The Deschutes Backflow & Irrigation Total Care Program (the “TCP”) was developed to provide our residential customers with a seamless experience, ensuring that essential services required to keep their irrigation systems running optimally are completed on time and to the highest quality standards with minimal customer management.
I. Signature Services
The annual services offered under the TCP are Irrigation System Activation, Irrigation System Winterization, and a Backflow Test (collectively, the “Signature Services” or “Services”). The scope of each Signature Service is discussed below.
Irrigation System Activation: This is the process of turning irrigation water back on after the winter season, verifying that the irrigation timer is set and running correctly, and ensuring that each irrigation system zone is operating properly. During this process, we initialize flow through each valve, and check both the backflow device and valves for any leaks or damage from the winter. We also verify that there are no visible leaks in the mainline plumbing.
Next, each zone is run, verifying operation and ensuring that there are no leaks in the lateral plumbing lines, or at any of the individual sprinkler heads, drip lines, drip fittings, or any other above ground component.
We then make minor adjustments, as needed, to sprinkler heads and nozzles, and replace broken/missing drip fittings to ensure maximum coverage and minimal water waste. Finally, we verify that the irrigation timer is working properly and set correctly to maximize plant health, while optimizing water usage and alignment with homeowner goals.
The adjustments and/or repairs included in this Service are limited to ones that can be made without “breaking ground” or without the need to dig. 30 minutes of labor time to make these simple repairs is included in this Service. Additional repairs will be discussed with and approved by Customer, and billed at DBI’s then-current labor rate for the type of work performed. Customer will also be responsible for the cost of all materials/hardware.
Irrigation System Winterization: This is the process of removing irrigation water from the irrigation system to prevent freeze damage during the winter season. This is accomplished by using pressurized air to force the water out of mainline piping, valves, lateral piping, sprinkler heads, and drip tubing/fittings.
During this process, we will connect a pressurized air source downstream of the backflow device. This is critical to prevent damage to the backflow device, and to ensure a cross-connection/backflow event is not created. We will then force air through the mainline piping, each valve, and each active sprinkler zone. We do not normally winterize zones that have been “capped” or removed from service. We base the number of zones winterized on the number of valves we locate, compared with the number of zones wired to the irrigation timer. We rely on Customer to notify us of any exterior spigots, separate or difficult to find zones, or battery powered clocks/zones that exist on the property. It is Customer’s responsibility to ensure that we are aware of all zones and other components that require winterization.
Once the water has been evacuated from the system, we will shut the irrigation system off at the isolation valve or backflow device, depending on the system. We leave the valves in a configuration that ensures to the greatest extent possible that water will not leak into the system. We also complete an additional check of the shut-off valves to ensure they are holding tight at the time the system is winterized. We will then turn the irrigation timer to the “OFF” position.
Backflow Test: This is the process of testing and verifying proper operation of a backflow prevention device. Most testing for residential customers is related to the backflow prevention device installed on their irrigation system. However, we also test premises isolation devices, as well as many other device types in commercial settings. State and local regulations require backflow prevention devices to be tested each year.
The test process is completed on site and does not usually require Customer to be present. Once the test is completed, DBI will forward the results to Customer’s water provider and handle any communication with the provider on behalf of Customer. DBI will also forward a copy of the test to Customer, for their records.
If the test passes, there is no further input required from Customer.
If the test fails, we will notify Customer, and provide options for remedying the failure, including repair or replacement of the device. Any repair or replacement work is billed separately, and at DBI’s labor rate for the type of work performed. We will also communicate the planned repair/replacement and timing with the water provider, on Customer’s behalf.
II. TCP Tiers
The TCP is made up of three Service tiers, as follows:
Platinum: The Platinum tier includes all three Signature Services.
For 2025, the Platinum tier price is $250 for four irrigation system zones plus $20 for each additional zone. Payment is due in advance at the time of registration or within 10 days of receipt of an invoice from DBI in accordance with the TCP terms and conditions.
The registration deadline is May 15, 2025.
Platinum Tier Benefits
- All three Signature Services are covered for the entire year and renew automatically unless cancelled.
- You will receive one complimentary system efficiency audit.
- You will receive up to 0.5 hours of labor at no cost during your system activation. Note that material costs are not covered by this benefit. This labor can be used for:
- General sprinkler head adjustments;
- Sprinkler head replacements; and/or
- Drip line and fitting repair and replacement.
- You will receive discounts on upgrade and repair work during the 2025 season. These reduced labor rates are:
- Sprinkler system repairs and upgrades: $10/hour off our standard rates for lateral line repairs and upgrades. This includes all work related to sprinkler heads, drip irrigation, and non-pressurized piping; and
- $10/hour off our standard rates for mainline repairs and upgrades. This includes all pressurized line work and valve replacements and upgrades. This does not include backflow repairs or replacements.
- Installation of smart technology to reduce water use and improve system performance. In addition to the complimentary efficiency audit performed as part of the TCP, customers also receive $10/hour off all labor related to DBI smart system upgrades, sensor installations, and system efficiency upgrades.
- Fire Fuel Removal Program: Receive 10% off of your final project cost when completing a Fire Fuel Removal or Defensible Space Creation project in 2025.
- Snow Removal: Receive 10% off snow removal services (calculated based on your final contract price) for the 2025/2026 winter season.
Gold: The Gold tier includes two of the three Signature Services. Both Services must be selected at the time of registration, and payment for both selected Services is due in advance at the time of registration or within 10 days of receipt of an invoice from DBI in accordance with the TCP terms and conditions.
Gold Tier Service Combinations:
- Backflow Test and Winterization. For 2025, the Gold tier price for this Service combination is $154 for four irrigation system zones plus $10 for each additional zone. The registration deadline is August 1, 2025.
- Backflow Test and Activation. For 2025, the Gold tier price for this Service combination is $164 for four irrigation system zones plus $10 for each additional zone. The registration deadline is May 15, 2025.
- Winterization and Activation. For 2025, the Gold tier price for this Service combination is $188 for four irrigation system zones plus $20 for each additional zone. The registration deadline is May 15, 2025.
Gold Tier Benefits
- All three Signature Services are covered for the entire year and renew automatically unless cancelled.
- You will receive one complimentary system efficiency audit.
- You will receive up to 0.5 hours of labor at no cost during your system activation. Note that material costs are not covered by this benefit. This labor can be used for:
- General sprinkler head adjustments;
- Sprinkler head replacements; and/or
- Drip line and fitting repair and replacement.
- You will receive discounts on upgrade and repair work during the 2025 season. These reduced labor rates are:
- Sprinkler system repairs and upgrades: $10/hour off our standard rates for lateral line repairs and upgrades. This includes all work related to sprinkler heads, drip irrigation, and non-pressurized piping; and
- $10/hour off our standard rates for mainline repairs and upgrades. This includes all pressurized line work and valve replacements and upgrades. This does not include backflow repairs or replacements.
- Installation of smart technology to reduce water use and improve system performance. In addition to the complimentary efficiency audit performed as part of the TCP, customers also receive $10/hour off all labor related to DBI smart system upgrades, sensor installations, and system efficiency upgrades.
- Fire Fuel Removal Program: Receive 10% off of your final project cost when completing a Fire Fuel Removal or Defensible Space Creation project in 2025.
- Snow Removal: Receive 10% off snow removal services (calculated based on your final contract price) for the 2025/2026 winter season.
Silver: The Silver tier includes one Signature Service which must be selected at the time of registration. Payment for the selected Service is due in advance at the time of registration or within 10 days of receipt of an invoice from DBI in accordance with the TCP terms and conditions.
Silver Tier Service Options:
- Irrigation System Activation. For 2025, the Silver tier price for this Service is $99 for four irrigation system zones plus $10 for each additional zone. The registration deadline is March 15, 2025.
- Irrigation System Winterization. For 2025, the Silver tier price for this Service is $89 for four irrigation system zones plus $10 for each additional zone. The registration deadline is August 1, 2025.
- Backflow Test. For 2025, the Silver tier price for this Service is $65. There is no registration deadline for this service, for the silver package.
Silver Package Benefits:
- Your selected Signature Service will be covered for the entire year and renew automatically unless cancelled.
- You will receive one complimentary system efficiency audit.
III. Early Registration
Customers who register for any TCP tier by March 15, 2025 will be given the first opportunity to schedule their Services during the following preferred Service windows:
Activations Windows
Preferred Service Window (3/24/2025-4/11/2025)
Preferred Service Window (4/21/2025-5/16/2025)
Winterization Windows
Preferred Service Window (10/20/2025-11/7/2025)
Preferred service windows are first-come, first-served, and spots are limited. Please sign up early to ensure your desired service time.
Customers’ service window selections will be recorded when they complete the TCP registration process. If a customer’s selection is not available at the time of registration, they will be assigned their second choice. DBI will contact the customer to resolve any scheduling questions.
Once registered, the Service window will be locked in, but the actual Service date will not be scheduled until closer to the season. DBI will contact customers as the season approaches to communicate the exact date for each Service.
IV. TCP Area
The TCP is only available for properties located in Deschutes County, Oregon in or near the City of Bend, the City of Redmond, the City of Sisters, Sunriver, and Eagle Crest. DBI reserves the right to adjust the prices stated in this Guide based upon the property’s location and ease of access.