Poorly built systems waste 20% of the water they use. Ensuring they’re designed and installed according to state and local regulations helps manage our resources responsibly.
Irrigation systems are complex, so much so that Texas is one of the few states that requires a license to work on in-ground sprinkler systems.
To make sure we’re thoughtfully managing our resources as we enter our seventh year of drought, SAWS began reviewing new irrigation system plans in 2025. In 2026, we’re taking that effort one step further — with operational inspections on newly constructed irrigation systems.
This will ensure all in-ground sprinkler systems are designed and installed according to state and local regulations.
Poorly built systems waste 20% of the water they use. So, it’s important to make sure the individuals who are designing and installing them are licensed and that they’ve undergone rigorous training on irrigation rules and regulations. City code and the SAWS Utility Service Regulations require that a licensed individual be present and supervise the installation of a new system, and that a permit is pulled for the work.
Additionally, the license of the individual supervising the work must be presented to anyone who asks for it. For homeowners who are not sure if their irrigator is licensed, here’s a tip: their work vehicle will always display their license number.
For more information about the requirements for both plan review and inspections, including the checklists we use, visit saws.org/conservation.
