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Valve, meter and access boxes are available in various colors including black, green, purple, grey, brown and sand. They are specifically labeled for irrigation control, water, wastewater, electrical, recycled water, cable TV and telephone applications and provide reliable protection and easy access to underground installations.
Valve boxes are critical components of irrigation systems. They provide access to underground valves and other components of the system, and protect them from external elements and damage.
NDS, a subsidiary of NORMA Group, produces and sells water management systems – including valve boxes, which are in high demand on the American and European markets.
An important feature of the NDS boxes are the color options, which can indicate the type of water flowing through the system or be the best choice to match the surrounding nature, e.g. a “sand-colored” cover installed in a sandy soil.
Most color coding is not globally standardized and varies depending on the application and soil conditions. One exception, however, is the color purple, which has a standardized international designation.
Standardized color coding for recycled water
Purple is used throughout the world to identify non-potable or recycled water. This color coding helps to prevent cross-contamination and ensures the safe use of recycled water that is not suitable for drinking. The covers of the valve boxes are also labeled with this information.
Purple cover of a valve box for use with recycled water
Recycled water is highly purified wastewater that has been filtered to remove solids and other contaminants and that is then disinfected in a water treatment plant. It comes from various sources including domestic wastewater, industrial wastewater and rainwater runoff.
The advantage of using recycled water is that less fresh water needs to be imported and used, which benefits the environment and reduces the amount of water that is wasted. Utilizing recycled water means less water is taken from rivers, streams and groundwater basins. This approach helps to combat the effects of droughts and climate change by providing sustainable solutions for both today and for the future.
Valve boxes at NORMA Group
NORMA Group offers valve boxes in various sizes and two series: the NDS® Pro-Spec® Series for maximum strength in demanding conditions and the NDS® Standard Series for cost-effective use in normal conditions. Both series are equipped with UV inhibitors that protect against weathering and ensure a long service life.
The NDS Standard valve boxes are lighter than the Pro Series, making them ideal for residential installations. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different applications. The bayonet twist cover ensures easy removal on the 6-inch and 10-inch round boxes. Overlapping covers effectively prevent dirt and grass from accumulating between the box and the cover.
NDS standard valve box
The NDS Pro-Spec® water valve boxes have thicker walls combined with reinforced covers and “ribs”. Thicker wall dimensions deliver increased stability and durability, while reinforced covers are designed for heavier loads. Reinforced ribs provide additional stability for the side walls. These robust valve boxes and covers ensure a clean and safe environment with easy access to irrigation components. Structural reinforcement ribs protect the irrigation components from the weather, pedestrian traffic and lawn care equipment.
NDS Pro-Spec® valve box
Valve boxes are available in a wide range of sizes – from the 6-inch round valve box to the 17 x 30-inch rectangular box. They are primarily made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for high-quality products, while other models are made of either polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). Thanks to their durability and UV resistance, they guarantee a long service life – even when exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
A look at the future
Increasing demand for irrigation components that are required in residential and commercial applications worldwide will also serve as a driver in the market for valve boxes. With increasing environmental awareness and stricter regulations on water use, demand for valve boxes for recycled water is also increasing worldwide. Purple valve boxes, which indicate recycled water, are particularly in demand in regions with water shortages and strict environmental regulations.
Increasing demand for reliable valve boxes is also expected in developing countries that are expanding their water and wastewater infrastructure. These emerging markets offer substantial potential for growth and expansion.
Current trends also indicate that the integration of smart technologies into irrigation systems will expand the functionality of valve boxes to protect those new valuable components. By integrating sensors and other intelligent components, monitoring and control of irrigation systems can be made more efficient.
