How would I still have water in sprinkler lines?

[DIYer101]

Other than the obvious (which is that the previous owner did not winterize several years ago), is there any other reason I might have water in my sprinkler lines?

I'm digging a ditch near the old lines, and I don't plan on using the old lines for irrigation. So I accidentally hit one of the pipes with a digging bar and water started coming out (seeping out, I should say. Not spraying under pressure). Is that to be expected - even after 2 years or so of the sprinklers not getting used?

As far as I can tell the main water supply is turned off in the basement (see picture below - the sprinkler leaves the house supply heading towards the right). Anything I'm missing - and leaking?

Bonus question: anybody know what that thing is in the lower left of the picture? Also, when would I use that drain on the right side of the picture?

Thank you and Happy Friday.

 

[Smooky]

The thing on the lower left is the water meter and it is attached to the system with a horn. There is a signal unit ( Radio Frequency unit or RF unit) attached to the meter so it can be read by just driving by your house with a special meter reading unit otherwise they would have to come into your house to read the meter.

I would think that the red handle drains the sprinkler system?

http://www.fordmeterbox.com/product...andyhorns&heading=Handyhorns&table=Handyhorns

 

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[DIYer101]

Thank you - I learn something new every day.