Acceptance
  • 10.3.12.3.3.1. Items that shall be in place and complete for the inspection include:
    • 10.3.12.3.3.1.1. Controller is energized, operational and properly grounded
    • 10.3.12.3.3.1.2. Back filling and landscaping
    • 10.3.12.3.3.1.3. Valve boxes installed as per specifications
    • 10.3.12.3.3.1.4. Pressure regulation adjusted to meet design criteria
    • 10.3.12.3.3.1.5. All heads are adjusted and nozzled correctly providing adequate coverage as per design intent and/or manufactures recommendations
    • 10.3.12.3.3.1.6. Drip zones have flush and air relieve valves
    • 10.3.12.3.3.1.7. All electric valves and sensors operate as intended
  • 10.3.12.3.3.2. Supporting documentation is submitted including:
  • 10.3.12.3.3.3. Record Drawings
    • 10.3.12.3.3.3.1.1. Contractor shall maintain a set of construction plans to become the field record drawings and shall record any deviations from the initial design.
    • 10.3.12.3.3.3.1.2. Convert the schematic layout to portray the precise physical location of all piping, sleeving, sprinklers, valves and other installed components.
    • 10.3.12.3.3.3.1.3. Show measurements from fixed or permanent locations such as building corners, manholes, electrical/utility boxes, streetlights, retaining walls, to facilitate locating the irrigation components in the field.
    • 10.3.12.3.3.3.1.4. Record irrigation drawings must be submitted to and approved by the Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities in “.dwg” and “.pdf” format.
  • 10.3.12.3.3.3.2. DCVA New installation test report.
10.3.12.3.4. Final Acceptance
  • 10.3.12.3.4.1. Items to be inspected and approved include:
    • 10.3.12.3.4.1.1. All valves, sprinkler heads and other components shall be undamaged and in good working condition.
    • 10.3.12.3.4.1.2. All valve boxes shall be flush and free of debris.
    • 10.3.12.3.4.1.3. Must demonstrate electrical activation of each valve and aligns with record drawing zone sequence.
    • 10.3.12.3.4.1.4. Must demonstrate that the controller is in communication with IQ4 (if applicable).
  • 10.3.12.3.4.2. Provide a copy of the annual backflow assembly test report.
  • 10.3.12.3.4.3. Contractor to provide zone maps and base schedule attached to inside of controller cabinet.
  • 10.3.12.3.4.4. CRD water bill to be paid in full prior to transferring.
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10.3.12.3.5. Deficiencies

Any deficiencies noted during the inspection process will be rectified promptly, re-inspected and signed off by Parks representative.

10.3.12.3.6. Maintenance period
  • 10.3.12.3.6.1. Protect and maintain the integrity of the irrigation system from the time of installation until final acceptance is issued.
    • 10.3.12.3.6.1.1. Third party damage and vandalism are the responsibility of the developer/contractor.
  • 10.3.12.3.6.2. All repairs and replacement parts should be compliant with design and match record drawings.
  • 10.3.12.3.6.3. Following items should be checked periodically to verify system functionality.
    • 10.3.12.3.6.3.1. Annual DCVA test report.
    • 10.3.12.3.6.3.2. Ensure controller is communicating with central control (if applicable).
    • 10.3.12.3.6.3.3. Inspect and verify pressure regulators are properly set and adjusted.
    • 10.3.12.3.6.3.4. Adjust valves for proper flow, closing speed and operation as needed.
    • 10.3.12.3.6.3.5. Test system wiring for continuity and integrity.
    • 10.3.12.3.6.3.6. Inspect and verify that sensors used in the system are working properly and as per manufactures recommendations.
    • 10.3.12.3.6.3.7. Inspect and verify that sprinkler heads are properly adjusted – nozzle, size, arc, radius, and level with respect to slope and not affected by plant material.
    • 10.3.12.3.6.3.8. Inspect drip irrigation, service the filter and flush laterals to remove silt and foreign materials. Inspect dripline for damage and make any necessary repairs.
  • 10.3.12.3.6.4. The contractor shall repair any settlement of the trenches by bringing them to grade with topsoil and use sod/seed accordingly.
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Extracted from: Attachment 1 - Proposed Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw, Amendment No. 28, Bylaw No. 2158, 2026