From the VCDD web site-freezing temperatures
 

Subject: What's Happening - Special Edition
Date: 1/6/2014

Due to the upcoming freezing temperatures, we will be taking several precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our community. All of the fountains will remain running throughout the night. We will also be turning off all irrigation systems and outdoor pool showers. As residents, you can also protect your irrigation system by taking an old blanket and covering your backflow preventer. This small black box can be found near the side of your home next to your irrigation valves.

I am new in The Villages, I dont know what that is in a Patio Villa. I certainly didnt see one as I walked around my house.

You may not have one. I do believe they are not on all homes. The ones using reclainmed water for irrigation do not have them. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong on this.

RECLAIMNED water???lol

I have several black boxes. Does the box say Intermatic?

vcdd
 

ours is a green box and we took your advice and covered it. Thanks

I have a green one also and I covered it with a mat.

I also got a note from Massey about watering, etc.

They never sent out these warnings before. I am glad that they do because it makes me feel better.

Z

The black/green boxes are not placed any deeper in MN and yet no one ever recommended covering them??????????????????. And yes with out snow covering for insulation

Rubicon - I think the difference is up north the irrigation systems are drained for the winter. At least they were in Michigan.