My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.

They even specify the controller:

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.
(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND
A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE
OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.

higgledy wrote:
My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.

They even specify the controller:

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.
(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND
A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE
OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.


Not one of the specifications for the controller seem out of line to me,
at least if the government has an interest in conserving a resource
which might be scarce such as water. The need for a permit seems as
reasonable as any such requirements ever does and perhaps even more so
with a modification that attaches to the public water supply and which,
if installed improperly, can contaminate that supply. The only thing
which might be out of line is the $200 fee and that would probably
depend on what the general permit fees are for other construction. If
all other permits cost $10 then $200 is outrageous but if the average
fee is $200 then this particular one is fine.

I can see one circumstance which wasn't mentioned and which may make a
major difference: if the irrigation is being done with water from a well
on the owner's property or which is gathered from rainfall on that
property then permitting is probably excessive.

There is a cost beyond the obvious when one decides to live in a
built-up area -- you are at the mercy of your neighbors and if the
neighbors decided that tight governmental controls are good then you are
virtually powerless to stop them.

--
John McGaw
[Knoxville, TN, USA]
http://johnmcgaw.com

"higgledy" wrote in message
oups.com...
My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.


that section informs the local government of the additonal drain on the
water source and supply systems; about property improvements; and should be
notice that an inspection of the connection to the community water supply is
required.
You pay for the paperwork, and for the plumbing inspector to check that
you don't contaminate the water supply of your neighbors.

They even specify the controller:


you don't say if it is required or instead it says that if you have one,
this is what it must have

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.

that makes no sense, because sometimes sprinkling during rain is the most
efficient (light rain, intermittent showers, etc. - around here, to get an
inch of water a week on the lawn) . Sounds like this section was put in by
someone who thought on face value that it was a good idea - inputs?

(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND

this one makes sense - and if you have this one, IMHO you can scrap the rain
sensor clause as a gimmick, unless you live in an area where rain only comes
in one inch or greater downfalls.
When it rains and the water fills the soil, this one should turn off a
sprinkler, on the remote chance it was running in the rain, when it has
rained enough to have the soil watered- better than a rain sensor around
here.

A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE

this one also makes sense if your area is water limited (western states,
etc.). It limits water loss from the communty water source.

OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.


this one is iffy - plans with a permit showing breakers, underground line
and pipes, etc., and city inspection of the critical elements is mandatory,
IMHO. The potable water supply is at risk, and some 18 yr old with a half
day training is not who I want checking for vacuum breakers and other
isolation.

But it doesn't take rocket science to put in a sprinkler system. Just
knowledge of the buried stuff, a line puller, basic electrical safety, and
basic plumbing safe practice.

fwiw

higgledy wrote:
My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.

They even specify the controller:

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.
(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND
A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE
OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.


Any connection to our local water system requires a permit from the
County's Department of Building and Safety. Getting a permit notifies
the County that the connection is being made so that an inspection can
confirm that the connection does not compromise the safety of the system
and the water in it. After all, we drink that water.

"Evidence of training" is waived in my County if the person doing the
work is the property owner. Otherwise, a licensed plumbing contractor
must do the work. This again is for the safety of both the property
owner and all others drinking from the water system.

Permits and licensed contractors are required to replace a ho****er
heater. In that case, the issue is not only the integrity of the water
system; it's also the safety of the gas connection. I'm sure similar
regulations apply to anyone making modifications to their home's
electrical wiring. We have such regulations here.

Given the fact that, here in California, the state's supply of fresh
water is almost fully committed, requirements for water-conserving
irrigation systems are very reasonable. These requirements are now
being applied not only to home gardens but also to agriculture.

In my County, farmers have fought local cities over riparian rights to
the runoff from sewage plants. In my community, parks and schools are
irrigated with reclaimed water from our local sewage plant. To conserve
water and prevent intrusion of seawater into aquifers, the County even
regulates the operation of wells.

Laws like these are required simply because -- without them -- people
will not do the right thing.

--

David E. Ross
http://www.rossde.com/

Concerned about someone (e.g., Pres. Bush) snooping
into your E-mail? Use PGP.
See my http://www.rossde.com/PGP/

Glad I don't live there.


--
The Lone Sidewalk Astronomer of Rosamond

Telescope Buyers FAQ
http://home.inreach.com/starlord
Sidewalk Astronomy
www.sidewalkastronomy.info
Astronomy Net Online Gift Shop
http://www.cafepress.com/astronomy_net
In Garden Online Gift Shop
http://www.cafepress.com/ingarden
Blast Off Online Gift Shop
http://www.cafepress.com/starlords
Astro Blog
http://starlord.bloggerteam.com/




"higgledy" wrote in message
oups.com...
My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.

They even specify the controller:

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.
(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND
A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE
OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.

John McGaw wrote:

There is a cost beyond the obvious when one decides to live in a
built-up area -- you are at the mercy of your neighbors and if the
neighbors decided that tight governmental controls are good then you are
virtually powerless to stop them.



This why I get so ****ed. The town approved 2 huge develpoments that
doubled the town's population in only five years. We went from less
than 2200 residents to over 4000 since 2000! Now, we are having water
problems, thanks for all the planning. My town WAS a decent place to
live.

Oh, the greatest irony is the ordiance effects in-ground irrigation not
above ground.

If it was run by commies, your neighbors would be paying the permit costs.

higgledy wrote:

My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.

They even specify the controller:

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.
(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND
A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE
OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.

I think the permit should be several thousand dollars.
Why should the rest if us defray the cost of some idiot using potable
water that has been treated tested monitored and piped just so they can
water turfgrass?
higgledy wrote:
My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.

They even specify the controller:

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.
(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND
A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE
OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.

I'm trying to e-mail you a case of your favorite beer, as a reward for your
comments. Go chill some mugs.


wrote in message
ups.com...
I think the permit should be several thousand dollars.
Why should the rest if us defray the cost of some idiot using potable
water that has been treated tested monitored and piped just so they can
water turfgrass?
higgledy wrote:
My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.

They even specify the controller:

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.
(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND
A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE
OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.

"higgledy" wrote in message
oups.com...
My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.

They even specify the controller:

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.
(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND
A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE
OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.


Often enough to be nauseating, I see sprinkler systems running on bright
sunny days when it's windy. In terms of using the water most effectively,
that's the worst possible time to do it. Anyone with a brain knows that.
It's been common knowledge since I first heard it, around 1968.

What can we conclude from this? Simple: Too many owners of sprinkler systems
are morons. It's good to make their lives difficult.

Oh, and if you read a few news sources written for grownups, you'll notice
that water is not an infinite resource.

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

"higgledy" wrote in message
oups.com...

My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.

They even specify the controller:

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.
(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND
A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE
OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.



Often enough to be nauseating, I see sprinkler systems running on bright
sunny days when it's windy. In terms of using the water most effectively,
that's the worst possible time to do it. Anyone with a brain knows that.
It's been common knowledge since I first heard it, around 1968.

What can we conclude from this? Simple: Too many owners of sprinkler systems
are morons. It's good to make their lives difficult.

Oh, and if you read a few news sources written for grownups, you'll notice
that water is not an infinite resource.



Yeah, our city would not let my club put in drip or underground
irrgation, even though on some days 'sprinkling' can mean losing a huge
percentage to wind/evaporation. Oh, and usually any restrictions do not
apply to government property.


Carl


--
to reply, change ( .not) to ( .net)

"Carl 1 Lucky Texan" wrote in message
et...

Oh, and usually any restrictions do not apply to government property.
Carl

Of course not. The guvmint has to pay someone to watch the water drip, so if
no water drips, then someone's family member won't have a job.

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

"higgledy" wrote in message
oups.com...

My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.

They even specify the controller:

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.
(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND
A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE
OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.



Often enough to be nauseating, I see sprinkler systems running on bright
sunny days when it's windy. In terms of using the water most effectively,
that's the worst possible time to do it. Anyone with a brain knows that.
It's been common knowledge since I first heard it, around 1968.

What can we conclude from this? Simple: Too many owners of sprinkler systems
are morons. It's good to make their lives difficult.

Oh, and if you read a few news sources written for grownups, you'll notice
that water is not an infinite resource.

Among natural resources, water would seem to be as close to an infinite
resource as any, and closer than most.

On Wed, 23 Aug 2006 10:02:17 -0400, "Not@home" wrote:



JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

"higgledy" wrote in message
oups.com...

My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.

They even specify the controller:

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.
(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND
A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE
OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.



Often enough to be nauseating, I see sprinkler systems running on bright
sunny days when it's windy. In terms of using the water most effectively,
that's the worst possible time to do it. Anyone with a brain knows that.
It's been common knowledge since I first heard it, around 1968.

What can we conclude from this? Simple: Too many owners of sprinkler systems
are morons. It's good to make their lives difficult.

Oh, and if you read a few news sources written for grownups, you'll notice
that water is not an infinite resource.

Among natural resources, water would seem to be as close to an infinite
resource as any, and closer than most.

What kind of water did you have in mind?

The polluted water available to Third World refugees who sicken and
die from cholera and other water-borne diseases?

Or the pump water that must be carried long distances by Third World
women and children?

Or the expensive water furnished to Third World residents by Monsanto,
e.g. which has bought up the "rights" via international maneuvering,
taking away the locals' rights to access their own water?

Or the desalinated water available to thirsty countries at great
expense (because the technology is not subsidized so it can be
perfected and prices can come down?

Or did you have in mind the water wasted in luxurious First World
Countries by badly programmed lawn sprinklers; by leaky municipal pipe
systems; by simple carlessness like letting the water run while
brushing teeth; by growing thirsty crops like cotton e.g. in arid
areas like California's Central Valley, where agribusiness through
political pull gets water prices meant for small farmers?

Persephone

Persephone wrote:
On Wed, 23 Aug 2006 10:02:17 -0400, "Not@home" wrote:


JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

"higgledy" wrote in message
oups.com...

My town's new in-ground irrigation ORDINANCE:

THE PERMIT FEE SHALL BE TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00). ADDITIONALLY
THE APPLICANT SHALL OBTAIN A PLUMBING PERMIT FROM FREDERICK COUNTY.

They even specify the controller:

SUCH TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "SMART
CONTROLLERS", SHALL INCLUDE:
(A) RAIN SENSORS WHICH PREVENT THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS DURING RAIN
OR OTHER PRECIPITATION EVENTS.
(B) GROUND SENSORS WHICH MEASURE THE MOISTURE IN THE SOIL TO AVOID
UNNECESSARY USE OF THE SYSTEM WHEN THE GROUND MOISTURE IS HIGH; AND
A. PROGRAMMABLE TIMER SYSTEMS TO PREVENT THE USE OF THE
SYSTEM DURING TIMES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE
OR BY THE BURGESS AND COMMISSIONERS PURSUANT TO TITLE 13 OF THIS CODE.
B. INSTALLER SHALL PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF TRAINING OR
CERTIFICATION FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.


Often enough to be nauseating, I see sprinkler systems running on bright
sunny days when it's windy. In terms of using the water most effectively,
that's the worst possible time to do it. Anyone with a brain knows that.
It's been common knowledge since I first heard it, around 1968.

What can we conclude from this? Simple: Too many owners of sprinkler systems
are morons. It's good to make their lives difficult.

Oh, and if you read a few news sources written for grownups, you'll notice
that water is not an infinite resource.
Among natural resources, water would seem to be as close to an infinite
resource as any, and closer than most.

What kind of water did you have in mind?

The polluted water available to Third World refugees who sicken and
die from cholera and other water-borne diseases?

Or the pump water that must be carried long distances by Third World
women and children?

Or the expensive water furnished to Third World residents by Monsanto,
e.g. which has bought up the "rights" via international maneuvering,
taking away the locals' rights to access their own water?

Or the desalinated water available to thirsty countries at great
expense (because the technology is not subsidized so it can be
perfected and prices can come down?

Or did you have in mind the water wasted in luxurious First World
Countries by badly programmed lawn sprinklers; by leaky municipal pipe
systems; by simple carlessness like letting the water run while
brushing teeth; by growing thirsty crops like cotton e.g. in arid
areas like California's Central Valley, where agribusiness through
political pull gets water prices meant for small farmers?

Persephone


That's the great thing about water; any of those would work because it's
a closed system. (although it would be kind of heartless to take the
"the pump water that must be carried long distances by Third World women
and children" away and water a lawn with it.)

Best regards,
Bob