Irrigation FAQ

Reclaimed water is wastewater that has been highly treated to make it suitable for a variety of beneficial uses. Reclaimed water helps in the conservation of surface and ground water, creates an alternate water source for irrigation by reducing demand on potable water, reduces the cost of landscape irrigation when it replaces potable water and beautifies our community by enhancing the appearance of landscaping. Reclaimed water is what we use in Riverwood for irrigation and it is supplied to us by Charlotte County. You may see the light purple pipes and valves in our community and elsewhere – that color denotes reclaimed water.

We do, sometimes. However, it’s not totally feasible to turn off irrigation in Riverwood during the rainy season as there are occasional dry periods during the rainy season, landscapers are often doing wet checks or working on the system and need it operational and our current valving makes it difficult to do so. But in some cases, we ARE able to turn off entire neighborhoods for a short time in an effort to dry out our landscaping.

Any water faucet coming from your house is definitely supplying potable water. In no case is reclaimed water piped into a residence.

In most cases, as a homeowner, you are ultimately responsible for your irrigation system (Please note: A few of our older neighborhoods have a community system that is maintained by the RCA. Within those neighborhoods many of the residents have chosen to install irrigation timers on their homes and now maintain their systems.) If you live in an RCA maintained neighborhood, Brightview will perform monthly irrigation checks (called wet checks) and make repairs to your system – both covered and non-covered services if so desired. Please visit the Riverwood website for a thorough review of covered vs. non-covered items here. If you live in a self-maintained neighborhood you will have a service agreement with your irrigational specialist that should include irrigation checks.

A wet check is performed by your irrigation technician to make sure all the watering zones are running properly, your clock is set up correctly, sprinkler heads are operational and that coverage is sufficient for your landscaping.

If you live in an RCA maintained neighborhood, you can use the Brightview HOA Connect online system to report your broken sprinkler head. Although it can look rather alarming, the water will turn off when the zone run time is over. Repairing a broken sprinkler head is a covered item and Brightview will repair it at no charge within 3 days. If you request immediate, same day service you will be charged with a $65 service fee. Please visit the Riverwood website for a thorough review of covered vs. non-covered items here.

If you live in an RCA maintained neighborhood, you can use the Brightview HOA Connect online system to report your browned yard. An irrigation technician will come out to review the situation and make any covered repairs within 3 days. If you live in a self-maintained neighborhood you will need to call the Irrigation service you have contracted with.

No, you cannot. Charlotte County only allows watering 2 days a week. If you live in an RCA maintained neighborhood Brightview irrigation techs will manage your irrigation clock. Please do not adjust the clocks on your own. However, if you have new sod or new landscape plantings you are allowed to water more frequently to help them become established. Please discuss with your irrigation technician; or if Brightview is your landscaper, submit an irrigation request through HOA Connect.

Charlotte County requires irrigation to take place in the evening, overnight and early mornings, specifically from 4:00 pm until 10:00 am the following morning. Riverwood adheres to those schedule guidelines, but additionally tries to keep watering schedules from interfering with early morning walkers. Your irrigation technician will set your irrigation times for you.

Yes, an irrigation system review is an excellent idea when installing new landscape plantings, especially if your system is older. New plantings most likely will have very different irrigation needs compared to older more established plantings. If you live in an RCA maintained neighborhood, you can use the Brightview HOA Connect online system to request a consultation with an irrigation technician to discuss your needs. If you agree to a system upgrade a work order will be created. This work order is a contract between the resident and Brightview.  If you live in a self-maintained neighborhood you will need to call the Irrigation Service you have contracted with.

Yes, you can. However, you will have to connect the hose to your house and you will be using potable water. It will be your responsibility to move the hose and sprinkler out of the way on mowing day.