Sprinkler water quality supplied by The Villages

[len84pa]

I am a resident of Sanibel and along with many of my neighbors are incurring additional expenses to have our sprinkler heads cleaned about every 10 days because of the debris in the water being supplied. I realize that the ponds are at their lowest in years, however I feel The Villages should be held accountable to provide useable water for our sprinkler systems. We do pay for this service. I've attached a picture of my "in-line" sprinkler filter that was cleaned 3 days before the picture was taken.

Comments Welcomed.

[Bill14564]

I am a resident of Sanibel and along with many of my neighbors are incurring additional expenses to have our sprinkler heads cleaned about every 10 days because of the debris in the water being supplied. I realize that the ponds are at their lowest in years, however I feel The Villages should be held accountable to provide useable water for our sprinkler systems. We do pay for this service. I've attached a picture of my "in-line" sprinkler filter that was cleaned 3 days before the picture was taken.

Comments Welcomed.

Must be a localized problem. I live down near Manatee rec center and haven't had this type of problem.

You could try contacting Customer Service or NSCUDD to see if anything could be done.

[JoMar]

Must be a localized problem. I live down near Manatee rec center and haven't had this type of problem.

You could try contacting Customer Service or NSCUDD to see if anything could be done.

Agree, live in Hillsborough for nine years and have never had the issue, although don't know that I have filters in the line or why I would for non potable water. Are you self diagnosing or have you had a sprinkler company investigate?

[justjim]

I am a resident of Sanibel and along with many of my neighbors are incurring additional expenses to have our sprinkler heads cleaned about every 10 days because of the debris in the water being supplied. I realize that the ponds are at their lowest in years, however I feel The Villages should be held accountable to provide useable water for our sprinkler systems. We do pay for this service. I've attached a picture of my "in-line" sprinkler filter that was cleaned 3 days before the picture was taken.

Comments Welcomed.

Where is this filter located? I live in Village of LaBelle and do not know of this problem.

[retiredguy123]

Where is this filter located? I live in Village of LaBelle and do not know of this problem.
Very strange. I have never had a problem with clogged sprinkler heads. Typically, the builder doesn't install a special filter for the irrigation water. The water is filtered by The Villages when they supply it. Also, why would you clean the filter instead of replacing it? How do you clean it? Have you tried to remove or bypass the filter to see what will happen? It could be that the filter itself is deteriorating and causing the problem. It looks like a charcoal filter which is not the type to remove debris. Just my 2 cents worth.

[ton80]

I am a resident of Sanibel and along with many of my neighbors are incurring additional expenses to have our sprinkler heads cleaned about every 10 days because of the debris in the water being supplied. I realize that the ponds are at their lowest in years, however I feel The Villages should be held accountable to provide useable water for our sprinkler systems. We do pay for this service. I've attached a picture of my "in-line" sprinkler filter that was cleaned 3 days before the picture was taken.

Comments Welcomed.

Suggest you attend this meeting and ask the various providers what can be done.
"Water Matters Event coming this April

Interested in learning more about the behind the scenes of water resources and management in The Villages?

On April 22, The Villages will host the District Property Management’s 1st Annual Water Matters Event.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Lake Sumter Landing Market Square, and will feature vendors and educational presentations focused on water conservation and environmentally friendly practices.

Vendors will include Southwest Florida Water Management District, The Villages Grown, Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority, among others.

To learn more about the event, check out the district’s website."

You could bring a sample of the filtered out material. Their phone number is 352 753 4508
Good Luck!

[Rwirish]

Lived in TV for 6 years, have yet to clean the filters.

[prendymom]

I am a resident of Sanibel and along with many of my neighbors are incurring additional expenses to have our sprinkler heads cleaned about every 10 days because of the debris in the water being supplied. I realize that the ponds are at their lowest in years, however I feel The Villages should be held accountable to provide useable water for our sprinkler systems. We do pay for this service. I've attached a picture of my "in-line" sprinkler filter that was cleaned 3 days before the picture was taken.

Comments Welcomed.
where is this located on the property?
TYIA

[Oneiric]

No inline filters ever in Gilchrist. This is just asking for trouble. I also removed the individual sprinkler head filters on advice of sprinkler company. I just twist the heads lose then tight periodically to flush out any debris.

[My Daily Run]

I don't understand why someone would be putting this on a website without any proof that it is The Villages...now this will stir others imagination when it is probably an isolated problem and it will cost more money to investigate the problem...people complain about the price of water...every time they call for a tech to go out without being vigilante and try to get the answers themself it cost us all as homeowners...some of these people think it's free...yes it is at the time but these contractors need to get paid and eventually adds to our cost...it's your home...it's your responsibility...figure it out stop stirring the pot besides the holding ponds are empty...we will probably not be able to water soon so you won't have to worry about your filter trying to filter reclaimed unfiltered water

[Annie66]

As the filter becomes more clogged, the water flow out of the sprinkler head becomes significantly diminished. Many pop up sprinkler heads have an in-line filter. Not sure if all brands do. I have a mix of Hunter and Orbit brands of pop-up sprinklers. As mentioned above, the filter is located below the sprinkler head. Pull up on the removable sprinkler head and grab the shaft (don't let go of it). Then unscrew the sprinkler head. The filter is immediately visible provided the last servicer reinstalled it. It is best to have a clean filter on hand. They can be purchased at Lowes or Home Depot. Remove the dirty filter, swap in the clean one and reinstall the sprinkler head. You may have to re-point the sprinkler spray pattern after doing this.

Clean the dirty filters by spraying water from a hose on it. Cleaning the dirty filter allows you to reuse it. Be sure to hold the filter tightly so you don't blast the filter out of your hand. Learned that lesson early on.

[Cobullymom]

I don't understand why someone would be putting this on a website without any proof that it is The Villages...now this will stir others imagination when it is probably an isolated problem and it will cost more money to investigate the problem...people complain about the price of water...every time they call for a tech to go out without being vigilante and try to get the answers themself it cost us all as homeowners...some of these people think it's free...yes it is at the time but these contractors need to get paid and eventually adds to our cost...it's your home...it's your responsibility...figure it out stop stirring the pot besides the holding ponds are empty...we will probably not be able to water soon so you won't have to worry about your filter trying to filter reclaimed unfiltered water
They are a resident of Sanibel, why on earth would someone benefit by posting all of the above and not live in The Villages, there isn't an eye roll long enough for this comment..

[jimkerr]

I don’t have these problems with the reclaimed water and my irrigation system.

[San Francisco]

We've lived in The Villages since October 2012 and never encountered any problems with the quality of the irrigation water regardless of a wet or dry season. We have our system checked every 4 months or so. We're charged roughly $50 each time plus the cost of replacing broken lines or heads. Last week Comcast dug up a cable and sliced a water line. Check to see if a utility dug anything up. We didn't know that Comcast was here. Also occasionally the lawn care company runs over an irrigation head or slices one off. Best wishes.

[mikeberk]

I am a resident of Sanibel and along with many of my neighbors are incurring additional expenses to have our sprinkler heads cleaned about every 10 days because of the debris in the water being supplied. I realize that the ponds are at their lowest in years, however I feel The Villages should be held accountable to provide useable water for our sprinkler systems. We do pay for this service. I've attached a picture of my "in-line" sprinkler filter that was cleaned 3 days before the picture was taken.

Comments Welcomed.

Install an irrigation filter on the entire system. Check out "Fresh Eater Systems" web site. I installed a Rusco/Vu-Flow Filter Spin Down unit years ago and no more clogged nozzles.Works Great!!

[Bridget Staunton]

My hubby cleans the filters regularly

[Bridget Staunton]

cobullymom: I believe she is in the village of Sanibel which is close to us. She is not from Sanibel Island in south florida

[Packerprincess]

We have that filter too. Never had it look like that. We live in Gilchrist. I clean it every month or so.

[gbs317]

I’m down in DeSoto and I’ve cleaned head filters before but not familiar with the inline filter you show. Where would that be located within a sprinkler system…thx

[jrref]

We installed a spin-down inline irrigation filter as well so now i don't have that sprinkler head maintence to deal with or pay for any more. All I do is open the filter valve once a month to clear it out and that's it.


If you live North of 466 you will have regular tap water for your irrigation system and Not the mildly treated reclaimed water that everyone is talking about here.

[wamley]

The filters aren't like house water filter, but small plastic screens mage to prevent visible debris from clogging the sprayer ports. I have a similar issue in Caroline. I think my issue came fro a head that was disloged my lawn mower and junk got into the line. The service has pulled the heads for the line and vented it, but it still clogs. Although the time period between calls has lengthened.

[toeser]

I don't understand why someone would be putting this on a website without any proof that it is The Villages...now this will stir others imagination when it is probably an isolated problem and it will cost more money to investigate the problem...people complain about the price of water...every time they call for a tech to go out without being vigilante and try to get the answers themself it cost us all as homeowners...some of these people think it's free...yes it is at the time but these contractors need to get paid and eventually adds to our cost...it's your home...it's your responsibility...figure it out stop stirring the pot besides the holding ponds are empty...we will probably not be able to water soon so you won't have to worry about your filter trying to filter reclaimed unfiltered water

How could this possibly be the homeowner's problem? The water comes in a pipe directly from a Villages water system. There is no way for contaminants to enter his closed irrigation system other than from the water supplier.

[jimjamuser]

I am a resident of Sanibel and along with many of my neighbors are incurring additional expenses to have our sprinkler heads cleaned about every 10 days because of the debris in the water being supplied. I realize that the ponds are at their lowest in years, however I feel The Villages should be held accountable to provide useable water for our sprinkler systems. We do pay for this service. I've attached a picture of my "in-line" sprinkler filter that was cleaned 3 days before the picture was taken.

Comments Welcomed.
The answer my friend.....is to use maximum stone coverage. And use centipede grass which is drought-tolerant.

[Ken & Patsy Tapp]

That’s terrible. I hope you’re able to get the situation resolved.

[tophcfa]

Another benefit of living north of 466, sprinkler water and household water are one in the same. Nice to not have to worry about sprinkler water getting in our pool. On the flip side, we get charged a sewerage fee for irrigation water usage.

[twoplanekid]

From the agenda packet of the NSCUDD March 13th, 2023 board meeting.



TO: North Sumter County Utility Dependent District
FROM: Bruce Brown, Assistant District Manager
DATE: March 13, 2023
SUBJECT: Approval of Additional Services to be performed by Operations
Management International, Inc. (Jacobs) for the Unidirectional Flushing
of the VWCA Irrigation System.
ISSUE:
Approval of Additional Services to be performed by Operations Management
International, Inc. (Jacobs) for the Unidirectional Flushing of the VWCA Irrigation
System.
ANALYSIS/INFORMATION:
Pursuant to Article 3.02 – Additional Services, in the agreement dated August 20, 2013
(as amended year over year) between Operations Management International, Inc. and
North Sumter County Utility Dependent District, staff has negotiated a contract
addendum for additional services and compensation for the performance of certain
agreed upon capital improvement projects. Many of the projects can be self-performed
by Jacobs staff, thereby reducing District time and resources for the procurement and
oversite process.
On April 11, 2022, the NSCUDD Board approved the Additional Services Agreement
with Jacobs for the development of an unidirectional flushing (UDF) plan for VWCA and
SWCA. Flushing of irrigation system pipelines is an essential part of the maintenance
program for long-term success with irrigation systems. Flushing prevents the
accumulation of small particles and build-up, which can lead to plugging issues. Due to
the size of the VWCA system, the area was divided into 90 flushing zones with a total of
944,044 feet of pipe. To develop the UDF plan, Jacobs performed a flushing test in the
Village of Winnifred (Zone 10) and field data was collected for calibration of the
hydraulic modeling used to create the UDF plan and to determine the level of effort
needed to flush the entire VWCA irritation system (Districts 5 - 8). Data gathered was
used to extrapolate and calculate unidirectional flushing to the entire irrigation system.
It is estimated that to flush all zones, which includes adjusting a total of 3,556 valves
and flushing 1,493 hydrants, approximately 6,000 manhours with a recommended crew
of three staff to carry out the work would be needed. The attached Additional Services
Agreement scope of work is for the implementation of the unidirectional flushing
program for VWCA and will include all 90 zones in the VWCA service area. The
anticipated start date of the flushing is April 1st and will take approximately 50 weeks to
complete. The not to exceed cost for this project is $300,000.Page 67 of 193

You are always invited to attend an NSCUDD board meeting. I am on the NSCUDD board.

[My Daily Run]

How could this possibly be the homeowner's problem? The water comes in a pipe directly from a Villages water system. There is no way for contaminants to enter his closed irrigation system other than from the water supplier.

The homeowner has altered the irrigation system as they are built for reclaim water so if he wants to capture all the debris that comes with reclaimed unfiltered water that is on him...the villages is not supplying him clean drinkable water so why does he feel that the villages is responsible...they are supplying the same water to everyone and irrigation system needs maintenance...take the hose and rinse it off if you feel like you want to filter it...why does everyone think it's not their responsibility...you own the land you own the irrigation system and if you want to alter it then maintain it

[Maker]

The homeowner has altered the irrigation system as they are built for reclaim water so if he wants to capture all the debris that comes with reclaimed unfiltered water that is on him...the villages is not supplying him clean drinkable water so why does he feel that the villages is responsible...they are supplying the same water to everyone and irrigation system needs maintenance...take the hose and rinse it off if you feel like you want to filter it...why does everyone think it's not their responsibility...you own the land you own the irrigation system and if you want to alter it then maintain it

When the separate irrigation water feed contains contaminants that plug up and damage your irrigation system, then why isn't the water supplier responsible for the damage caused by their inferior product?

[Marathon Man]

When the separate irrigation water feed contains contaminants that plug up and damage your irrigation system, then why isn't the water supplier responsible for the damage caused by their inferior product?

A clogged filter is not damage. It is reclaim water, which is expected to contain solids (not contaminants). That is why the filter was installed. So, not considered inferior.

[Maker]

A clogged filter is not damage. It is reclaim water, which is expected to contain solids (not contaminants). That is why the filter was installed. So, not considered inferior.

The Villages built the house and irrigation without a filter. It should work as designed. A reasonable person would likely expect water to be free from things that cause damage. A clogged head must be replaced. That is not normal usage.
So some are trying to mitigate that issue by adding an inline debris filter. That does not negate the fact that the villages water supply is filled with garbage.

[My Daily Run]

It is no clogging up his irrigation it is clogging up the filter that he has added to his irrigation

[DAVES]

The filters aren't like house water filter, but small plastic screens mage to prevent visible debris from clogging the sprayer ports. I have a similar issue in Caroline. I think my issue came fro a head that was disloged my lawn mower and junk got into the line. The service has pulled the heads for the line and vented it, but it still clogs. Although the time period between calls has lengthened.

Far from an expert but when you purchase a whatever that part is called that allows the head to rise it comes with a plastic piece installed. You are supposed to run water to that part before installing the head. That way you blow out all the sand etc that might be in the line. You may need to do every head on that line-starting at the farthest head using one of those plastic pieces. "The service," I assume you are paying a flat fee. They do not want to take the time to do it right.

[Bill14564]

It is no clogging up his irrigation it is clogging up the filter that he has added to his irrigation

... to prevent the debris from clogging the individual sprinkler heads.

The problem isn't the irrigation heads and the problem isn't the filter, the problem is the amount of sediment that seems to be in the irrigation water.

The utility flushing the lines might make a difference but Sanibel is in CDD9 while the flushing is only planned for districts 5-8.

[twoplanekid]

... to prevent the debris from clogging the individual sprinkler heads.

The problem isn't the irrigation heads and the problem isn't the filter, the problem is the amount of sediment that seems to be in the irrigation water.

The utility flushing the lines might make a difference but Sanibel is in CDD9 while the flushing is only planned for districts 5-8.

On April 11, 2022, the NSCUDD Board approved the Additional Services Agreement with Jacobs for the development of an unidirectional flushing (UDF) plan for VWCA and SWCA.

NSCUDD is evaluating what rates are needed to cover future operations in the District 9-11 areas. I would expect that flushing in District 9 will be discussed at a future board meeting.

[metoo21]

Apparently the post about the Additional Services Agreement with Jacobs was NOT read completely. They were referring to flushing the potable water lines (notice the mention of fire hydrants). They weren't talking about the reclaimed water lines. No point in flushing those and wasting potable water as the reclaimed water contains sediment which would be added back to the lines as soon as reclaimed water was returned to the system.

[twoplanekid]

Apparently the post about the Additional Services Agreement with Jacobs was NOT read completely. They were referring to flushing the potable water lines (notice the mention of fire hydrants). They weren't talking about the reclaimed water lines. No point in flushing those and wasting potable water as the reclaimed water contains sediment which would be added back to the lines as soon as reclaimed water was returned to the system.

On April 11, 2022, the NSCUDD Board approved the Additional Services Agreement
with Jacobs for the development of an unidirectional flushing (UDF) plan for VWCA and
SWCA. Flushing of irrigation system pipelines is an essential part of the maintenance program for long-term success with irrigation systems. Flushing prevents the accumulation of small particles and build-up, which can lead to plugging issues.

[metoo21]

Yes, but it is potable water lines they are referring to. Not reclaimed water lines.

[len84pa]

Identifying a problem isn't "stirring the pot". It's apparent that you don't understand a lot of things when it comes to sprinkler water supplied by the Villages. Let me make it as "simple" as I can for you; We pay for reclaimed water for our sprinkler systems. We expect the water to be useable and not cause a problem with our sprinkler system. The next time you have a problem with your TV/Phone/Internet, don't stir the pot and call your internet provider. It's your home and your responsibility. Figure it out. Every time you call an internet / TV service tech they need to get paid and that's why our cable rates are so high.

[len84pa]

So the solution is to remove my inline filter and have all of the sprinkler heads get cloged with the debris !

[len84pa]

Now we are getting to the root of the problem.
Thanks

[twoplanekid]

Yes, but it is potable water lines. Not reclaimed water lines.

The NSU utility system is comprised of 229 miles of potable water mains, 171 miles of sanitary sewer gravity mains, and 30 lift stations. Irrigation water provided by VWCA is comprised of 244 miles of non-potable water mains.

The CSU utility system is comprised of 138 miles of potable water mains, 107 miles of gravity sanitary sewer mains, and 29 lift stations. Irrigation water provided by SWCA is comprised of 143 miles of non-potable irrigation mains.

[metoo21]

Non-potable and reclaimed water are 2 different things.

Per the notice in the post above: "..... It is estimated that to flush all zones, which includes adjusting a total of 3,556 valves
and flushing 1,493 hydrants, ... "

Hydrants would not be fed with reclaimed water. It would most likely be non-potable as it needs less treatment and little to no chlorination.

I believe the OP had reclaimed water at his home for irrigation. If he had a filter in the irrigation line and potable water for irrigation (as is used for some homes above 44), he'd be complaining about his drinking water as they are the same provided by 1 line & 1 meter to his home. Those that use reclaimed water have 2 line to their home and 2 meters.

[Bill14564]

Non-potable and reclaimed water are 2 different things.
Not here in the Villages. Either you have potable water and non-potable, irrigation/reclaimed water and two meters or you have one meter and potable water all around.



Per the notice in the post above: "..... It is estimated that to flush all zones, which includes adjusting a total of 3,556 valves
and flushing 1,493 hydrants, ... "

Hydrants would not be fed with reclaimed water. It would most likely be non-potable as it needs less treatment and little to no chlorination.

Which is it, absolutely not or most likely not? Perhaps you should ask the experts which water system feeds the hydrants, it could be either.

[twoplanekid]

Non-potable and reclaimed water are 2 different things.

Per the notice in the post above: "..... It is estimated that to flush all zones, which includes adjusting a total of 3,556 valves
and flushing 1,493 hydrants, ... "

Hydrants would not be fed with reclaimed water. It would most likely be non-potable as it needs less treatment and little to no chlorination.

I believe the OP had reclaimed water at his home for irrigation. If he had a filter in the irrigation line and potable water for irrigation (as is used for some homes above 44), he'd be complaining about his drinking water as they are the same provided by 1 line & 1 meter to his home. Those that use reclaimed water have 2 line to their home and 2 meters.

From the District web site and I quote ->

"Home Irrigation:

North of CR 466, homes are irrigated with potable water.
South of CR 466, homes are irrigated with non-potable water which is comprised of storm water runoff that is collected in water retention areas and groundwater from the lower Floridan aquifer when storm water supplies are not available."

[metoo21]

Not here in the Villages. Either you have potable water and non-potable, irrigation/reclaimed water and two meters or you have one meter and potable water all around.



Which is it, absolutely not or most likely not? Perhaps you should ask the experts which water system feeds the hydrants, it could be either.

Non-potable means it isn't up to drinking water standards. It can be water from the aquifer but not treated to drinking water standards that would make it potable or it could be reclaimed - again not to drinking water standards.

From the District web site and I quote ->

"Home Irrigation:

North of CR 466, homes are irrigated with potable water.
South of CR 466, homes are irrigated with non-potable water which is comprised of storm water runoff that is collected in water retention areas and groundwater from the lower Floridan aquifer when storm water supplies are not available."

Thanks. Storm water would be reclaimed and if you want to extend the definition non-potable because it isn't treated to drinking water standards.

[TCRSO]

We installed a filter in the irrigation water line. Cost $500 but has eliminated the problem with the sprinkler heads becoming clogged.

[twoplanekid]

On April 11, 2022, the NSCUDD Board approved the Additional Services Agreement
with Jacobs for the development of an unidirectional flushing (UDF) plan for VWCA and
SWCA. Flushing of irrigation system pipelines is an essential part of the maintenance program for long-term success with irrigation systems. Flushing prevents the accumulation of small particles and build-up, which can lead to plugging issues.

An update that will be presented to the NSCUDD board this coming Monday at 3PM.

** read the information starting on page 100 in the agenda packet **
Public Portal • CivicClerk (https://thevillagesfl.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1251/files)

You are always welcome to attend our NSCUDD board meetings to ask questions or listen to what is said.