Water Use Rules in Santa Clara County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Santa Clara County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Recycled Water Rules

Unincorporated Santa Clara County's water-conservation limits on outdoor irrigation, hose-washing, and decorative fountains don't apply to water drawn from a recycled water, gray water, or rainwater system.

Recycled Water Exempt From SCC Watering Rules

Few Restrictions

Santa Clara County Ordinance Code § B13-101

The use of water from a recycled water, gray water, or rainwater utilization system is exempt from the provisions of this section. (Ord. No. NS-640, § 1, 2-10-15) Sec. B13-101.1. - Prohibited commercial activities in promotion of water conservation. Except where necessary to address an immediate health or safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a county, s...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Leak Reporting Duty

Property owners in unincorporated Santa Clara County must fix outdoor water leaks from broken pipes, sprinklers, or irrigation within seven days of County notification, or face escalating water-conservation fines.

Outdoor Water Leak Repair Duty in SCC

Some Restrictions

Santa Clara County Ordinance Code § B13-101(e)

Except where necessary to address an immediate health or safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a county, state, or federal agency, the following acts are prohibited: ... (e)The failure to fix outdoor water leaks due to broken or defective plumbing, sprinkler, watering, or irrigation systems within seven days of notification by the County.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Water Use Rules by City in Santa Clara County

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

San JosePop. 1,013,240

2 verified rules • Leak Reporting Duty, Recycled Water Rules

SunnyvalePop. 155,805

2 verified rules • Leak Reporting Duty, Turf Replacement Rebates

Santa ClaraPop. 127,647

1 verified rule • Recycled Water Rules

Mountain ViewPop. 82,376

2 verified rules • Leak Reporting Duty, Recycled Water Rules

All Santa Clara County ordinances

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

Santa Clara County Ordinance Hub →