Secondary Water 101 for Bluffdale Homeowners

Ever turned on your sprinklers in spring and wondered what “secondary water” really means for your Bluffdale home? You are not alone. Understanding how pressurized irrigation works can save money, protect your health, and help you avoid surprises on your bill. In this quick guide, you will learn safety basics, season timing, metering rules, costs, and who to call for help. Let’s dive in.

What secondary water is

Secondary water is untreated irrigation water delivered through a pressurized system for landscaping only. It is non-potable, which means it is not safe to drink or to play in. State health resources warn that drinking or playing in secondary water can make people and pets sick, so keep it out of indoor plumbing and away from hoses used for drinking or food prep. Review the state’s guidance on safe use at the secondary water safety page.

How Bluffdale’s system works

Bluffdale’s secondary water often originates from private canal companies that control when canals are filled and when water is available. Local delivery to your yard may be managed by the City, your HOA, or another supplier depending on your neighborhood. Bluffdale lists the canal companies that operate in and around the city and provides updates about availability on the Secondary Water page.

Season timing in Bluffdale

Start and stop dates are not the same every year. Canal companies set release dates, so timing can vary from mid to late spring, and fall shutoff may also change. For the most accurate dates, watch for notices from your canal company, HOA, or the City, and check Bluffdale’s updates at the Secondary Water page.

Metering requirements

Utah law requires every pressurized secondary connection to be metered by January 1, 2030. The state is supporting installations through a metering program described by the Division of Water Resources at the secondary metering information page. Bluffdale has already installed meters in certain areas, typically in the park strip, with meter box lids set flush to grade. You can see local installation details at Bluffdale’s Secondary Water Meter Installations page.

Will meters change pressure?

Meters themselves usually do not noticeably change pressure. System pressure depends on the delivery system, elevation, and distance from the source. If you experience low pressure, contact your supplier or review the state’s guidance for water users at the Division of Water Resources information page.

Costs and billing

If your property is supplied by Bluffdale City, the published secondary rate is $1.00 per 1,000 gallons, effective July 1, 2025. You can confirm current rates in the City’s consolidated fee schedule. If your secondary water is provided by an HOA or a private canal or irrigation association, billing and policies are set by that provider. Bluffdale notes that HOA-supplied secondary water may not be billed by the City, so check your HOA documents and the City’s Secondary Water overview.

Health and safety rules

Secondary water is untreated. Do not drink it, do not use it for kiddie pools or slip-and-slide play, and do not connect it to any indoor plumbing. For safe-use guidance, see the state’s secondary water safety resource.

Cross-connection and backflow

Utah rules prohibit cross-connections between your home’s drinking water and non-potable systems. If your sprinklers are connected to culinary water, you must have an approved backflow assembly and annual testing by a certified tester. Learn more about the rules from the Utah Division of Drinking Water’s cross-connection and backflow page and see Bluffdale’s local backflow testing guidance.

Homeowner checklist

Know your supplier. City, HOA, or canal associations set timing and policies. Start with Bluffdale’s Secondary Water page.
Use secondary water outdoors only. Keep secondary lines completely separate from indoor plumbing and food or play areas.
Maintain your system. Sprinkler heads, lateral lines past the stop-and-waste valve, and controller settings are typically your responsibility. Some systems use booster pumps to reach desired pressure; pumps should include automatic shutoffs to protect equipment when flows are low. See practical examples of homeowner responsibilities from nearby municipalities like South Jordan’s secondary water overview.
Schedule annual backflow tests for any culinary-connected systems and keep records.
Watch for leaks. If the issue is in your yard past the shutoff, it is usually yours to repair. If it appears at the meter box or in the public right-of-way, contact your supplier or the City.

Find your supplier and contacts

Not sure who supplies your secondary water? Start by checking for a separate irrigation lid in your park strip, then confirm with your HOA or the City. The Utah Division of Water Resources also provides a helpful locator on the Water Users information page. For local assistance, visit Bluffdale’s Secondary Water overview or email Bluffdale Utilities at [email protected].

For buyers and sellers

If you are buying or selling in Bluffdale, secondary water can affect costs and maintenance. Ask for details on who supplies the secondary water, whether a meter is installed, typical season dates for that neighborhood, and current or expected rates. Confirm any HOA rules, backflow test requirements, and pump equipment on site. A clear picture upfront helps you plan watering budgets and avoid surprises after closing.

Ready to navigate home decisions in Bluffdale with clarity and confidence? Reach out to Michelle Schmidt for local guidance on neighborhoods, utilities, and smart questions to ask before you buy or sell.

FAQs

Is Bluffdale’s secondary water safe to drink?

No. Secondary water is untreated and non-potable, and the state advises against drinking or playing in it; see Utah’s secondary water safety guidance.

When does secondary water turn on each year in Bluffdale?

Start and stop dates vary by canal company and conditions; monitor your canal company, HOA, and Bluffdale’s Secondary Water page for yearly updates.

Will the new meter reduce my sprinkler pressure?

Meters typically do not create a noticeable pressure drop; pressure depends on the delivery system and elevation. See the state’s water users guidance for more context.

How much does secondary water cost if the City bills me?

Bluffdale’s published rate is $1.00 per 1,000 gallons effective July 1, 2025; confirm current rates in the City’s fee schedule.

Can I connect secondary water to indoor plumbing or hose bibs?

No. Cross-connections with drinking water are prohibited, and culinary-connected sprinklers require an approved backflow assembly with annual testing; review the state cross-connection rules and Bluffdale’s testing page.

How do I find my secondary water supplier for my address?

Check for a dedicated irrigation lid in your park strip, then verify with your HOA or the City. You can also use the Division of Water Resources tools on the Water Users page.