Alameda County, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Recycled water use
- Non-potable irrigation only
- Standard ETAF
- 0.7
- Recycled-water ETAF cap
- Up to 1.0
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 17.64 WELO
Summary
Alameda County's water-efficient landscape ordinance gives areas irrigated with recycled water a looser water budget, an ET adjustment factor up to 1.0, versus the standard 0.7, to encourage using it over potable water.
"Recycled water" means treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human consumption. ... Special landscape areas, including recreation areas, areas permanently and solely dedicated to edible plants such as orchards and vegetable gardens, and areas irrigated with recycled water are subject to the MAWA with an ETAF not to exceed 1.0.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 17.64 defines 'recycled water' as treated wastewater suitable for non-potable landscape irrigation and water features, not for human consumption. Under § 17.64.040, landscape areas irrigated with recycled water are treated as a 'special landscape area,' letting them use up to a 1.0 ET adjustment factor toward the Maximum Applied Water Allowance: a much more generous water budget than the 0.7 factor that otherwise applies. That built-in incentive applies wherever a project falls under the WELO's applicability thresholds: county and private development projects adding 2,500+ sq ft of irrigated landscape, or homeowner projects adding 5,000+ sq ft.
Violations & Fines
Claiming the 1.0 special-landscape-area budget for an area not actually irrigated with recycled water, or exceeding the water budget without qualifying for the special-area exception, is a WELO compliance failure the planning department catches at final inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using recycled water let me irrigate more than the normal water budget?
Can recycled water be used for drinking or a pool people swim in?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.