21 NCAC 23 .0405             MICROIRRIGATION

For zones with microirrigation, when designing an irrigation system, an irrigation contractor shall:

(1)           provide a means of filtration at the master valve to remove particulate matter;

(2)           use separate microirrigation zones where differing plant water requirements and root zone depths make such zones practical;

(3)           specify pressure-compensating devices to improve overall uniformity;

(4)           specify pressure regulation upstream from the drip/microirrigation components to anticipate periodic increases in the pressure of municipal or community water sources when there is flushing or other maintenance on the water supply system.  Pressure regulating devices may be omitted only when the maximum possible pressure is known to be lower than the maximum allowable pressure for all drip/microirrigation components; and

(5)           use air release valves to minimize ingestion of soil and other contaminants into the emitters.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 89G-5;

Eff. July 1, 2011;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. September 22, 2014;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2016.