Calaveras County, CA Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline to fix a known leak
- 72 hours from learning of it
- Applies to
- Sites with more than incidental runoff
- Enforcing agency
- Building Department director
- First penalty
- Up to $1,000 civil fine
- Repeat penalty
- Up to $10,000 per offense
- Related duty
- No irrigating during precipitation events
Summary
Property owners and operators whose site generates more than incidental stormwater runoff must find and fix leaks, such as broken sprinkler heads, within seventy-two hours of learning about them under Calaveras County's stormwater ordinance. The same rule bars irrigating during rainstorms and requires sprinkler heads to be properly aimed so they do not spray onto paved or drainage areas.
Parties responsible for runoff in excess of incidental runoff shall implement the following measures:1.Detect leaks (for example, from broken sprinkler heads) and correct the leaks within seventy-two hours of learning of the leak;2.Properly design and aim sprinkler heads; and3.Not irrigate during precipitation events.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
020). 060(B) to install and maintain best management practices consistent with the California Stormwater Quality Association handbook. Three duties follow: detect leaks, including from broken sprinkler heads, and correct them within seventy-two hours of learning of the leak; properly design and aim sprinkler heads; and never irrigate during a precipitation event. 050). 110). 130).
Violations & Fines
Failing to detect and correct a leak within seventy-two hours, letting sprinklers spray beyond the landscaped area, or irrigating during a storm violates § 13.01.060(C) and is enforced the same way as any other stormwater violation: a director's notice of violation or stop-work order under § 13.01.070, civil penalties starting at $1,000 and rising to $10,000 for repeat violations under § 13.01.110, and denial of other county permits until the leak is fixed under § 13.01.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast do I have to fix a leaking sprinkler under Calaveras County's stormwater rule?
Am I allowed to run my irrigation system during a rainstorm in Calaveras County?
What happens if I don't fix a reported sprinkler leak in time?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Calaveras County
California rules heatmap·Compare Calaveras County to another location·View the California water use rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.