Water Use Rules in Madera County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Madera County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Madera County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Turf Replacement Rebates

Unincorporated Madera County's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance protects turf replacement: covenants, conditions, and restrictions tied to a covered permit cannot prohibit low-water-use plants or the replacement of turf with less water-intensive species. Madera County Code Section 13.56.030(C) also bars CC&Rs from mandating landscaping of common areas meant to stay natural, while requiring low-water landscaping in common-area open space.

Madera County Turf Replacement Rule

Some Restrictions

Madera County Code § 13.56.030(C)

C.In the event covenants, conditions and restrictions are required for any permit subject to this chapter, a condition shall be incorporated into any project approval prohibiting the use of water intensive landscaping and requiring the use of low water use landscaping pursuant to the provisions of this chapter in connection with common area/open space landscaping. Additionally, such a condition...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Recycled Water Rules

Unincorporated Madera County doesn't set a general recycled-water use ordinance, but its cross-connection rules require an approved air-gap backflow device wherever reclaimed water is used on a property connected to the county water system.

Madera County Recycled Water Backflow Rules

Some Restrictions

Madera County Code § 13.45.030 (Table 13.45.030)

(3) Premises where reclaimed water is used and there is no interconnection with the potable water system. An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the county. AG (4) Premises where hazardous substances are handled in any manner in which the substances may enter a potable water system. This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift pump...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Water Use Rules by City in Madera County

1 cities in Madera County have their own water use rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

MaderaPop. 66,224

1 verified rule • Leak Reporting Duty

All Madera County ordinances

See every category we cover for Madera County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Madera County Ordinance Hub →