Paramount, CA Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)
Key Facts
- Stage 1 leak repair deadline
- 72 hours from observation and/or City notification
- Stage 3 leak repair deadline
- 48 hours from observation and/or City notification
- Irrigation run-off repair
- Within five days of observation and/or notification
- Permanent waste rule
- § 13.04.130 bars knowingly permitting leaks or waste
- Notice before enforcement
- At least 10 days, by mail or personal delivery
Summary
In the City of Paramount, once a Stage 1 Water Supply Shortage is declared, every leak, break or other malfunction in a water user's plumbing, distribution or irrigation system must be remedied within 72 hours of observation or notification by the City. Stage 3 cuts that deadline to 48 hours. Irrigation run-off onto a sidewalk, street, gutter or ditch must be repaired within five days.
A. A Stage 1 Water Supply Shortage condition exists when the City determines, in its sole discretion that due to drought or other water supply conditions, a 10% consumer demand reduction is necessary to make more efficient use of water and appropriately respond to existing water conditions. ... 2. Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions. All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the water user's plumbing, distribution, or irrigation system must be remedied within 72 hours of observation and/or notification by the City. 3. No Excessive Water Flow or Run-Off. Watering or irrigation of any lawn, landscape or other vegetated area in a manner that causes or allows excessive water flow or run-off onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter or ditch must be repaired within five days of observation and/or notification by the City.
Full Breakdown
The leak duty sits in Paramount Municipal Code § 13.04.520(B)(2), part of the Stage 1 measures in Chapter 13.04, Article 5. It puts the obligation on the water user, and the clock starts at observation and/or notification by the City, so a leak the user spots first is already running the 72 hours. The article sets a repair deadline rather than a reporting form or hotline, and the City's role is the notice that starts the clock. Stage 3, in § 13.04.540, repeats the duty with a 48-hour deadline, and Stage 2 and later stages carry the Stage 1 prohibitions forward.
Run-off is a related repair duty. Watering or irrigation that causes or allows excessive water flow onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter or ditch must be repaired within five days of observation and/or notification by the City.
Two permanent rules sit outside the shortage stages. Section 13.04.130 provides that no consumer shall knowingly permit leaks or waste of water. Under § 13.04.090, the water works system supplying the consumer, including meters and the service pipe, lines and mains installed by the City, remains City property and is repaired, replaced or removed only as the City directs, and § 13.04.110 reserves meter repair to City representatives. Article 5 does not apply to uses necessary to protect public health and safety, and a user facing undue hardship can seek a waiver from the Director of Public Works under § 13.04.590.
Violations & Fines
During Stage 1 and Stage 2 in the City of Paramount, a first violation brings a courtesy door hanger, a second within 12 calendar months a fine not to exceed $100.00, a third $150.00, a fourth $200.00, and a fifth and later violation $500.00. In Stages 3 through 6 the fines run to $100.00, $200.00, $250.00, $350.00 and $500.00, and the City can restrict flow or terminate service. The City must give at least 10 days of written notice before enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast must I fix a leak in the City of Paramount?
Does Paramount require me to report a leak to the City?
What about sprinkler run-off onto the street?
Who repairs a leak in a City-installed line or meter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paramount
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