Secondary Water

Warning!!!  Before any work is performed, you should get at least three quotes from respectable contractors to ensure that you are being charged fairly.

The most commonly asked questions and their responses are as follows:

Do I need a filter for the water?

We recommend you use a filter to help the overall water function in your sprinkler system. Please be sure to clean and maintain your filters regularly to ensure proper pressure.

Where can I find a list of Backflow Assembly testers?

At the following website: www.deq.state.ut.us/eqdw/backflow_tech.htm

Penalty for misuse?

Riverton City has adopted regulations for the use of this system.  There will be a penalty for flood irrigating with the pressurized irrigation system.  Incidental watering with a hose (i.e., bushes, flowers, gardens, etc.) will be allowed.  Cross-connections with the culinary water system will not be allowed by State law. 

When can I connect to the Secondary Water System?       

Water is available to all residents.

The secondary water service is available to all Riverton residents that have a culinary water connection.  Note:  Even though you do not have to use secondary water, you will be billed for the service.  If you have an alternate means of watering outdoors, you may qualify for an exemption and only pay the "non-user" rate.

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

The secondary water system is being installed to conserve culinary water for future growth.  In order to meet the water conservation requirements of the federal funds used to finance this project, all residents are encouraged to connect to the system and utilize the water.

Although no one will be forced to use the water, rates will be assessed to every one that has a culinary water connection whether you use the water or not.  If you have an alternate means of watering outside that does not use culinary water (for example:  irrigation shares), you will be able to sign an application and opt out of paying the full user fees. This application consists of a $200.00 opt out fee, a form that needs to be filled out and proof that you have an alternate means of watering outdoors (i.e. copies of current water shares, rental agreements for water shares, proof that all fees are paid, etc.).  Individuals that belong to water associations still need to submit individual applications.  However, if the water shares are in the association's name, the association may submit the appropriate supporting information needed for your individual application.  You should contact your association's leadership to ensure that the City is provided with this proof of membership and that your current fees are paid.  Please refer to the rate schedule for a summary of all the rates.

The city stop and waste must remain accessible for city service and have no obstructions such as concreted or asphalted.

Private Lanes will have the water line stubbed just inside the lane only.

What if I already have water shares?

The City will not take anyone's water shares.  If you have water shares and use them to do your outdoor watering, you will have the option of not using the secondary water system and pay the non-user rate.  You would need to provide proof of alternate means (copy of certificate), and copy of your yearly assessment.  You would be responsible for updating.

What happens if I don't pay my bill?

You are responsible for payment for your secondary water billing.  If payment is not received, your service for culinary water would be shut off.

What is the monthly fee and how many months will I pay this?

Click here to see the monthly fees that are billed year-round.

By expanding the secondary water system to all parts of the City, it will allow us to conserve our precious culinary water resources. We continue to encourage all citizens to be conservation-minded and be aware of their water usage. 

Disconnection/Re-connection Fees for Secondary Water

On October 16, 2001, City Council passed a resolution requiring disconnection and re-connection fees for secondary water. If you are currently a non-user of secondary water, there is no fee to connect to the system. If you own water shares and are currently connected to secondary water and elect to become a non-user, you will be required to show proof of water share ownership, complete an application and pay a $200.00 fee to disconnect from the secondary water system. At that time the Riverton City Water Department will come out to your home to remove your secondary water box. A fee of $75.00 would be assessed at re-connection to the secondary water service. If you have any questions please contact the water department at 208-3117.

hat if I have additional technical questions or I have a dispute?

For answers to concerns for items not listed, please contact the Water Department.  Rates are set by ordinance and can only be changed by a majority vote of the Council.

Does the City have enough shares to support the secondary water system?

Yes, we have more than enough to provide for our planned peak usage rate.

Regarding development, the developers are required to give to the City 3-acre feet of water per developed acre. This provides enough water to the City and allows our system to be "self-sustaining" as the City grows.

Will the existing ditches and waterways be closed in and if so, by whom?

The ditches are owned and maintained by the shareholders of the irrigation system, and must remain available as long as there is even one user on the ditch.  At no time will Riverton City take ownership or responsibility for covering, cleaning or eliminating these ditches.

Will an inspection be required when I hook up to secondary water?

Yes, all properties are required to have an inspection. Call 208-3112 to schedule an inspection.

All properties are required to have a cross connection inspection. There are two options for connecting to the secondary water system, which are as follows:

• Dedicated Secondary Water Use Only. Connection to the secondary, or pressurized irrigation system, needs no backflow protection. However, an inspection is required to show that the culinary stop and waste valve has been removed. If the supply is from the inside of the home the stop valve must be removed and the downstream pipe cut flush with the wall. We also inspect to ensure that anti-siphon valves are installed on the house hose outlets. There is no fee for this inspection. 

• Connection With Culinary Water. If culinary water is used, and since secondary water is available to all residents, then a Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPZ) must e installed at the culinary connection, along with a swing joint that will only allow only culinary or secondary water be on. Never both systems, at the same time. The backflow assembly must be tested upon installation and annually thereafter. The test report is to be forwarded to the Riverton City Water Department. An inspection is required to see that the system is installed as per the State Plumbing Code.

A list of commercially available backflow technicians can be found at the State Website:  www.deq.state.ut.us/eqdw/backflow_tech.htm

This  effort is to protect the drinking water from contamination or pollution and is required by the Plumbing Code, including Amendments and the State Drinking Water Rule, as well as Riverton City Ordinances. Violations must be corrected.

Questions may be referred to:

Riverton City Water Department
208-3112 phone
253-7152 fax

Will a one-inch service be adequate to service my needs?

Yes. A secondary water system flow for outdoor water is different than a culinary water system in a number of ways.  The standard size for typical secondary water systems is 3/4" or 1" service.  Riverton City has chosen to provide a 1" service.  The additional amount of water that a 1" connection carries should provide adequate water for your outdoor watering needs for up to one acre of property.

Is 45-PSI sufficient to handle my outdoor watering needs?

The system is designed with a minimum pressure of 45-psi on a one-inch service line.  Your area may be higher (up to 90-psi).  This size service may give up to 50 gallons per minutes and will adequately meet your outdoor watering needs.

Are there any health issues?

The secondary water is not drinkable.  Most of the water is coming from Utah Lake.  The water in Utah Lake has been used for recreational activities (water skiing, boating, etc.) for years.  However, just as you would do with any irrigation water, precautions should be taken not to allow children to play in the water.

How do I find more information on secondary water?

Riverton City provides a monthly newsletter with information on secondary water.   

Is your lawn sprinkler system working efficiently? Do you have dry spots or areas that are yellow from too much water? Jordan Valley Water Conservation District, in conjunction with the Utah State Extension Service, will be conducting sprinkler system surveys through the "Slow the Flow" Program. For more information and scheduling an evaluation, call 468-2291.

It is illegal for any individual to use the City’s secondary water without having the required inspections and paying the appropriate monthly fees. Illegal use of our secondary water is a CLASS B MISDEMEANOR. The consequences of illegal use may include stiff fines (up to $1,850 per day of violation), jail time (up to 180 days in jail per day of violation), having your culinary water shut off, compensation of damages incurred by the City (including additional hours worked by City Staff) and third party liability. For all our health and safety, please take this matter seriously.