How Aurora Handles Water Use Rules: A Practical Guide
Aurora maintains 136 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with water use rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Aurora falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Recycled Water Rules
Aurora exempts plant watering done with reclaimed greywater, recycled effluent, or harvested rainwater from its standard lawn-watering day and hour restrictions, letting property owners use those sources any time.
Key details: Exempt sources: Reclaimed greywater, recycled effluent, harvested rainwater. Timing: Usable any time, no day/hour limit. Also exempt from: July 1 - Aug 31 new-sod ban. Governing section: Aurora Code of Ordinances § 48-31(d).
No separate penalty applies to this exemption; using potable water outside the permitted schedule without qualifying as reclaimed, recycled, or harvested water triggers the standard $50 to $1,000 escalating fine under the same section.
The rules around recycled water rules in Aurora lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Leak Reporting Duty
Aurora property owners on city water must notify the city as soon as they know pipes or accessories under their control are leaking.
Key details: Citation: Aurora Code § 48-26. Duty holder: Property owner on city water. Trigger: Any known leak, own control. Non-compliance: Shutoff, city repair, lien.
Owners who fail to report or fix a known leak after city notice risk a service shutoff, city repair at their expense, and a lien recorded against the property.
The Bottom Line
Aurora's water use rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Aurora is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Aurora's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.