Alhambra, CA Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Water Shortage Plan II or III active
- Duty
- Timely repair of any leak on premises
- Governing sections
- § 15.25.090(D) and § 15.25.100(D)
- Enforcer
- Water Division, Dept. of Public Works
- 1st offense
- Written notice of violation
- 4th offense
- Flow restrictor installed, $25 fee
Summary
Once the City Council activates Water Shortage Plan II, Alhambra customers must promptly fix any leak from indoor or outdoor plumbing on their property; letting city water leak from a facility, or failing to make a timely repair, is itself a violation of the water conservation chapter enforced by the Water Division.
No customer of the Water Division shall allow water from the city to leak from any facility on his premises or on premises under his control or fail to effect a timely repair of any such leak.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 4851, passed 10-27-25).
Full Breakdown
080(A)(2)). 090(D)). 100(D)). 040), which lets it flag unusual spikes that often trace to an undetected leak. 075 lets the city itself keep using water for emergencies despite an active plan, but it does not excuse a customer's own leak. 110.
Violations & Fines
The Water Division issues a written notice of violation for a first unrepaired leak found during a shortage period. A second violation carries a surcharge of 15% of the water bill plus $1 per billing unit used above the customer's allowed percentage; a third draws a 50% surcharge plus $2 per excess unit. A fourth or later violation results in a one-gallon-per-minute flow-restricting device installed on the service line for at least 48 hours, plus a $25 charge to restore normal service, in addition to the surcharge (§ 15.25.110).
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to fix a water leak on my property in Alhambra?
Does the leak-repair rule apply all the time, even without a drought?
What penalty applies for not fixing a leak?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alhambra
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