Lakewood's Water Use Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles water use rules a little differently. In Lakewood, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Recycled Water Rules

Lakewood only extends reclaimed water service inside its designated reclaimed water service area, and only after the Director of Public Works approves a written application, under Municipal Code Section 5608. Customers pay all connection, meter, and extension costs, must restrict use to what the application approved, and must mark every reclaimed pipe and outlet 'Reclaimed Water - Do Not Drink.'

Key details: Application required: Written application to City, Sec. 5608.1. Approval authority: Director of Public Works approves or denies. Customer pays: All connection, meter, and main extension costs. Billing deadline: Payment due within 30 days of bill. Pipe marking: Outlets posted 'Reclaimed Water - Do Not Drink'.

Connecting to the City's reclaimed water facilities without an approved application violates Section 5608.9 and, like other Code violations, is a misdemeanor under Section 1200, punishable by a fine up to the state misdemeanor maximum, up to six months in County jail, or both, though the City may instead cite it as an infraction. The City can also suspend or terminate reclaimed water service under Section 5608.6, with a right to appeal first to the City Administrator, then the City Council.

Leak Reporting Duty

Lakewood water customers cannot knowingly let a fixture leak or waste water, and once the City gives written notice of an observed leak, the repair deadline shrinks from seven days under normal conditions to as little as 24 hours once the City declares a Phase V water shortage.

Key details: Leak definition: Wastes more than 0.5 gallons per minute. Normal repair deadline: 7 days from written notice. Phase V repair deadline: 24 hours from written notice. Fourth violation: $200 fee plus 24-hour flow restrictor. Fifth violation: $500 fee plus 48-hour flow restrictor.

Ignoring a written leak notice past the deadline for the currently declared conservation phase triggers escalating enforcement under § 7511.1(L): a warning on the first violation, a $100 fee on the second and third, a $200 fee with a flow-restricting device on the fourth, and a $500 fee with an extended flow restriction on the fifth. Fees must be paid before normal service resumes, and a fourth-violation or later customer can demand a City Manager hearing within 15 days.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood'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 Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

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