Water Use Rules in Los Banos, CA (2026)
3 verified water use rules for Los Banos, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Turf Replacement Rebates
Los Banos bans turf grass on steep slopes and in street medians under its Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. New and rehabilitated landscape projects cannot plant turf on slopes steeper than 25 percent next to hardscape, and high water-use plants and turf are flatly prohibited in street medians citywide.
Los Banos Turf Restrictions on Slopes, Medians
Some RestrictionsLos Banos Municipal Code § 9-6.03.06(a)(1)(D)-(E)
Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than 25% where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where 25% means one foot of vertical elevation change for every four feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope percent). ... High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, and turf are prohibited in street medians.
Recycled Water Rules
Los Banos requires new and rehabilitated landscape irrigation systems to be built so they can use recycled water now or in the future. Where recycled water is used, the landscape counts as a special landscape area under the City's water budget calculation, and the system must meet all state and local design rules.
Los Banos Recycled Water Landscape Standard
Some RestrictionsLos Banos Municipal Code § 9-6.03.14(a)-(b)
The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water. ... All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and State laws.
Leak Reporting Duty
Los Banos Municipal Code makes water leaks on the customer's side of the meter the customer's job, not the city's, under § 6-7.30. Every consumer connected to city water must, at their own expense, furnish, install and keep all service pipes, fixtures and appliances repaired and free of leakage; the Water Department accepts no liability for damage from a leak it did not cause.
Los Banos Water Leak Repair Duty
Some RestrictionsLos Banos Municipal Code § 6-7.30
The consumer shall, at his own risk and expense, furnish, install, and keep in repair free from leakage and in safe condition all service pipes, fixtures, stopcocks, and other apparatus and appliances which may be required for receiving, controlling, applying, and utilizing the water services of the City. ... Consumers shall be liable for all damages which shall result from their failure to com...