2. Utilities

Pressurized Irrigation

Inspections | Winterizing | Background | Residential Connection Process | FAQ

All homes connected to the City of Cedar Hills Pressurized Irrigation System must comply with the terms of the Connection Agreement.

For information and dates to turn the Pressurized Irrigation (PI) System on/off, visit the PI Dates page.

For summer watering restriction schedules and water conservation information, visit the Water Conservation page.

The Pressurized Irrigation (PI) System is available throughout the entire city.

The Installation Permit and Connection Agreement are required documents for the pressurized irrigation connection process. These, along with a PI packet, which contains instructions for connecting to the system, can be obtained at the city office, or can be
downloaded as follows:

Inspections

As a reminder to those who have not submitted their permits and agreements, all properties that are using PI water are required to have an inspection, which includes inspecting for cross connections, to ensure the safety of the city’s water systems. Cross connecting with the culinary water system, in any way, is prohibited by State law. This includes swing connections, valves, etc. Please submit the “Installation Permit & Connection Agreement” to the city as soon as possible.

If you are still unsure if you have filed the proper paperwork, you may contact the Publlic Works Department at 801-785-9668, ext. 200. You may also check your utility bill. If you are currently using pressurized irrigation and have filed the proper paperwork, your monthly bill will show both the PI base rate, which all residents pay, and a PI usage rate. Please refer to the city’s Fee Schedule for current rates.

Energizing the Pressurized Irrigation System

The City will start energizing the pressurized irrigation system this month and will be available April 24th, 2023. Residents are encouraged to CLOSE their individual irrigation valves to protect their sprinkler lines and sprinkler heads while the City-wide system is being energized.  During energizing and loading of the system there will be fluctuations in pressures that may affect individual systems if they are left open. Please refer to the Pressurized Irrigation Connection Guide found on the City website for additional information. Note that the “Stop and Waste” valve is a City valve and should be operated by authorized personnel only. Individual irrigation systems should provide a shutoff valve in the irrigation yard box near the filter.

Winterizing the Pressurized Irrigation System

Due to the drought conditions, we will be turning off the pressurized irrigation on September 30th, 2022 and there will no longer be water until Spring. The city asks that you leave your individual, pressurized irrigation shut-off valve in the OPEN position to allow for proper drainage of the system. Each irrigation system must be completely drained to prevent damage to the system’s components caused by frozen water inside the pipes and valves.  Prior to the system being energized in the Spring, you will need to “close” your individual shut-off valve. If your sprinkler system is still in service after October 18th, please notify the City. The City will provide an investigation for a possible cross connection.

Background

For several years, the City of Cedar Hills has been involved in the planning and implementation of the pressurized irrigation system to help relieve the demand on culinary water resources. Many cities along the Wasatch Front are adopting secondary irrigation facilities as part of their long-term plans to meet increasing water demands. Secondary irrigation systems allow cities to use low-grade water sources for outdoor watering. The pressurized irrigation (PI) system is a secondary water system.

In continuing a tradition of high quality and timely water service to its customers, the City of Cedar Hills commissioned a feasibility study of a secondary water system for outside watering. In response to this study and in order to keep pace with the city’s rapidly growing development and water requirements, the city recognized the need for a pressurized irrigation system. This system would extend the life of the city’s existing culinary water system, improve the ability to provide fire flow, reduce the cost of treating outdoor water, help to conserve water, improve service pressures, and increase property values. The city has also been pro-active in requiring new development to include PI pipelines and facilities in their design and construction.

The feasibility study revealed that, in order to continue providing both indoor and outdoor water through the culinary water system, the existing system would require immediate storage and distribution upgrades. While these system improvements would provide indoor and outdoor water for today’s demands, the following years through 2025 would require additional upgrades, including 3.5 million gallons of storage and a booster station. All of the water used under this scenario would be culinary-grade water.

The cost for the upgrades mentioned above were estimated to be around 11 million dollars in capital improvements. This is in addition to the 3.5 million dollars of pressurized irrigation facilities already installed to date that would be lost if the existing secondary system were not completed city wide.

Public awareness and acceptance is imperative to the success of the PI system. Please contact the city office with questions about the system. For residents who need to connect to the system, please contact the city office for a PI packet, which outlines the procedures of connection to the pressurized irrigation system.

Upper System Upgrades

In 2009 the city added upgrades to the pressurized irrigation system. These upgrades included additional wet wells, three more pumps, an electrical transformer, panel improvements, and a new 12-inch PVC distribution main with isolation valving.

Pressurized Irrigation System Connection Process – Residential Connection

    1. Submit the Installation Permit & Connection Agreement form (linked above) to the city for service. If you have a question about completing the forms, please contact the Public Works Department.
    2. Once the service line is stubbed to your property, you may connect to the system. Disconnect your sprinkler system from the culinary water line and connect to the pressurized irrigation box. A diagram showing the connection process is linked at the top of this page and is also available at the city office. City personnel will then inspect the connection to ensure that it is properly completed. Cross connecting to the culinary water system is prohibited by State law. Inspections will be done in the order they are received, 24-hour notice required.
    3. Please call the Public Works Department to schedule your inspection.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Pressurized Irrigation

Will I be charged the monthly usage rate as soon as I sign the contract?

Yes. The usage rate is based on the size of your property. Refer to the fee schedule for rates.

What is the PI Base Rate charge on my water bill?

All residents pay the base rate fee whether they are connected to the PI or not. This fee helps pay for the bond used to install and maintain the system.

Why am I being billed year round instead of just during usage?

The city determined that it would be more convenient for residents to pay a lower monthly fee spread over twelve months, rather than paying a higher fee for six to eight months.

Do I need a filter for the water?

Yes. It is recommended that a filter be installed (minimum of 500 micron) on your system for the protection of your sprinkler heads. It is advised to clean your filter during the hottest months to assure maximum water pressure. View the Power Point to learn how to clean the filter.

If I do not have a sprinkling system, may I attach a garden hose to the hose bib in the connection box and water my lawn?

Yes, provided you have submitted a signed Connection Agreement to the City of Cedar Hills.

When may I make the physical connection to the secondary water system?

Immediately. Please contact the Public Works Department regarding PI availability in your area.

What if I do not wish to connect at this time?

The secondary water system was installed to conserve culinary water. Therefore, if you choose not to connect, you will pay more per month for your culinary water usage.

Are there any health issues?

The secondary water is untreated ground water and is not drinkable. Precautions should be taken not to allow children to play in the water. Take the same precautions you would with any irrigation water.

What is the water quality of the secondary system?

This water will always be non-potable water. The secondary water will be a blend of surface water and other sources. It is not gray water, which is considered waste water from sinks and toilets.

Who may I hire to connect my sprinklers to the PI?

Any licensed landscape contractor. Check the yellow pages under landscapers for a recommendation. Please be advised that the cost to have a contractor connect your existing sprinkling system to the city’s secondary water system should not be excessive. Before any work is performed, obtain at least three appraisals. Also, please make certain that the contractor knows the proper procedure for connecting to the secondary system and that the proper inspections are requested.

May I do the connection myself?

Yes, providing you know the proper procedure for connecting to the secondary system and that the proper inspections are requested. Please contact the Public Works Department for instructions and answers to your questions.

What is CUP?

Cedar Hills has three sources of secondary water: a city well, the American Fork River, and Central Utah Project (CUP), which is Cedar Hills’ most reliable source. CUP provides the city with the opportunity to use a portion of the Colorado River. Read more.

When will the pressurized irrigation water be turned on/off?

Each year the Pressurized Irrigation System is winterized on or around October 15. After that date the system will remain turned off until April 15 of the following year. The city asks that you leave your individual shut-off valve in the “open” position for a time to allow for proper drainage of the system. Each irrigation system must be completely drained to prevent damage to the system’s components caused by frozen water inside the pipes, sprinklers, and valves. (If your sprinkler system is still in service after October 19, please notify the city’s Public Works Department, so that we may conduct an investigation for a possible cross connection.)

Prior to the system being energized in the spring, you should “close” your individual shut-off-valve to prevent damage to the sprinkler heads that may be caused by high pressure surges in the system. Once the it has been energized, you may then open the valve and use the system.