SENATE DOCKET, NO. 251 FILED ON: 1/19/2011
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 327
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Stephen M. Brewer
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act relative to water conservation.
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PETITION OF:
Name: | District/Address: |
Stephen M. Brewer | Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Middlesex |
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 251 FILED ON: 1/19/2011
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 327
By Mr. Brewer, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 327) of Stephen M. Brewer for legislation to provide for the regulation of landscape sprinkler systems. Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. |
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 1396 OF 2009-2010.]
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the Year Two Thousand Eleven
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An Act relative to water conservation.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 2 of Chapter 21G of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of "Existing withdrawal" the following new definition:-
"Irrigation system", any assemblage of components, materials or special equipment which is constructed and installed underground or on the surface for controlled dispersion of water from any safe and suitable source, for the purpose of irrigating landscape vegetation or the control of dust and erosion on landscaped areas, including integral pumping systems and including required wiring within that system and connection to a public or private water supply system. An irrigation system, when connected to a potable water supply, shall include a connection beginning at the downstream side of a properly installed backflow prevention device as required under 248 CMR 10.00. An irrigation system shall not include plumbing or a plumbing system as defined in Chapter 142 of the General Laws.
SECTION 2. Section 3 of Chapter 21G of the General Laws is hereby amended in the sixth paragraph by inserting after the third sentence the following two new sentences:-
The department shall adopt, and thereafter from time to time may amend, regulations that require system interruption devices for newly installed or renovated irrigation systems to override and suspend the programmed operation of the irrigation system during periods of sufficient moisture and shall specify the criteria that devices must meet to be accepted under this chapter. Said regulations shall be in accordance with generally accepted standards of irrigation practice; shall include a requirement that all such devices be inspected at least every three years by a and EPA water-sense partner; shall also require each irrigation contractor to complete and submit a form, along with a reasonable fee, to the town or agent of the Board of Water Commissioners for each newly installed or renovated irrigation system. This section shall not apply to systems operating on golf courses or agricultural lands.