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Vacaville, CA Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Reasonable repair window
24 hours after discovery
Enforcing office
Director of Utilities
2nd violation fine
$100
3rd violation fine
$200
4th+ violation fine
$500 each
Appeal deadline
10 calendar days from notice

Summary

Vacaville water customers must fix plumbing or irrigation leaks promptly once discovered; the city treats up to 24 hours as a reasonable window, and letting a break run longer counts as prohibited water waste enforceable with escalating fines.

4. The escape of water through breaks or leaks within the plumbing or distribution system of a user or customer of city water for any substantial period of time within which such break or leak should reasonably have been discovered and corrected. It will be presumed that up to 24 hours is a reasonable period after discovery of a break or leak to correct the problem;

Full Breakdown

H. 030: a first violation draws only a courtesy written notice with educational materials, a second violation within a year carries a $100 administrative fine against the account holder, a third draws $200, and a fourth or later violation within the same year draws $500 per violation. The Director may also install a flow restrictor for up to a year or, for continuing violations, disconnect service for up to 15 days. Notices go by first-class mail or personal service, and any account holder has 10 calendar days from service to appeal in writing to the City Manager, which suspends enforcement until the appeal is decided.

Violations & Fines

First offense: courtesy notice only. Second violation in 12 months: $100 fine. Third: $200. Fourth and beyond: $500 each, plus possible flow-restrictor installation (up to one year) or service disconnection (up to 15 days) and liability for the city's abatement and enforcement costs, including attorney's fees if injunctive relief is sought.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast must a Vacaville water customer fix a leak?
VMC § 13.20.010 presumes 24 hours after discovery is a reasonable period to correct a break or leak. Leaving it uncorrected longer is deemed prohibited water waste, even though the code does not set a hard mandatory deadline beyond that presumption.
What happens if I don't report or fix a leak in Vacaville?
The first violation only gets a courtesy notice with education and rebate information under § 13.20.030(B)(1). A second violation within 12 months triggers a $100 fine, a third $200, and a fourth or later $500 per violation, with possible flow restriction or service disconnection.
Can I appeal a Vacaville water waste notice?
Yes. Under § 13.20.030(F), you must request a hearing in writing within 10 calendar days of the notice being mailed or served. The City Manager decides the appeal, and all fines and enforcement actions are suspended until a final determination is made.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Vacaville

All Vacaville rules

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