Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Maintenance The contractor shall maintain all sprinkler systems in such a way as to give proper coverage and full working capacity, making necessary adjustments to prevent excessive water runoff into streets or other areas not intended to be irrigated. Care shall be taken to prevent wasting water, causing soil erosion, or allowing seepage into existing underground improvements or structures. The contractor shall, at no cost to the City, keep controller or valve boxes free of dirt and debris; repair, replace, clean, adjust, straighten, raise, or lower the following sprinkler system components as it relates to maintenance of the landscape areas: 1. Sprinkler heads; 2. Sprinkler caps; 3. Sprinkler head risers; 4. Valve covers; 5. Valve boxes; 6. Valve box lids, including electrical pull boxes and lids; 7. Underground electric connectors inside valve boxes; 8. Quick coupler valves and caps; 9. Hose bibs. B. Inspection The contractor shall inspect all areas covered by an automatic irrigation system for any malfunction during each schedule service of each Area. Approximately thirty (30) days prior to the termination of the contract, a comprehensive test of all irrigation systems shall be made by a Public Works Department representative. Any repairs deemed the contractor’s responsibility shall be made by the contractor prior to the end of the contract period. If repairs made are not to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works or his designee, deductions shall be made in the final contract payment to cover the cost of eliminating the discrepancies determined by the Director of Public Works or his designee. C. Repairs Irrigation systems which are damaged or altered in any way as a result of work performed under this contract shall be repaired or replaced in kind and in an approved manner by the contractor. Repairs shall be made immediately after damage or alteration occurs, unless otherwise directed. Repairs made as a result of theft, vandalism or an act of God shall be performed by the City. Winterization – Contractor shall winterize all exposed piping and back flow prevention devices to prevent freeze damage. All damage to back flow devices caused by freezing will be the contractor responsibility to repair or replace. Repairs not made, or not made to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works or his designee, will be done by others and billed to the contractor. D. Irrigation to be accomplished as follows: Turf and Groundcover - Turf and groundcover areas to be watered, as required, to maintain horticulturally acceptable growth and color, as well as promote deep root growth. Daily shallow water applications should be avoided where possible in favor of deeper water applications. Water to turf and groundcover areas to generally be applied between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. where possible to lower the risk of fungus in cool season turf. Banks and Slopes - Sloped landscape areas to be irrigated Monday through Friday as required to maintain horticulturally acceptable growth and color. Best irrigation practice is to promote deep root growth with a minimum of run-off. Shrubs and Trees - Shrubs and trees to be irrigated as needed to maintain horticulturally acceptable growth and color. Irrigation rates to be adjusted according to shrubs or tree types and seasonal weather conditions. Deep watering for root growth is encouraged, and surface run-off to be kept at a minimum. Newly Planted Trees, Shrubs, Groundcover, and Turf - All newly planted areas to receive special attention until plants are established. Adequate water to be applied to promote normal, healthy growth. Watering basins around newly planted shrubs and trees to be used during establishment period.
