(a) Before any chemical is added by any method (aspiration, injection, etc.) to an irrigation system which is connected to any potable water supply, the irrigation system shall be connected through a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly or air gap.
(b) Irrigation system components treated with chemical additives and connected to any potable water supply shall be connected through a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.
(c) Connection of more than one water source to an irrigation system presents the potential for contamination of the potable water supply if backflow occurs. Therefore, connection of any additional water source to an irrigation system that is connected to the potable water supply can only be made if the irrigation system is connected to the potable water supply through a reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention assembly or an air gap.
(d) If an irrigation system is designed or installed on a property that is served by an on-site sewage facility, as defined in Chapter 285 of this title (relating to On-Site Sewage Facilities), then:
  (1) all irrigation piping and valves shall meet the separation distances from the On-Site Sewage Facilities system as required for a private water line in §285.91(10) of this title (relating to Tables), concerning the minimum required separation distances for on-site sewage facilities;
  (2) the irrigation system is designated a health hazard and any connections using a private or public potable water source shall be connected to the water source through a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly as defined in §344.50 of this title (relating to Backflow Prevention Methods); and
  (3) any water from the irrigation system that is applied to the surface of the area utilized by the On-Site Sewage Facility system shall be controlled on a separate irrigation zone or zones so as to allow complete control of any irrigation to that area so that there will not be excess water that would prevent the On-Site Sewage Facilities system from operating effectively.

Source Note: The provisions of this §344.51 adopted to be effective January 1, 2009, 33 TexReg 5713; amended to be effective July 26, 2020, 45 TexReg 4986