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Aurora, CO Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
City Code § 138-192(g)
Design approval
Aurora Water must approve plan
Pipe marking
Purple pipe, warning text
Repair deadline
3 days commercial / 7 residential
State overlay
CDPHE reclaimed-water regs apply

Summary

Aurora, Colorado requires new irrigation systems to connect to reclaimed water where it's available, with purple pipe, warning signs, and backflow protection mandatory.

Requirements for reclaimed domestic wastewater. All irrigation systems installed on a site must connect to the reclaimed water system where reclaimed domestic wastewater is available meeting the requirements of the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE), "Reclaimed Domestic Wastewater Control Regulations" ... The warning "CAUTION: RECLAIMED WATER – DO NOT DRINK" embossed or stenciled on the pipe at five-foot intervals.

Source: Aurora Prairie Waters ProjectView official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-30, passed June 22, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Under Aurora City Code § 138-192, any irrigation system installed on a site must connect to the reclaimed water system where reclaimed domestic wastewater is available, meeting Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reclaimed-water rules. Aurora Water must approve a design plan first. Reclaimed lines require purple pipe or purple marking tape stamped "CAUTION: RECLAIMED WATER – DO NOT DRINK," purple sprinkler heads and valve box lids, a labeled controller, backflow prevention at potable connections, and posted warning signs. Violations are treated as water waste under § 138-190, with repair deadlines of three days for commercial and seven days for residential properties.

Violations & Fines

Treated as water waste under § 138-190; repair required within 3 days (commercial) or 7 days (residential) of notice, with penalties for continued violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must I use reclaimed water for irrigation in Aurora?
Yes, if reclaimed domestic wastewater is available to the site, new or replaced irrigation systems must connect to it, per City Code § 138-192(g).
How is reclaimed water plumbing marked in Aurora?
Purple pipe or purple tape stamped "CAUTION: RECLAIMED WATER – DO NOT DRINK," plus purple sprinkler heads, valve lids, and labeled controllers.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Aurora

Turf Replacement RebatesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSome Restrictions

All Aurora rules

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