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

If you live in Stockton 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. Stockton has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of water use rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Recycled Water Rules

Stockton's Water Conservation Ordinance defines recycled and reclaimed water and builds both into the rules that govern potable water. Municipal Code § 13.28.010 sets the definitions; § 13.28.030 lets recycled or reclaimed water substitute for potable water at fire hydrants, car washes and dust-control sites, and new subdivisions must design for it under § 16.72.210.

Key details: Recycled water source: City of Stockton Regional Wastewater Control Facility. Hydrant use of recycled water: Needs Fire Dept. and water agency permit. Car washes: Reclaim soap/water or cut use 20%. Dust control: Potable water banned if recycled available. New subdivisions: Design must consider recycled water systems.

Violations of the recycled/reclaimed-water use conditions in Chapter 13.28 draw a written notice describing the violation (§ 13.28.050.A); a second notice adds a $100-per-day surcharge to the regular water bill until corrected (§ 13.28.050.D). The Director of Municipal Utilities can issue a cease-and-desist order and, after a noticed hearing, discontinue water service (§§ 13.28.060-13.28.070). Violations are infractions, with each day a separate offense (§ 13.28.090), and orders are appealable to the City Manager within 10 days (§ 13.28.080).

The rules around recycled water rules in Stockton lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Leak Reporting Duty

Stockton gives water users a 24-hour clock to fix a leak once they know about it. Municipal Code § 13.28.030.B.3 treats letting water escape through an unrepaired leak, break, or malfunction as an unlawful use once that 24-hour presumed correction period has passed.

Key details: Leak repair window: 24 hours from discovery or notice. Applies to: All water users in City, contract or not. Base season: May 1-November 1 under § 13.28.030.B. Carries into winter: Via § 13.28.040 cross-reference. Second violation notice: $100/day surcharge on water bill.

Once the 24-hour presumed window passes, the City serves a written notice describing the violation (§ 13.28.050.A); a second notice adds a $100-per-day surcharge to the water bill until the leak is corrected (§ 13.28.050.D). The Director may issue a cease-and-desist order and, after a hearing on 10 days' notice, discontinue water service (§§ 13.28.060-13.28.070). The violation is an infraction, with each day a separate offense (§ 13.28.090), appealable to the City Manager within 10 days (§ 13.28.080).

Turf Replacement Rebates

Stockton bans potable-water irrigation of purely ornamental turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional sites, pushing those properties toward turf replacement. Municipal Code § 13.28.035.B, adopted by Ord. 2022-07-12-1503 C.S., defines "non-functional turf" and prohibits watering it with potable water.

Key details: Applies to: Commercial, industrial, institutional sites only. Banned: Potable irrigation of "non-functional" turf. Still allowed: Watering trees, perennial non-turf plantings. Exempt turf: Sports fields, recreation/civic-event turf. Adopted: Ord. 2022-07-12-1503 C.S. § 3.

A property irrigating banned non-functional turf with potable water receives a written notice describing the violation (§ 13.28.050.A); a second notice adds a $100-per-day surcharge to the water bill until corrected (§ 13.28.050.D). The Director of Municipal Utilities may issue a cease-and-desist order and, after a noticed hearing, discontinue water service (§§ 13.28.060-13.28.070). Each day of continued violation is a separate infraction (§ 13.28.090), appealable to the City Manager within 10 days (§ 13.28.080).

Compared to other cities, Stockton takes a harder line on turf replacement rebates. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Stockton'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 Stockton is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Stockton'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.