Requirements for Home Lawn Sprinkler Systems

• Maximum design flow for residential systems on a 5/8 x 3/4-inch service and meter should not exceed 10 gpm (gallons per minute). Higher flows can damage the meter. Information on flows for larger meters: (970) 221-6700; TDD (970) 224-6003 or e-mail
• All new sprinkler system installations must have a sprinkler permits from the city Building Inspection Department.
• Fort Collins Utilities is available to test backflow preventers installed by homeowners at the time of installation.
• Sprinkler systems that use compressed air to purge the system cannot have air-injection ports larger than 1/4"-inch in diameter upstream of the backflow preventer. Larger connections can be installed downstream of the assembly.
• Manufacturers of backflow preventers do not recommend blowing out a home sprinkler system through the backflow preventer, as this could cause damage.
• The Cross-Connection Control Manual describes backflow prevention requirements in detail. The free, 43 page manual (PDF 626KB) is available online or by calling (970) 221-6700; TDD (970) 224-6003.