Irrigation Service

Installation Standards

Lawn irrigation systems must be properly installed. Systems must be underground and completely enclosed without any faucets or sillcocks that could be connected or re-connected to the property’s domestic water service. The City’s construction standards for installation of the meter setter and standards of backflow prevention devices must be followed.

• Metered Irrigation Installation Diagram

Irrigation Meter

There is no charge for the installation of a residential irrigation meter. However, a monthly fee will be billed for the additional meter. If you would like an irrigation meter, please fill out an application and return it to our Water Billing Office.

• Residential Irrigation Service Application

Backflow Devices

Devices that are ASSE-certified are acceptable for irrigation systems.

• List of Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies

*Commercial irrigation service requires payment of a water investment fee. Please contact our office at 603-225-8693 for more information.

Annual Residential Irrigation Backflow Tests

In accordance with NH ENV-DW 505, Backflow Prevention, the City will begin conducting annual residential irrigation backflow tests starting in July 2025 as a continued effort to protect the City's water supply and distribution system from potential contamination. Residential irrigation systems pose a low-hazard threat as fertilizers and other lawn treatment chemicals are used and could enter the system in a backflow situation, putting customers' health at risk. 

Customers with residential irrigation systems and accounts will be notified of the new testing requirement by mail. The notice will describe the means by which testing may occur. In most cases, a City of Concord Meter Technician in a marked City vehicle will conduct the test after knocking on a homeowner's door to announce his/her arrival, if the residential backflow device is easily accessible and mounted on the outside of a property. In the event that a customer is not home, the test will be conducted, and a door tag will be left advising the customer that the test was conducted. If there is an obstacle that prevents access to testing the device, a door tag will be left indicating the attempt to test and requesting the resident to contact the office to schedule a testing appointment. If the City is still unable to gain access, after all reasonable attempts have been made, the device will be considered failed, and service will be disconnected.

In the event of a failed test, customers will be provided information on the reason for the failure as well as options for correcting the failure. If the required fix is not made to the backflow device within 30 days, the City will need to disconnect service to the system, as prescribed by NH ENV-DW 505 to protect the customers. In the event of a passed test, no action is required.

Backflow testing fees will apply and be included in your utility bill.

We appreciate the cooperation of residents and property owners to complete this necessary testing for the City of Concord to maintain compliance with the State of New Hampshire and ensure proper system operations to protect the water quality and public health. 

Learn more about Backflow Testing on our Backflow Testing Webpage. 

Use Water Wisely

Rain Barrels

Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water and for irrigating plants, gardens, and lawns. Rain barrels are available for purchase in limited supply at our Utility Billing Office. Contact Adam Clark at aclark@concordnh.gov to inquire about a rain barrel. View our poster for more information:

• Rain Barrel Flyer

Smart Irrigation

Approximately 9 billion gallons of water each day are used in the United States for outdoor residential use, mainly for landscape irrigation. It is estimated that about 50% of this water is wasted from overwatering or inefficient irrigation methods. Irrigation control technologies can substantially reduce outdoor water consumption by watering plants only when they need it. Consider installing a water-efficient WaterSense-labeled irrigation controller to reduce water waste and possibly save money on your utility bill! Visit our www.concordnh.gov/watersense for more information about efficient outdoor watering and www.concordnh.gov/conservation for water-saving tips.