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Water Use Rules

Water Use Rules in Hanford, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Hanford or are thinking about moving there, water use rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Hanford has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of water use rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Leak Reporting Duty

Hanford's water division helps customers locate a plumbing leak and re-bills the excess usage at the standard rate if the customer repairs it within 10 days; unrepaired leaks are billed at double the rate.

Key details: Governing section: § 13.04.150(G). Repair window: 10 days from discovery. On-time repair: Billed at standard rate. Late repair: Billed at double rate. City duty: Notifies customer of suspected leak.

Missing the 10-day repair window isn't a citable offense: it simply doubles the water rate charged on the leak-caused excess usage until the leak is fixed.

Hanford is more permissive than most cities when it comes to leak reporting duty. That said, there are still limits.

Recycled Water Rules

Hanford requires irrigation systems and decorative water features to use recycled water unless the city grants a written exemption confirming recycled water isn't available. The rule applies citywide under the water-efficient landscape ordinance.

Key details: Governing rule: Recycled water required, exemptions allowed. Adopted: Ord. 22-06, 2022. Applies to: Irrigation systems, decorative water features. Waiver: City-issued written exemption only.

Violating this section is an infraction under Municipal Code § 1.20.010, punishable per Government Code § 36900(b), with each day of noncompliance a separate offense; conditions may also be abated as a public nuisance.

The Bottom Line

Hanford'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 Hanford is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Hanford's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.