Trusted Sprinkler Experts in Riverton, UT

What Homeowners Need to Know About Irrigation Systems in Riverton

• Local Soil and Water Conditions

  Riverton’s native soil is typically clay-heavy, high in silt, and alkaline (about pH 7.5–8.5). Clay holds water tightly and drains slowly, so sprinkler systems that run too long can create puddling and waterlogged spots. Riverton clay also compacts easily, which blocks water and air from reaching roots. Annual aeration and cycle-and-soak watering help. Some yards have gravelly loam below the surface, so drainage can vary by neighborhood.

• Irrigation Water Information

  Riverton has secondary (pressurized irrigation) water for nearly every property, plus culinary (drinking) water. Secondary water is flat-rate by lot size (not metered historically): a typical ¼-acre lot is about $19.36/month (plus a small base fee) for irrigation during the season; ½-acre ~$28.68, and 1-acre ~$40.87. Culinary water is metered with a base fee of about $3.50 per meter, about $3.76 per 1,000 gallons for the first 5,000 gallons, rising to about $4.95 per 1,000 gallons above 20,000 gallons.

• When to Turn Sprinklers On and Off

  Riverton’s secondary water system typically runs May 1 through October 15. Homeowners must close their secondary valve by March 15 so the city can safely fill and test pressurized lines. The city turns secondary irrigation on around May 1, then shuts it off around October 15 to beat freezing nights. After shut-off, sprinkler winterization (blowouts/draining) is critical to prevent cracked pipes and broken sprinkler heads.

• Watering Schedule Regulations

  Riverton prohibits running sprinklers between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM for both residential and commercial landscapes. The city also bans water waste, including runoff into streets, overspray, and broken sprinkler heads left unfixed. Riverton does not require odd/even watering days in normal conditions, but during severe drought the city can impose alternating schedules, including no watering Sundays, with enforcement that has included $150 and $300 fines for repeat violations and possible secondary water shut-off.

• Rebates & Incentives for Conservation

  Riverton uses regional programs (not city-only rebates) through Utah Water Savers / Slow the Flow. Smart sprinkler controller rebates are commonly around $75+. Riverton residents also qualify for Flip Your Strip at $1.50–$3.00 per sq ft for park-strip turf removal and drip-based, water-wise landscaping; the city notes these conversions can save about 5,000–8,000 gallons per year per strip. Additional incentives may be available through Localscapes Rewards and the Landscape Incentive Program (check current offerings).

• Backflow Prevention Rules

  Riverton strictly prohibits any cross-connection between culinary and secondary water. Most sprinkler systems are plumbed secondary-only, and the old culinary stop-and-waste line to sprinklers must be removed or capped; exterior hose bibs must have anti-siphon vacuum breakers. If an irrigation system can use both culinary and secondary, Riverton requires an RPZ backflow preventer on the culinary line, plus a setup that prevents both sources from being used at once. Testable backflow devices must be tested upon installation and annually by a certified tester, with results submitted to the city.