Lawn Sprinkler System

City Water Department personnel are the only people authorized to operate the city shut off valve.  Please call the Water Department to have the water service shut off or restored.

When installing sprinkler system shut off and drain valves, all work must be done outside of the city meter pit.  The City of Blackfoot requires 2 valves in either a block and bleed, or a stop and stop and waste configuration.  A full stop valve is required to be the main shut off valve.  Before water service is restored, an employee from the city water department must inspect the installation before the valves are buried.  Failure to do so, may result in termination of water service until all issues are corrected.

Valves in a stop and stop and waste set

2 valves in a stop and stop and waste configuration

Valves in a block and bleed set

2 valves in a block and bleed configuration

Lawn sprinkler systems can backflow contaminated water back into your home drinking water and into the public water system.  Since there is the potential for contamination, all lawn sprinkler systems must have an appropriate backflow preventer installed.  Backflow preventers must be an approved device on the USC Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research.  A complete list of approved devices can be found here (PDF) .

 As of March 28, 2018, double check valve assemblies are no longer approved for lawn irrigation systems (PDF).  

All assemblies must be tested upon installation, and at a minimum frequency of once per year.  The law requires all testing be performed by a State licensed tester, and the results sent to the Water Department Superintendent. 

If you have any questions about the City of Blackfoot's requirements for lawn sprinkler systems please call the office at (208) 785 8608

pressure vacuum valve