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Water Use Rules

Water Use Rules in Yakima, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Yakima 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. Yakima has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of water use rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Recycled Water Rules

Yakima prohibits irrigating with graywater or reclaimed water inside Wellhead Protection Zones 1 and 2, the drinking-water aquifer areas closest to the city's Group A and B wells, under its critical aquifer recharge area rules.

Key details: Prohibited activity: Irrigation with graywater or reclaimed water. Where it applies: Wellhead Protection Zones 1 and 2 only. Legal basis: Critical Aquifer Recharge Area program. Enforced through: City development permit review.

New development proposing graywater or reclaimed-water irrigation inside Wellhead Protection Zones 1 or 2 is denied approval through the city's development review process; there is no citywide fine schedule.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Yakima actively enforces its recycled water rules requirements.

Leak Reporting Duty

Yakima Municipal Code makes property owners responsible for all leaks on privately owned water service lines and mains, from the city main to the premises, with the water/irrigation division able to shut off service for uncorrected leaks.

Key details: Liable party: Property owner. Covers: Private service lines & mains. Enforcement: Water service shutoff. Wasting water: Misdemeanor, § 7.68.205.

Failure to repair a known leak after notice lets Yakima's water/irrigation division shut off service until repairs are completed; willfully wasting water through a leak is a misdemeanor under § 7.68.205.

The Bottom Line

Yakima'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 Yakima is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Yakima can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.